Vanessa Bryant’s birthday message for Kobe is heartbreaking

Vanessa Bryant has a heavy heart on what would’ve been Kobe’s 42nd birthday

Vanessa Bryant posted a heartbreaking birthday message to late husband Kobe on his 42nd birthday, lamenting the fact that she could not celebrate with him and her daughter Gianna, and naming all of the things she missed about the Los Angeles Lakers legend.

Basketball fans were shocked to hear of Bryant’s death in January after the five-time champ was in a deadly helicopter accident, and the event still feels surreal for many. Kobe was a cultural icon, and while there has been an outpouring of support for Vanessa and her family, it is clear that the wounds are still fresh for her.

https://twitter.com/LakeShowYo/status/1297569909270958081

Fans on Twitter were heartbroken after reading Bryant’s words, with her caption stating that she wished she could have gone in Kobe’s place and that despite his passing, she would still love him forever.

Vanessa Bryant is not alone, even if Kobe is no longer around to provide comfort

While Bryant is still hurting, the support that she has received in these difficult times has been heartwarming. Former teammate Pau Gasol, in particular, has embraced a role as an uncle to Kobe’s daughters, spending time with them and becoming a member of the family in many respects.

Gasol also shared a birthday tribute for his late friend, tweeting a picture of him with Kobe and speaking about the impact that he had on his life.

https://twitter.com/paugasol/status/1297583593389056001

Bryant is set to be posthumously inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021, per CBS Los Angeles, with Vanessa likely to accept. Remembering Kobe remains emotional for fans everywhere, and his impact on the game of basketball is massive.

Vanessa has not been shy about speaking about her struggles coping with his death, and Sunday’s post is likely to be just one of many tributes to 18-time All-Star.