Number 24 Pillow: In Memory Of Kobe Bryant
“Legends Live On Through Those Who Will Tell Their Stories & Share Their Accomplishments!”
-Monica Mize
Number 24 Pillow
In order to honor and remember loved-ones and those who have left a positive impact in our lives, we seek keepsakes, offer charity contribution, memorabilia, picture frames–anything that will remind us of the life and space we have been able to share with those who have passed on; this is why I created the ‘ Number 24 Pillow’. I wanted to provide a comfort to those seeking something they could remember Kobe by as well as support one of his charities. 25% of the profits of the #24 Pillow will be donated to After-School All-Stars; for more information about this great organization, visit afterschoolallstars.org.
Number 8, Number 24
On January 26th 2020, Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna (Gigi) and seven others were killed in a helicopter crash. That day I was speaking with a relative who gave me the news. Instantly, I was saddened.
First, that all those aboard the helicopter had lost their lives in the crash. Second, I knew how many people (especially the young men and women who Kobe inspired) would grieve and take the loss of Kobe hard. I remember following the Lakers, and other teams when I was a teenager in the early 90s. I have a brother and cousins who played ball and looked up to the guys in the sport for inspiration. Back then, Kobe along with Shaq aka (Shaquille O’Neal) were making a lot of noise. As the years went on, and I grew older, I didn’t follow basketball as much anymore; but when you hear about someone such as Kobe, passing on from this earthly existence, it makes you stop to think back on the last thing you remember seeing or hearing about that person. It also makes you rethink your position in life.
Growing Up & Retiring
Regardless of our past, what I love about growing up, and maturing, is that you get the chance to make changes based on things you’ve learned. I believe Kobe did and was thriving to continue making positive changes in his life.
After retiring in 2016, Kobe continued to support numerous charities, as well as inspiring young minds and athletes through is Mamba Sports Academy. Everyone struggles. Everyone has bad times, days, moments. But those times shouldn’t define who you are–they could–but you shouldn’t let them. I think that’s the lesson we could all take from Kobe. He could have folded a long time ago when his name was being dragged through the mud–maybe due to fault of his own–but it’s the lessons you take from that, and how you move forward, that speaks to one’s true character. He’s a true example of picking up the pieces and making the best of it. With many accolades (not including championships) under his built, he leaves behind a Legacy that will forever go down in the history books of sports.
May Kobe, Gianna, John, Keri, Alyssa, Sarah, Payton, Christina, and Ara, Rest In Peace!
