A lot of media personalities and people I’ve spoken with have been asking what it was about Kobe Bryant that attracted our attention and made us all like and admire him. It wasn’t always smooth sailing for Kobe, but he kept going. And he shared the benefits of his position.

And I think that’s the essence of what makes us live on…and a great lesson for us all. Maybe he thought life had given him good options. Despite his bumps in the road, he kept playing and helping. He mentored, supported community charitable causes, and shared his good fortune—to open the door to opportunity for others.

I imagine as a boy with two unusual names—Kobe (i.e., the Japanese cattle breed was the inspiration!) and Bean, he must have come in for some teasing.

But he didn’t become a big meanie who took it out on others in lesser positions—as bullies do and even some celebs. When he died, he was working to share his good fortune—taking the time to support his daughter’s team and being there. His life approach was to elevate and energize. Whether it was on purpose—what counts is that is worked—and it worked on those who had incidental contact or none at all. (Like me!)

The number 3 Life Lesson is important—even when it’s not smooth sailing, he picked himself up, dusted himself off, and got back into the game, so to speak!

4 is Share—he did share the wealth and helped others achieve their dreams— sharing not only financial support but personal time—

And he was loyal to his team—and to his family. Despite a bump in the road years ago, he and his wife remarried and stayed the course and were, clearly, a very happy family.

Above Kobe and Gianna—posted on Instagram by his wife Vanessa.