Throughout his career, LeBron James has made it well known the importance of his mother, Gloria, in his upbringing. His father, however, is a different story. Gloria was just 16 when she gave birth to LeBron, and with his father, Anthony McClelland, out of the picture, she raised him as a single mother. The four-time NBA MVP has not forgotten. He had some powerful words for his father in a forthcoming GQ cover story, which he posted on his Instagram account:

“Because of you Pops!” James wrote along with the photo. “Thanks all along. Could have said why me with u not being there but look what I made of myself.”

It’s a moving, affecting message that shows the hurt that can be caused when a parent abandons their child. It’s part of what drives LeBron today to be the devoted father he is.