Emilia Van Der Beek's Touching Birthday Message for Late Father James
In a deeply moving tribute, nine-year-old Emilia Van Der Beek has shared an emotional video on what would have been her father James Van Der Beek's 49th birthday. The late actor, best known for his role in Dawson's Creek, passed away on February 11 after a battle with colon cancer, leaving behind his wife Kimberly and their six children.
A Mother's Instagram Tribute and a Daughter's Request
On Sunday, Kimberly Van Der Beek took to her Instagram Stories to commemorate her husband's birthday, posting numerous photos and videos. She revealed that their daughter Emilia had asked to create a video to honour her father. "Emilia asked me if she could make a video to post today, walked outside and came back with this," Kimberly wrote in the caption. She expressed her desire to watch videos of James with their children, thanking followers for their overwhelming support.
Kimberly emphasised the family's enduring celebration of James's life, stating, "James... We will celebrate March 8th every day for the rest of our lives." The Van Der Beek family includes children Olivia, 15; Joshua, 13; Annabel, 12; Emilia, 9; Gwendolyn, 7; and Jeremiah, 4.
Emilia's Poignant Advice on Grief and Loss
In the video, Emilia introduces herself and offers heartfelt "tips" for those coping with the loss of a loved one. "So today is my dad's birthday. And the number one thing for somebody's passing is to talk to them and let your emotions out," she advises. She shares her daily routine of speaking to her father, saying, "I talk to my dad every day... I say, 'Hi dad, I miss you and I love you so much and I'll never stop loving you.'"
Emilia encourages others to express their feelings openly, noting, "If you miss them, you can cry, you can talk to them." She reflects on her father's peaceful state, adding, "I know that my dad's in a good place. He's not in pain anymore. He's in heaven." Her message balances sadness with acceptance, urging viewers to "be happy they're in a good place" while allowing space for grief.
Wisdom Beyond Her Years and a Father's Legacy
The young girl also recounted her father's advice about miracles, even in the face of his illness. "Miracles can still happen, just later on in life. And they'll keep coming," she recalled him saying. Emilia wore her father's hat in the video, a cherished item that "smells like him and I love it so much." She concluded by thanking fans for their contributions to a GoFundMe campaign, which has raised over $2.7 million to support the family.
Celebrity Reactions and Support
The video garnered widespread admiration from friends and celebrities. Professional dancer Emma Slater, who partnered with James on Dancing With The Stars in 2019, commented, "There are literally no words to express how highly I think of Emilia... I think she's the greatest role model ever."
Rumer Willis, daughter of Bruce Willis who is living with frontotemporal dementia, praised the tribute as "profound and beautiful," highlighting the family's strength. Actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2016, added, "Thank you for sharing Emilia. You are your dad's love and legacy with your beautiful family."
This heartfelt birthday remembrance not only honours James Van Der Beek's memory but also showcases the resilience and love within his family, offering comfort and inspiration to others navigating loss.
