Dwyane Wade: My Life as a Single Dad

Written by Pat's Papers | Thursday, 9 June 2011 9:27 AM

It would be an understatement to say that Dwyane Wade is busy these days. But between trips to Dallas to compete in the NBA Finals, he managed to find the time to pen an opinion piece for the Chicago Tribune. And basketball isn’t the subject—becoming a single dad is. Wade recently went through a very messy and very public divorce, after which he was awarded sole custody of his two young sons.

He says the experience mirrored his own childhood: “At 9 years old, I moved in with my father because my mother could no longer care for me. Looking back, I now see so many similarities between my own childhood and that of my sons. My father stepped in when I needed him, and that gave me the chance for a better life. That’s what I’m doing for my boys now.” He also says the experience had made him realize how important a father figure is: ” I just want people — men, and men of color in particular — to hear my story and know that their children need them and that it’s their responsibility to be there for them. We have to step up as men and do our part. There are no excuses.”