“That’s why I eventually forgave Shaquille for the things he did wrong in our marriage.” Shaunie Henderson said about her ex-husband Shaquille O’Neal so they could co-parent their children. With each of them thriving today, it seems that this big step of the Basketball Wives‘ executive producer was the right one. And now her kids have made Thanksgiving day even more special for her.

After celebrating her birthday, yesterday Shaunie Henderson added, “Happy Thanksgiving 🍁.” The post from Instagram had a note, “i am so thankful. for my life, my family, my friends, the people who love and care for me. the love within me. the blessings that continue to come.” She continued, “the lessons. the growth. everything. thankful. grateful. fulfilled.” It was a fulfilling day since the children also expressed their gratitude for their mother.

“I am where I am today, entirely because of you. I am wholeheartedly grateful to be able to call you my momma. The strongest most beautiful woman I know. @iamshaunie I love you, happy birthday,” Shaquille O’Neal’s youngest, Me’Arah, wrote the caption of her story. Shaunie reshared the story, responding with, “I love you more, baby girl. Thank you.” Even the elder sister of the Gators star added a long caption.

Amirah O’Neal also took to her Instagram Story and penned a beautiful message that read, “Happy Birthday to the best mom ever! Your love, strength, and kindness inspire everyone around you…” She ended the post with, “My bestie for the restie.” The 50-year-old reposted Amirah’s story with the caption, “I love Meemz, Thank You.” The boys also shared their love for their mother, with multiple stories and captions.

Shareef O’Neal wrote, “Happy birthday mama!! I love you ❤️❤️.“Myles added, “Happy birthday to my mom. Love you so much!” Shaqir uploaded Shaunie’s birthday post on his story. Even her husband, Keion Henderson, added a post, “Happy Birthday to my beautiful wife! Every day with you is a blessing, and I’m so grateful for your love, kindness, and strength. Here’s to celebrating you today and always! ❤️ @iamshaunie.”

The Pastor of the Light House Church is grateful because both Shanie and he had difficult first marriages. And now both of them are constant, not only in each other’s lives but even in their children as well.

From a broken home with Shaquille O’Neal to a complete family

In her memoir, Shaunie Henderson outlined failed relationships that she had seen in her life. It was not only about her 9-year marriage with Shaquille O’Neal that ended in 2011 but also about her parent’s marriage. Shaunie’s father stepped outside of his marriage, but Shaunie’s mother never asked for a separation.

“They’re men. They’re going to mess up all the time. Get over it and move on.” The First Lady’s mother wanted Shaunie to work things out with Shaquille O’Neal rather than divorce. But the author of Undefeated chose to reach closure in her previous marriage with the Lakers legend.

So, from not making the same mistake as her mother, Shaunie Henderson now is happy with her decision. And even the kids have been supportive of her journey, which has been quite evident from their celebratory social media posts for her.