A legend leaves early. (Getty Images photo)
As the news outlets swirl with the tragic news of the death of 41-year-old former basketball star Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna today in a helicopter crash in Los Angeles, many thoughts crowd my mind.
Too early. So shocking. Oh, what brings this nation together.
A man who was accused of sexual assault in a case that was dropped in 2003 – he apologized to the world (and his wife) – ended up being a champion for his daughters’ rights to play sports and so much more.
What strikes me most about this passing of a man who made his name playing a game, was how he strode onward.
Kobe Bryant was working so hard to make the world, his and ours, better with his second chance at life.
Feel free to share your thoughts.
Mark Bialczak 
It hit me hard… I enjoy the game of basketball. But Kobe was even more off the court. He is going to be greatly missed. I pray for all the families. I cant even imagine what they are all going through.
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Well said, Nance.
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I was in complete disbelief when I heard the news. It’s crazy how most of us have never met Kobe and his family but this news has touched so many of us so deeply. I pray Jehovah God comforts and strengthens the Bryant Family during this devastating time until they are all reunited in Paradise (Luke 23:43).
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I think prayers are aimed high from many places. Thanks for sharing, HeatherJo.
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Tragic! Life is fragile, Mark! (⌣_⌣”)
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It is so so much, Patricia.
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This took my breath away. So sad. Too soon. Well said, bro.
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He was working hard to do good, sis.
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very sad for this loss. you are right, he had a lot to offer the world in this second chapter. my heart goes out to all of the victims and their loved ones.
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Well said, Beth.
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So sad – for the loss of him
And his daughter and the seven others
And you know Mark – in 1991 I dated a guy who went to Embry Riddle in Daytona Beach and he was always noting how hard the helicopter was to fly and I think he said he got special carts for helicopter hours –
Now I am not sure what the cause was – but when I heard helicopter crash I remembered him always noting how tough it was to master
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I can imagine it has its own challenges for sure, Y. I have not gotten in one.
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😊
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I’m not a basketball watcher. But I don’t think there are many who wouldn’t know his name. What suffering his family and friends, and those of the others in the crash, must be overwhelmed with. I hope they are all surrounded with love and support (and not traumatized further by a press frenzy).
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Yes, it is so hard to break this down to the personal tragedy, which is the paramount, MBC.
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It has been touching to see the support extended to everyone involved. Touching. Heart breaking. Kind. I hope they all feel it.
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Peace they all need and deserve, MBC.
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