*Jolinda Wade shared a personal message for her son, Dwyane Wade, during a recent episode of Today with Jenna & Friends. The former NBA star, co-hosting the morning show for the week, was surprised by a heartfelt video from his mother — and later, an in-person visit.
“You are and have always been a blessing,” Jolinda said in the clip. “A blessing to me and so many others whose lives you have touched.”
She recalled how the two stayed connected while she was incarcerated, sharing that Dwyane’s handwritten notes were a lifeline. “I remember how we became pen pals when I was incarcerated,” she said. “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.”
The 70-year-old pastor praised her only son’s role as a father. “When you sent me pictures of my grandson Zaire, I was able to tell from your letters how very proud you were,” she said. “You made up your mind that you were going to be the best dad you could be and that is exactly what you’ve become.”
Scroll to continue reading
Later in the segment, Jolinda appeared live on set and opened up about her history of addiction and incarceration. “My kids struggled with me,” she shared. “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. Just living a life that was totally separated from my babies.”
Her lowest moments included thoughts of suicide, but it was her children who kept her grounded. “When suicide came up, I would see their faces. I didn’t want to do it anymore,” she said. “One thing about my precious four babies — they never stopped loving me. They never stopped loving me, never judged me, never condemned me.”
Jolinda shared that Dwyane encouraged her to speak publicly about her story. “I remember my son, when they first wanted to do a story about me… he said, ‘Ma, you go and tell your story because the only thing it’s going to do is help someone.’”
Watch the interview above.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Dwyane Wade Is Cancer-Free After Surgery Removes 40% of His Kidney
Sign up for our Free daily newsletter HERE.
