For Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union, the kids always come first. Regardless of any challenges that the couple openly embraces, they have always prioritized their children. This came naturally to the Bring It On actress, who watched her own parents do the same. Union’s parents raised three talented daughters, Kelly, Gab, and Tracy, who have grown into strong, independent women. As Union believes, this couldn’t have happened without her parents’ influence.

Union’s mother, Theresa (née Glass), and her father, Sylvester E. Union, worked together to raise their children. After 30 years of marriage, the two decided to separate. This was when Union was still in college. However, what Union remembers most is how her parents never let the separation affect her or her siblings. That is the same approach she takes when raising her own children.

In an interview with The View, Union recalled, “My parents were married 30 years before they got divorced and I’m sure after 30 years there was bitterness and anger and resentment and fear and all sorts of things. But I don’t know because they never made it our issues.”

Speaking of her parents, she further added, “They handled their divorce and our subsequent transition into a blended family with grace and dignity and respect. They always put us first and didn’t involve us. I’m lucky that I can just mirror what my parents did and always put the kids first.”

Her father was a military sergeant and her mother was a social worker and phone company manager. So while they have been separated, look like the bonds aren’t forgotten to be reminisced. During Sylvester’s 80th birthday celebration, Gab revealed “he replied, ‘How’s your Mom?’ And with the gas face, I simply said ‘Sir 😵‍💫'”

He suffers with dementia now and Gabrielle Union isn’t letting any moment go uncherished.

Gabrielle Union’s heartwarming message for her father

As much as Sylvester is all hearts for his daughter, he was also unyielding when Dwyane Wade came along. He asked a very straightforward question to Miami Heat icon — What he could give to a successful actress like Union, who seemingly has everything. Without hesitation, Wade replied that he could give her his love. It seemed enough to warm the sergeant’s heart. Battling dementia now, he still seems to believe DWade suits up for Miami as Gab reveals. 

But the rest of his memories are much intact and the star actress threw a huge birthday party, culmination of all his favorites, only days ago. Though there was no exclusive mention of her mother’s presence in the post she shared, Gab did write, “He remembers his family (1st wife & 2nd wife relatives) and EVERYONE truly showed up and showered him with so much love.”

Sylvester was surrounded by his long-time friends, his oldest-surviving sister, and the many nieces he loves so much. The Bring It On actress even threw a Hawaii-themed party in memory of all the beautiful moments he spent there. By the end of the day, it was about celebrating love and loved ones for Gabrielle.

“It all just reminds me to be a good, loyal friend, a great neighbor, prioritize your family, have a spirit of adventure and don’t take no shit. And always show up and show love,” she penned. Regardless of the differences, the healthy bond it is for the Union family.