Vanessa Bryant Shares Grief After Loss Of Kobe, Gigi

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — Wife and mother Vanessa Bryant poured her heart out to friends, fans, and followers Monday, as she struggles to cope with the deaths of her husband—Laker legend Kobe Bryant—and their 13-year-old daughter Gianna. Still, she offers continued prayers for victims of the Calabasas helicopter crash that killed them and seven others.

Grief is challenging to navigate in the best of times. The public stage on which the Bryant family, and others who survived those lost in the helicopter crash, must deal with their grief makes those feelings even more complicated.

"I've been reluctant to put my feelings into words," she wrote on her Instagram account. "My brain refuses to accept that both Kobe and Gigi are gone. I can't process both at the same time. It's like I'm trying to process Kobe being gone but my body refuses to accept my Gigi will never come back to me.

"It feels wrong. Why should I be able to wake up another day when my baby girl isn't being able to have that opportunity?! I'm so mad. She had so much life to live. Then I realize I need to be strong and be here for my three daughters. Mad I'm not with Kobe and Gigi but thankful I'm here with Natalia, Bianka, and Capri.

"I know what I'm feeling is normal. It's part of the grieving process," she wrote. "I just wanted to share in case there's anyone out there that's experienced a loss like this. God, I wish they were here, and this nightmare would be over. Praying for all of the victims of this horrible tragedy. Please continue to pray for all."

Kobe Bryant, 41, his daughter, and seven others were killed Jan. 26 when the helicopter they were in crashed into a hillside in Calabasas. The group was traveling from Orange County to Thousand Oaks for a basketball game at Bryant's Mamba Sports Academy.

A celebration of their lives will take place at Staples Center on Feb. 24, at 10 a.m.