Kobe Bryant’s Tragic Loss Reminds Us of the Fragility of Life
Updated: Sep 19, 2020
Kobe Bryant’s passing is a terrible tragedy. It’s easy to forget how fragile life is. Unfortunately, we can get caught up in the hustle and bustle. It is not uncommon to get lost in the minutia of the work day or find ourselves weighed down by responsibilities. So, sometimes we lose sight of just how precious each moment is. And then something happens that reminds us how it can all be taken away in a minute.
The Life Lesson in Kobe’s Loss
On Sunday January 26, 2020, the world experienced a great loss with the passing of basketball legend, Kobe Bryant. It started out as a normal Sunday. He was taking his daughter and family friends to a basketball game at the Mamba Academy, as he had so many times before. And that is the thing about these tragic incidents. They often happen when we least expect them. We rarely leave our house in the morning thinking it may be the last time we ever walk out the door. Of course, that is the frightening reality. As we saw in LeBron James’s heartbreaking tweet about the loss of his friend, “Didn’t think for one bit in a million years that would be the last conversation we’d have.”
The Fragility of Life
The tragic loss of Kobe Bryant, his talented 13-year old daughter, Gianna, and the others on board that helicopter reminds us all of life’s fragility. It is a solemn moment that prompts reflection. Even someone who was admired as a God among men is only human at the end of the day. We are all vulnerable every moment that we are alive. Even when we are careful and keep ourselves healthy, we never know what might happen in our day.
Unfulfilled Potential
Kobe Bryant was only 41 years old. He was at the peak of health with so many plans for the future. Kobe Bryant was also raising 4 daughters with his wife of 20 years. On Sunday, he was robbed of a bright future by a senseless accident. His daughter was on the trajectory to be a star in her own right. He spoke about her during an interview with Jimmy Kimmel, discussing how excited she was to carry on his legacy. It is heartbreaking to think that she never gets to live out that dream and fulfill her potential.
Planning for the Future
So, what can we take away from such a painful tragedy? It is a chance to pause and
make sure that we are ready for the unexpected, the unpredictable, and the unthinkable. Above all, live life to the fullest, but live smart. Make sure that your loved ones will be taken care of in the event that the worst should befall you. Take the time to look into your life insurance options. Kobe’s “Mamba Mentality” was the pinnacle of preparation creating excellence. When it comes to something this important, there are no excuses not to plan.
The Takeaway
Through the shock and grief, we can derive a reminder about the value of our own lives. We never know when our time might be up. There has been an outpouring from people all around the world. His loss has created a shockwave, nudging people to stop and appreciate life. As Ellen Degeneres said, “More than ever, I’m grateful for every day.” So, hold tight to your loved ones. Start checking off the items on your bucket list. Live while you are alive. And always plan for the worst just in case.
Final Thoughts
These moments of sadness cut us deeply. They can make us angry and they can make us fearful. We cannot live in fear. However, we can do our best to live while we are here and take care of those we love. As Kobe said, “Life is too short to get bogged down and be discouraged. You have to keep moving. You have to keep going. Put one foot in front of the other, smile, and just keep on rolling.”