Well, Kobe's death has affected me greatly. Although I never met him, he is the only actual human I ever idolized. It stems back from my youth. I was preparing to go to his HoF ceremony. I cried during Kobe's last game when he scored 60, not necessarily because Kobe was retiring, because we know that day comes. I cried because I knew that I would never again feel that type of passion for basketball again--and it's true, I never did feel that same level again. No one, either before Bryant or after, has ever brought me the same level of joy.
It might sound stupid to some, but I believe Phil when he said Kobe was a chosen one. He only graduated high school yet was able to speak multiple languages and unify the world unlike any athlete that's ever existed. Jordan may have been slightly better than Kobe as a player, but Kobe is so much more beloved because of how many people across the globe he interacted with and touched. I have been implementing his lessons since I was a young boy, and then into my adulthood, I followed all his advice. It was applicable to everything I was doing.
I think Kobe was on track to become to most successful person in human history after Jesus. He won an Oscar, wrote books, he made Body Armor take off, he was starting up a movie studio, which probably would have been on par with Disney one day, knowing Kobe. He was going to own a team and would put owners like Jordan to shame. Kobe would never allow a Hornets/Bobcat type performance from his team. He was the most driven retired basketball player I've ever seen.
Kobe figured out the formula for all around success--financially, with his family, with inspiring others, and more. And I don't think many humans have ever done that.
To me, it feels like a superhero died, and it's one of those things and moments I'll never forget for the rest of my life. Kobe has brought so much joy to my life, and so many lessons--he's been my greatest teacher, which is a very odd feeling considering we've never met. Even deaths of family members have not struck me like this. It may seem silly that I'm still grieving, but it's the truth, and I don't think I can get over it until I find a way to commemorate him on my body. To give me a constant reminder everyday that the mamba mentality is with me, and that I try to carry his legacy. Because even if I can to a 1/100th of the degree that he did, I think I will have lived a pretty good life, and leave something worthy behind in this world.
Tattoo ideas welcome (not sure if I want a face on me though--metaphors would be cooler).