Chris Bosh writes thank you letter to Miami

July 9 (UPI) -- The Miami Heat waived Chris Bosh last week, now he's saying thank you to the city he spent six seasons playing in.

Bosh wrote a thank you letter on his website Sunday, profiling his life and career before and during his time with the Heat. He did not address retirement. The letter included Bosh's take on the health concerns that eventually derailed his playing career.

"Wow, what a ride! I've been reflecting on my time in this great city and want to thank you for being a constant during a period of change in my life," Bosh wrote. "I've experienced a few finals appearances, a couple of championships, several weddings [including my own], the birth of four kids, bonding with an entire community and a ton of ups and downs along the way."

Bosh and his wife Adrienne had four children in Miami, including his son Jackson who was born when the Heat were in the playoffs. Bosh managed to fly back to Miami and return to New York in order to make the game in the 2012 Eastern Conference postseason.

The 11-time All-Star averaged 19.1 points and 7.4 rebounds in his final season for the Heat, logging 53 games in 2015.

Bosh, 33, wrote about his adoration for the Miami community in his heartfelt letter.

"This community has welcomed me with open arms from day one," he wrote. "The city's rich tradition and culture is unique and you can feel it from the moment you land in Miami".

"The fans have always greeted my family with positivity, just trying to put smiles on the kids' faces. That's the thing I love about the community. You all have shown appreciation every time we were out for events or just walking through the streets. I've met people who have had lifetime season tickets, and I can see the pride in their eyes when they tell me. I've also picked up a great deal of Spanish and now have a tool for life to help me communicate with more people around the world. Learning how to order a cafe con leche o ropa vieja on Calle Ocho has become natural to me. That's amazing!"

He also talked about his journey through lung surgery.

"And then came not being able to play the game I love, the game that I've spent a lifetime working to master and evolve with and find success in," Bosh wrote. "I was very upset for a long time. They say you just have to play the cards that you're dealt and that's another lesson I truly understand now. Learning that information about my health during All-Star Weekend was extremely tough, especially during a time of celebrating the league and its great players and fulfilling dreams. While I'll never take those things for granted, I learned not to take other things for granted-like being in the hospital."

"I was in there for six days and had surgery on my left lung. I sat in a room that whole time with tubes sticking out of my ribs and started to pity myself. But then I realized there are so many people dealing with things much worse, and once again, I was humbled. To all those who think it's not going to get better and are feeling those walls close in on you, keep fighting! Envision yourself walking out of that place on your own two feet and work every day to achieve that goal. My short six-day hospital stint felt like a lifetime, so I can't begin to imagine the strength of those who are there for much longer."

The Heat announced that it will retire Bosh's No. 1 jersey.

"Chris changed his life and basketball career when he came to Miami," Heat president Pat Riley told NBA.com. "And he changed our lives for the better, in a way we never would have imagined, when he joined the Miami HEAT. We will forever be indebted to CB for how he changed this team and led us to four trips to the NBA Finals and two NBA Championships. He is, without a doubt, one of the greatest players in the history of the franchise. The number "1" will never be worn by another player and we can't wait to someday hang his jersey in the rafters. Today, we are both moving on but we wish Chris, Adrienne and their family nothing but the best. They will forever be part of the Miami HEAT family."

Bosh hasn't ruled out a comeback but needs medical clearance before joining another team. He hasn't played since February of 2016.