This story begins on a quiet Friday evening, Miami tip toeing to their TVs. Families joining together cementing their eyes on a 48 minute long battle, a contest that would define us all. Far from home, far from love, our warriors walked into the arena with their heads raised up high; their black uniforms stainless, reflecting their mood- relentless. A whole city behind one man, behind one icon, behind Dwyane Wade. This was game six of the Miami Heat playoffs, Miami at Charlotte, the night Dwyane Wade stormed Charlotte, N.C. and left nothing but broken hearts.

He's our champion.

It's been 10 years since Miami won their first championship, a lot of things changed, a lot of people have left but one thing remained the same: Dwyane Wade led the way. He gave us something to believe in, we've followed Wade into the darkest of times and to the brightest of times. The critiques deemed him washed up, an old man that should hang up the sneakers and go home. Maybe another man would, maybe the pressure would finally crack the 34-year-old bones, but not this man. We all know he's not the same Wade, but the heart of a champion is never to be trifled with. Unfortunately, Charlotte guard, Courtney Lee, was on the wrong side of that lesson.

LeBron James, who went back to his home because he didn't want to have to carry a whole team to win everyone, questioned the relevance of Wade. James wanted to play with a great young guard in Kyrie Irving. Wade was a broken man, a shell of his former glory, plagued by knee injuries. I too was skeptical, I doubted Wade, but then I remembered that this man led our city to their first championship. He helped the world's greatest basketball player win two championships; this was no ordinary man, this was a warrior.

Dwyane Wade embodied what it is to be a Miami Heat player and fan. The most hated team in the NBA because of the gifts the world has granted us: beautiful weather, beautiful people and a city of magic. I understand why people hate, they see that we have it all; championships, glory and professionalism. Wade hated throughout many cities, never being recognized for his accomplishments, embodies our city and our culture.

So, we will march into battle with Dwyane Wade and let him propel us forward. We will cheer for our team till the very end. Thousands of children will watch these games and realize what it means to be a leader, to never cower under bright lights and to never be afraid to take the tough shots, on the court or in life. If Wade wouldn't have taken a tough shot on Courtney Lee, we wouldn't be having this discussion. Dwyane showed us the Way of Wade, and we have never looked back.