Vanessa Bryant Posts Heartfelt Message To Kobe On #MambaDay

As the NBA bids farewell to one of its best on this here #MambaDay, Kobe Bryant’s wife, 33-year-old Vanessa Bryant took to Instagram Wednesday (April 13) to post a loving and honest message about the behind-the-scenes sacrifices she, along with their two daughters Natalia and Gianna, had to make throughout Bryant’s 20 year career.

This is it!!! Today’s the day!!!! My family and I are so excited. So happy to hear, “the 4th and FINAL period” one last time. My girls and I are so happy to have Kobe home more often. We’ve all sacrificed so much time, birthdays, holidays, family functions and special events to be there for Kobe. I really want to thank my daughters, Natalia and Gianna, for being patient and understanding how much hard work, sacrifice and dedication it takes to see their dad accomplish so many great things. Kobe has an incredible work ethic and amazing drive to be the best at whatever he sets his mind to and with that comes many sacrifices. We’re thankful for everything the Lord has blessed us with. The road hasn’t always been easy. We’ve had our ups and downs, but I’m so thankful we managed to persevere against the odds. We couldn’t have done it without our faith and God’s grace. We’re so happy to have seen the amount of joy Kobe brings to his fans and the city of Los Angeles. My daughters and I have been present at many of Kobe’s Make-a-Wish meet and greets, and words cannot explain how much joy he brings to people that are going through really difficult times in their lives. I thank all those beautiful families that have allowed us to share in those joyous moments. All of that really helped put things into perspective for me as a wife and mother. We must always remember that when life gets tough, there is always someone facing much more difficult times in their lives. And, in those hard times, we can be each other’s strength, and remember that it’s in the trials of life that God grows us even more! Thank you all for your amazing love and support for our family in all times! We will forever be grateful!! With Love, Vanessa Bryant

A photo posted by Vanessa Bryant (@vanessabryant) on Apr 13, 2016 at 11:34am PDT

“Kobe has an incredible work ethic and amazing drive to be the best at whatever he sets his mind to and with that comes many sacrifices,” Vanessa wrote.

In the lengthy post, Bryant, who was just 19 when she married a 23-year-old Kobe, attributed their successful marriage to God’s grace, and said seeing the joy her husband brought to many children during his Make-A-Wish meet and greets helped place a lot of things into perspective for her as a wife and mother.

While Bryant is obviously proud of her husband, she’s also thrilled to be able to spend more time with him.

“My girls and I are so happy to have Kobe home more often. We’ve all sacrificed so much time, birthdays, holidays, family functions and special events to be there for Kobe.”

Kobe Bryant will grace the court in the house he helped buil tonight at the Staple Center with the Lakers when they go up against the Utah Jazz, while Steph Curry and the Warriors attempt at breaking the ’95-96 Chicago bulls famous record against the Grizzlies. It will be an historic night with fans flipping back and forth between both games.