A Mother's Grief, A Warrior's Heart: Vanessa Bryant Speaks Out

NEWPORT BEACH, CA —Five weeks ago, the Bryant family shared their Christmas card with the world over social media. After four days of suffering the sudden loss of her husband and daughter,Vanessa Bryant re-shared the family photo, speaking out about intimate heartbreak playing out on a national stage.

The Bryants were the first family of basketball, and after Kobe's retirement from the Los Angeles Lakers, together showed the world what it meant to be more. Off the court, on to greater things, Vanessa and Kobe Bryant have openly shared their children and their joy. On Wednesday evening, she made her statement, sharing her feelings on the loss of her husband and daughter.

"My girls and I want to thank the millions of people who've shown support and love during this horrific time," she wrote on Instagram. "Thank you for all the prayers. We definitely need them."

Her husband, Kobe Bryant, basketball great and businessman, died in a helicopter crash Sunday morning along with their daughter, Gianna, 13, and seven close friends. They are survived by Vanessa Bryant, and daughters/sisters Natalia, Bianka, and Capri.

Their smiles mirror one another, and many times Vanessa posted photos of her children "twinning" their parents.

"I take comfort in knowing that Kobe and Gigi both knew that they were so deeply loved," she wrote. "We were so incredibly blessed to have them in our lives. I wish they were here with us forever."

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