Upon his last year of playing in the NBA, Kobe wrote his love letter to basketball.During the viewing of the short film a thought appeared in my mind as a way of paying tribute and honoring his visionary mind. I wondered how transferable the story would be to other fields, and so I gave it a try.The outcome warmed my heart and showed how his piece of art was applicable widespread to the human experience. It’s apparent that he spent much time understanding the arch of a story and how to make it accessible.I realize he was 19 years in at the point in which he released those words, and so you can imagine being in that year or phase of your journey. Meaning, at a transitional point.You can also imagine, what that might feel like 20 years from now. My colleagues tried this in their classrooms and had such heart warming and authentic pieces to share. They made bulletins as a way to help their students find their voice and process the grief collectively.Now I challenge you all to try this writing exercise, and please tag me, I would love to read it. #KobeDearBasketball
Dear Basketball,
From the moment I started rolling my dad’s tube socks And shooting imaginary Game-winning shots In the Great Western Forum I knew one thing was real:
I fell in love with you..
A love so deep I gave you my all — From my mind & body To my spirit & soul.
As a six-year-old boy Deeply in love with you I never saw the end of the tunnel. I only saw myself Running out of one.
And so I ran. I ran up and down every court After every loose ball for you. You asked for my hustle I gave you my heart Because it came with so much more.
I played through the sweat and hurt Not because challenge called me But because YOU called me. I did everything for YOU Because that’s what you do When someone makes you feel as Alive as you’ve made me feel.
You gave a six-year-old boy his Laker dream And I’ll always love you for it. But I can’t love you obsessively for much longer. This season is all I have left to give. My heart can take the pounding My mind can handle the grind But my body knows it’s time to say goodbye.
And that’s OK. I’m ready to let you go. I want you to know now So we both can savor every moment we have left together. The good and the bad. We have given each other All that we have.
And we both know, no matter what I do next I’ll always be that kid With the rolled up socks Garbage can in the corner :05 seconds on the clock Ball in my hands. 5 … 4 … 3 … 2 … 1
Love you always, Kobe
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