Let’s go back to last October. It was Sylvester ‘Cully’ Union’s 79th birthday, and for the first time ever, his daughter Gabrielle Union revealed ‘Cully’ had been “diagnosed with dementia a few years back.” But as she, Dwyane Wade, and their family threw him an extravagant party, they were the ones who received a present… courtesy of ‘Cully.’

“It brought tears to everyone’s eyes, watching my party-loving, Crown-drinking, smart-a** Dad return in full form for a few hours; it was the best gift we could’ve all received,” Gabrielle wrote. She ended her birthday wish with a message to her dad: “We’re already planning your 80!!!” And if the ‘Bring It On’ star’s Instagram updates are anything to go by, this year’s celebrations were just as fun, if not more!

As ‘Cully’ returned in full form once again this year, Gabrielle Union couldn’t help but share all the parts of his life he remembered. In a moving update on her Instagram story that brought smiles to her followers’ faces, Union shared a heartwarming detail about her father’s cognitive abilities. “My father has dementia, but he remembers that he likes dark liquor.” The ‘Bring It On’ star’s determination to find joy in small victories has resonated deeply with fans and families dealing with memory-related conditions.

The birthday celebration, documented through Union’s social media, showcased intimate moments of family connection. Sylvester was surrounded by loved ones, with his daughter ensuring every detail was perfect for his special day, and he seemed to enjoy it with many memories intact – one of them being his taste for Crown beer, as was evident when Dwyane Wade’s wife reiterated her words from 2023.

“He remembers his love of Crown Royal and missing his friends and being able to just hang out and talk sh*t, so his friends showed up and showed out,” she wrote. But there was more. “He remembers every neighbor he’s ever had and all of me and my sister’s friends since birth. And SO many flew from around the country to celebrate him. He remembers his family (1st wife & 2nd wife relatives), and EVERYONE truly showed up and showered him with so much love.” At the end of the day, isn’t that how anyone would want to be remembered and celebrated?

Last year, even a few strangers popped by to wish ‘Cully’ a happy birthday. Union wrote after the 79th birthday party, “I also want to thank the strangers who became friends for stopping by and showing the family love. My Dad whispered, ‘I’m so happy to see so many Black folks!😂😂😂'” This year, though, the ‘Bring It On’ star indicated no new friends on her father’s list. But what was different in 2024 was the theme of the party!

Union and Wade ensured that they built upon ‘Cully’s favorite memories of the times spent in Hawaii and planned the party based on the theme. “He remembers all the great times he spent in Hawaii, so we brought some Hawaii to my Dad,” read Gabrielle’s Instagram post. Of all the fun moments throughout the day, though, one stood out to Gabrielle.

“What dementia has robbed him of, his heart and soul have recovered. When my Dad saw me, he said, ‘I really love you.’ And I said, ‘I love you, too, Dad.’ …He asked if I was happy, and I told him I was. He nodded and, with a grin, asked, ‘You not taking no sh*t, are you?’ And I said, ‘Never.’ He told me he loved me again, and that interaction stayed with me all day and made me pretty emotional.” That said, if Gab were to name one hiccup in his memory, it would be that Cully still believes Wade plays for the Miami Heat, where the NBA icon spent 16 years.

“He definitely thinks [Dwyane Wade] is still playing for the Heat but otherwise remembers quite a bit [despite his dementia],” Union wrote. According to WHO, 55 million people worldwide are diagnosed with dementia. 18% of them are male. After revealing the condition is progressing with her father earlier this year, Gabrielle is making the most of the moments she has got.

Gabrielle Union’s wish for her dad (and Dwyane Wade) on Father’s Day

Since the retired military sergeant was diagnosed with this condition a few years ago (and went into memory care last year), Gabrielle Union has tried her best to make every moment matter. So, on Father’s Day this year, she penned a touching tribute to her father, sharing her heartfelt experiences of caring for him as he grapples with deteriorating health.

In the emotional message, Gabrielle expressed her deep love and admiration for her father, acknowledging the sacrifices he has made throughout his life. “As my Dad’s dementia progresses, I’m left with nothing but gratitude for what a great father I have and all the memories he still remembers. The importance of the relationship between my Dad and my husband, Dwyane Wade, as men and mostly certainly as fathers who cherish their children, is one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever received.”

The photographs she shared on the post showed all the important moments in Union’s life when her father was present. Though Union was primarily raised by her mother, possibly due to ‘Cully’s career, she credits her parents for showing her grace. The star actress is grateful for the example they’ve set, putting their children first. She wishes to carry that forward and cherish every moment they have left.