Woke up in the middle of night in tears. I miss you bro. Like some days I just struggle. I haven’t accepted it dog. The conversations we had play back in my head over and over. I’m in denial my dude. Some days I just can’t deal. I be at a loss for words my dude.

I was going through a rough patch in my life at this time. Kobe calls my phone out of nowhere tells me to meet him after the game. I told him I wasn’t doing well. He tells me “get your ass” up and meet me after the game. A year later I built my own training academy with 200 kids.

After my talk with Kobe a year later I built the top training academy in the state of Michigan and my jersey was retired with some of my students accepting the honor. Kobe spoke life into me when I was at a crossroad in life. I love you Kobe. I miss you my dude.

You believed in my dog. You didn’t have to say it but you said it and I’ll forever be grateful. I’ll forever carry that title and wear it with pride because of you.

I never got a chance to say thank you for lifting me up when I was on my last leg in 2008. The day after your death I had to fly home from Vegas sitting in tears at my gate. You left me messages on my boarding pass. 24B, Zone 2 seat4B, sequence number 81. I’m woke my dude.