Kobe Bryant’s widow leaves him a heartfelt message on his 42nd birthday

NBA legend Kobe Bryant would have turned 42 years old today and his widow Vanessa Bryant left a heartfelt message for him on an Instagram post today.

“To my baby~ 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. I miss your big hugs, your kisses, your smile, your loud ass deep laugh,” Vanessa said in a Instagram post.

“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 lost her husband and daughter, Gigi Bryant, in a helicopter crash earlier this year that shocked the world once the news was released. Seven others died on the crash as well when they were all headed to a basketball game.

Vanessa’s post continued to show how much she is struggling with the loss of her loved ones.

“Our lives feel so empty without you and Gigi. I’ve been completely broken inside. As much as I want to cry, I put a smile on my face to make our daughters days shine a little brighter. 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 wrote.

“I wish I could wake up from this horrible nightmare. I wish I could surprise our girls and welcome you and Gigi home to us. I’m mad I didn’t go first. I always wanted to go first so that I selfishly didn’t have to feel this heartache. You were supposed to miss me. Gigi was supposed to be here with her sisters. It should’ve been me.”

Vanessa wrapped up her post by expressing her love and wishing Kobe a happy birthday.

“I know my Gigi is celebrating you like she always has on our special days. I miss my thoughtful princess so much! Natalia, Gianna, Bianka, Capri and I wish you a happy birthday my love. I love you for now, forever and for always,” she wrote.

Kobe’s death still shocks the world months later and he touched many people’s heart as he became one of the greatest athletes to play the game of basketball.