The world lost a legendary sportsman, businessman, and positive inspiration with the recent passing of Kobe Bryant.  He grew up in front of the world on the worlds biggest sports stage as a player for the Los Angeles Lakers of the NBA.  Being drafted into the league at 17 years old with such high expectations as a player to one of the few sports teams loved globally is pressure known to few.  Even then, he took the court with confidence and a competitiveness that would last a lifetime.  Myself like many others on the outside looking into the life of Kobe wondered who he was beyond the court because of his drive on the court.  Time would show that Kobe was more than just drive on the court.  He was a man that cared for people in many ways across many walks of life.  With his passing, there's been so many great stories shared by those close to him and even those who were complete strangers that met him for a moment in time that became etched in their hearts. I was watching the first Lakers game since his passing last night and one of the announcers told a Kobe story many years before his passing.  He said he was getting in a cab and driver who barely spoke English asked him if he knows basketball.  He said "Yes". The driver then asked "Do you know the Lakers? Kobe Bryant?".  Again he answered the driver with "Yes". The announcer said the driver instantly started crying and said he loves Kobe Bryant.  This was the impact he had globally.  His impact is that of an unconditional love shared by humanity that if practiced beyond a time of tragedy can truly make the world a better place.  Kobe's life and death showed us all what we are and can be capable of by living with a positive never give up attitude in life and for each other. 

Even after basketball was over for Kobe he attacked the second phase of his life with the same unrelenting drive as done on the court and it was paying off already.  Yet again he was showing the world what can be accomplished with the "Mamba Mentality" he developed and applied over the course of his life. Winning an Oscar award is no easy feat and especially for an athlete.  Most people tend to see athletes as just that alone, but Kobe transitioned so smoothly with a purpose to show that athletes have more than God given gifts of athleticism.  Yet again an example he'd given us all to show that we are and can be more than limited to a box in life.  We can open that box, lay it out as our own canvass, and paint the pictures we want to see and represent our lives in the most beautiful ways imaginable and unimaginable.  Thank you Kobe "Bean" Bryant for the canvass you painted for the world to see and may it serve as an example for generations eternal.  Gone too soon from this world, but forever remembered and celebrated within it will be your life, legend, and love