Mother of 5, Dwyane Wade’s Wife Gabrielle Admits Changing Herself Due to 3 Things

“Eight or nine miscarriages” and yet, being a mother of five, Gabrielle Union‘s motherhood journey has been challenging. The 51-year-old, ‘Bring it On’ actress, notably, has only one child with Dwyane Wade, 5-year-old Kaavia Wade. But when the two tied the knot in 2014, Union also became the stepmother to the former point guard’s three other biological children — Zaire Wade, Zaya Wade, and Xavier Wade. Apart from this, the Miami Heat legend also got custody of his nephew, Dahveon Morris, in 2011.

Celebrating Mother’s Day, the 51-year-old took to Instagram to share a few moments with Dwyane Wade and their children. Union expressed, “There’s no greater hood than motherhood if you ask me! Having the privilege to play a part in these young lives that surround me has humbled and enlightened me in ways words cannot explain…”

Being a mother to them has healed Union from all the trauma she has previously lived, Gabrielle claimed that her children have humbled and enlightened her in ways words cannot explain. “Sometimes I ask myself, “How did I get so lucky?” Nonetheless, thank you for teaching me patience, kindness, and love. You’ve forever changed me for the better. Happy Mother’s Day!”  

For many years, Union suffered multiple miscarriages due to her age and lifestyle. She even tried an alternative method, IVF, to get pregnant. She revealed in her memoir (We’re Going To Need More Wine), “For three years, my body has been a prisoner of trying to get pregnant — I’ve either been about to go into an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle, in the middle of an IVF cycle or coming out of an IVF cycle…” However, she was unaware of an underlying medical condition, Adenomyosis.

In this condition, the endometrial tissue that usually lines the uterus, grows into the muscular wall of the uterus itself. This leads to an enlarged uterus and painful menstrual cycles. Back in 2016, The Perfect Find star was told her chance at a healthy baby would be only through surrogacy after having faced multiple miscarriages.

The indecisiveness, the fight to stay put with all her relationship was going through, that came after, left her “soul not just broken into pieces, but shattered into fine dust scattering in the wind,” she wrote in her book. However, Union made her peace with it and welcomed Kaavia James in 2018. Despite this bumpy phase, Union was happy that she could heal from that and became a mother at the right time.

As responsible parents, Dwyane Wade and Union have always stood with all of their children as their pillars of support. It could be something as simple as them sending Morris off to prom in style in 2019. And backing Zaya Wade against all odds when she came out as a trans-girl. “Your kids are worth fighting for,” Union told Extra at the time. “Your children are not disposable and even when faced with something that you might not be as familiar with or comfortable with [it is] not an excuse to throw your kids away.” In adapting to this supportive role as a mother, Union fought her heart-wrenching battles on the side.

It was on this path that Gabrielle Union found her journey of healing, determined not to pass on the adversity to her daughter. “Choosing to heal past traumas was the best preparation for motherhood,” she wrote. Now as she brims through the journey, her children admit to being just as lucky and grateful for the presence she has lent.

Wade family extends love to Gabrielle Union

One of the first ones to celebrate their mom was Zaire Wade, who shared Union’s IG post in his Instagram story with a caption, “sending 🖤 your way” @gabunion ♾️”. Notably, the post by the 51-year-old was regarding being a step-parent bonus mom or any other consistently nurturing adult. Meanwhile, Dwyane Wade’s nephew, Dahveon Morris, shared a photo of the ‘Wade Family’ in his IG story. “Happy Mother’s Day @gabunion love you see u soon enjoy your day thank you for all the things u done for me!!!!” read the caption to his story.

And obviously, Dwyane Wade himself was not letting the occasion pass without a tribute post for his wife on this special occasion. Notably, this is something the 3x NBA champ has done every single year for the past many years without fail. “Each photo and video represents my perfect ‘Idea Of You’ I love to see you happy! Happy Mother’s Day Mrs. Wade. I love you,” read the caption to the post; referencing her more recent project. 

Apart from all of this, the 51-year-old also shared some Mother’s Day posts and stories featuring tribute videos, moments with children, and much more. One story even featured the Breaking In actress with her mother and Dwyane Wade’s mother. Healed and surrounded with love, being a mother has been “absolutely worth it,” for Gabrielle Union.