For Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade, this has been a year of overcoming injury and winning an NBA title. However, the most personal and poignant moment was winning custody of his two sons. That could make 2012 the most significant year of his life.
“This year is shaping up overall to be a very special one. Obviously having my boys at home is the most important thing to me,” Wade said.
In his new book, A Father First, Wade writes about his tough childhood growing up in one of Chicago's roughest neighborhoods. His struggles, he writes, shaped who he is now.
Wade said he sometimes worries his boys have it too easy.
“Yes, I do. And that's one thing you've got to try to figure out. You know, I always talk about trying to figure out--separating giving kids what they need and what they want,” Wade said.
His sons, Zion and Zaire, have chores. The basketball dad also keeps tabs on them by calling, texting, and using Facetime. He says he checks up on them a lot.
On Friday, Wade made the first stop in South Florida for his nationwide book tour. The lines of fans to see him at the Books and Books inside the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art wrapped around the block.
Despite sweltering heat, fans said the chance to get a handshake and a signed copy of the book was worth it.
“It’s awesome to see all the support,” Wade said.
For Wade, the wait for a sweet life was worth it, too. He may have reached a pinnacle in his career and in personal life, but he said he doesn’t plan on relaxing anytime soon.
“Relax? Never, never, but I'm finally happy. I am happy and, you know, that's been a good change for me to be happy with my loved one and also in my career. So, hopefully it continues and I work hard for it. It can continue,” he said.
Dwyane Wade’s next stop on his book tour is Saturday, September 8th, at the Sports Authority in the Dolphin Mall. The event starts at 3 p.m.
Then on Sunday, September 9th, he'll be at Books and Books at 265 Aragon Ave in Coral Gables.