Dwyane Wade might have a successful life now, but he never had it easy in childhood. The former Miami Heat star and his sister had a hard life with their drug-addict mother, whose life-changing story inspired the athlete.
After a 10-year-long marriage, Wade’s mother, JoLinda, separated from his father, Dwyane Wade Sr., when the 3-time champion was just four months old. Besides her addiction, JoLinda had a troublesome life with her abusive boyfriend. Despite being abused, she made sure her kids were safe.
Though JoLinda had her struggles, she always wanted her kids to follow their dreams and supported them like a cheerleader. She had the zeal to change her life for the good and become sober, so she started working on it.
For her remarkable dedication to helping others, Wade bought her a church in 2008 that made her feel “reborn.” JoLinda became a Baptist pastor and continued doing good work. Seeing his mother change her life, D-Wade said to the press, “I respect my mother so much, from the life that she used to live and to see her today in the life that she lives. I’m so proud of her.”
Wade’s mother inspired him to bring a new perspective into his life and to parent his child.
How did Dwyane Wade’s Mother Help Him Parent Zaya?
Dwyane Wade recently revealed that it was his mother whose lesson made it easier for him to be a parent to his child Zaya, who came out of the closet as a transgender at 12 years of age. The 13-time All-Star made the revelation while receiving the Elevate Prize Catalyst Award for his outstanding work to lift the LGBTQ+ community.
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Wade mentioned on the stage the valuable lesson given by JoLinda, “I remember when I was a kid, my mom used to always tell me, ‘Your life is bigger than basketball’. Though the young guard didn’t understand it back then he admitted figuring it out in his later part of life.
“I have to thank my daughter Zaya for making my life bigger than basketball. I am standing in place for her as I accept this award on behalf of my entire family,” said the 42-year-old at the Make Good Famous Summit. Wade now prioritizes his family over everything, especially his child, who has comfortably more value to the Utah Jazz co-owner.
Also Read: Who Are Caitlin Clark’s Parents? Taking a Closer Look in the Life of WNBA Star
