Vanessa Bryant paid tribute to her late daughter Gianna "Gigi" in a series of Instagram posts on May 1, what would have been her 16th birthday.

In a video featuring sketches of Gigi and her father Kobe Bryant, Vanessa included a heartfelt message that brought us to tears.

"From the first time you imagined winning a WNBA championship, I knew one thing was real. You were special," the tribute read. "You came from greatness, but it was never about what you inherited.  It was about what you gave to others. When someone stands up for gender equality, I see you fighting alongside of them. And every time someone plays her hardest, I know that's you on the court. Love you always, Basketball."

Nike also released a Kobe Bryant 'Mambacita Sweet 16’ shoe to honor Gianna on her birthday. 

“I’m so happy with the way these Mambacita shoes came out in honor of my daughter, Gigi,” wrote Vanessa on Instagram. The shoes feature a black snakeskin pattern to represent “Gigi’s Mambacita Mentality.”

“The ‘Mambacita Sweet 16’ is inspired by her resilient spirit and the love she had, not only for the game, but for her family, friends, and community,” said Bryant in her Instagram caption. “Part of her legacy is about building a better future for all girls and women in sport, one step at a time.”

Proceeds from the sneakers will go towards the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring Kobe’s and Gianna’s legacies by supporting underserved athletes, according to Nike.

Happy heavenly birthday, Gigi!