In a very touching editorial for Newsweek magazine, NBA star Dwayne Wade writes about the emotional battle for custody of his two sons, Zaire and Zion.

Wade writes about his bitter, public divorce from his wife, Siohvaughn Funches, that culminated with a judge granting him full custody of his sons.

Wade moved his sons in with him permanently in Miami just before the end of the regular season two months ago.

“Bad memories vanish each morning when I walk into both of my sons’ bedrooms to wake them up for school—their laughter gives me all I need to face whatever is happening in my life,” he writes.

In addition to writing about his struggles, Wade includes a message to all black men — and to single mothers who think they are all the man their sons need:

All children need their fathers, but boys especially need fathers to teach them how to be men. I remember wanting that so badly before I went to live with my dad. I wanted someone to teach me how to tie a tie and walk the walk, things only a man can teach a boy. Of course, back then, I never could have imagined being in the same situation someday with my own kids… 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. Source

Wade also thanked his mother and sister, “and others” — for helping him to raise his two boys “and making their new living arrangements a smooth and happy transition.”

Curiously, Wade didn’t mention his longtime girlfriend, actress Gabrielle Union, anywhere in the Newsweek article. Could the rumors be true that Gabby is a cold, insensitive, selfish woman who isn’t interested in children? Let’s hope not.