DWYANE Wade’s mother sent an emotional message to her NBA icon son over what he did while she was in prison.
The Miami Heat legend and his mom appeared on a special segment on a popular show on Monday.
Dwyane Wade with his mom, Jolinda, during the 2016 NBA Playoffs[/caption]
The Miami Heat legend Wade retired from the NBA in 2019[/caption]
This week, Wade has been tasked with co-hosting NBC‘s Today with Jenna & Friends.
During his first day, the retired NBA star received a surprise pre-recorded message from his pastor mom, Jolinda.
The 70-year-old called her son a “blessing” and recalled how he stayed in touch with her while she was incarcerated.
“I remember how we became pen pals when I was incarcerated,” Jolinda reflected.
“Your letters got me through each day and enabled me to be a part of all the wonderful things that was happening in your life.”
She then praised Wade for the care he gives to his five kids, including his transgender daughter, Zaya.
“My love, I admire how you embrace your beautiful child Zaya – my granddaughter,” Jolinda said.
“And you encourage her to be who she is. What a dad.
“You protect her, you speak with her to understand who she is.
“You don’t judge or condemn.”
Later, Yolinda appeared on the show in person and spoke about her struggles with drugs and addiction as Dwyane and her three children tried to help her.
“My kids struggled with me,” she said.
“I grappled many years with drug addiction.
“Heroin, alcohol , pills, well, you know, we can go on down you name it.
“Alcoholism, homelessness, in and out of prison.
Wade speaks with his mother after a game in 2018[/caption]
“Just living a life that was totally separated from my babies.
“One thing I always wanted to be was a mother and once I stopped being that person, I lost me.
“And I didn’t know how to grab me back at the time.”
Wade could be seen holding his mom’s hand as she discussed her journey.
The 43-year-old noted that “it has been a journey” regarding his life with his mom before saying, “No one makes me smile as big as my mom.”
Wade was later joined on the coach by his sister.
The 13-time NBA All-Star is set to be part of Amazon Prime Video’s NBA coverage in the upcoming basketball season.
