Vanessa Bryant has paid an emotional tribute to her late husband Kobe Bryant on the day that should mark the NBA legend’s 42nd birthday.
Following months after the tragic death of Kobe and daughter Gigi, Vanessa shared a heartbreaking message dedicated to her late husband.
“Happy birthday. I love you and miss you more than I can ever explain. I wish you and Gigi were here to celebrate YOU! I wish I could make you your fav food or a birthday cake with my Gigi,” the 38-year-old widow wrote on Sunday.
“I miss your big hugs, your kisses, your smile, your loud a** deep laugh. I miss teasing you, making you laugh and bursting your bubble. I miss you sitting on my lap like my big baby that you are.
“I think about your tenderness and patience all the time. I think about everything you would do in situations to help me deal with everything thrown my way.”
Vanessa also went on to thank her late husband for growing with her and teaching her “how to be strong.” As she expressed, she does her best to put on a smile for their daughters despite being “completely broken inside.”
“I’m not the strong one, they are. They’re strong and resilient. I’m sure you’re proud of them. They put a smile on my face everyday,” she added.
In her emotional tribute, Vanessa admitted how she had always wanted to be the first one to die so that she could avoid feeling the pain she’s dealing with now.
“You were supposed to miss me. Gigi was supposed to be her with her sisters. It should’ve been me,” the 38-year-old wrote.
“(…) Thank you for loving me enough to last several lifetimes. In every lifetime I would choose YOU. Thank you for showing me what real love is. Thank YOU for everything.”
Replaced!