American actress and model Gabrielle Union’s father, Sylvester ‘Cully’ Union Jr., has passed away after a battle with dementia and the first news came via her official Instagram account.
The tell-all post not only included a video and photo collage showcasing his life, his legacy and all he accomplished, including candid family moments, but also some photos of him with his grandchildren.
The message that accompanied it was long and detailed, reading: “Yesterday morning my father, Sylvester ‘Cully’ Union Jr., passed away. No matter how much you think you know about dementia, nothing prepares you for the painfully slow disappearance of your loved one. First you repeat words or forget little things here and there, and then BOOM, he can’t swallow or walk. What you know becomes smaller and smaller. You hold out hope for prolonged eye contact or a smile; even a handshake Squeezing can make you feel like they’re going to come back to you at any moment to ‘normal’. It’s cruel and it’s what he went through, but it wasn’t who he was.
While discussing the slow decline he experienced, she also said, “Through every step of his life, my father was surrounded by love and support from his ever-growing village. I swear he never met a stranger, only friends he hadn’t met yet. As a lifelong, die-hard Nebraska fan, he taught me the values of teamwork and a fierce work ethic, and that you are only as strong as your weakest link, so take care of them first.”
“My father was a completely imperfect man and father. Over time he developed, acknowledged his imperfections, apologized and made amends for as long as it took for the hurt to heal. He made it his job to take care of everyone. He also loved our friends and treated them as his sons and daughters. No one was ever left behind or unseen.”
She didn’t stop there and instead showered her father with praise, saying, “My parents were the first allies and comrades I saw in action, and I vowed to follow in their footsteps. My father also loved to party, ALWAYS the life of ANY party. He loved music, traveling the world, and spending time with family and friends.”
She also added, “I am grateful for everyone who stepped up to care, care and love him in his final years. My family and I are eternally grateful to the medical and memory care staff who ensured he received the best care. My sisters who stepped up are heroes, and I love you both beyond words.”
She didn’t even conclude like that and instead made the situation interactive by opening the comments section and saying, ‘PS: If you knew my dad, please share in the comments.’ Our family will cherish it.”
