Actor James Van Der Beek died on February 11 from colorectal cancer. He was just 48 years old. The Dawson's Creek star was fondly recalled by many in the sad aftermath of his untimely passing. Now, his daughter, Emilia, 9, has added her voice to those remembering her dad. Van Der Beek's posthumous birthday was on Sunday, March 8.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Emilia chose the occasion to look back at her father's life and what he meant to her. The poise, wisdom, and eloquence she showed are far beyond her years. That will floor you. It will make you weep, especially if you have ever grieved for someone precious to you.
Emilia Made a Video and Posted It on Her Mom's Instagram
Van der Beek's wife and Emilia's mom, Kimberly, wrote an emotional message beneath her daughter's video. She posted in part, "All I want to do is watch videos of him right now with the kids. Thank you for the tremendous heart, love and support for the family."
She added, "James...We will celebrate March 8th every day for the rest of our lives."
She Tells People To Talk to Their Deceased Loved One
The grown-up insight that this wonderful little girl has is astonishing. One piece of advice that anyone in the throes of bereavement often gets is to let their feelings flow. Emilia Van der Beek says that, too. IN her video, she shares, "
"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. If you miss them, you can cry. You can talk to them. I talk to my dad every day. I start with a sentence, and I say, 'Hi, Dad. I miss you and I love you so much, and I'll never stop loving you.'"
Emilia mentioned, "I just tell him about my day, how I'm feeling, and I told my family how I'm feeling. And I know he can hear me, but I can't hear him."
He's "in a Good Place"
She understands that although her dad is no longer physically present, he is nevertheless still with her in unseen ways. Emilia powerfully expressed this. "You have to feel them in your heart, because they're in your heart. They're watching over you. They're a part of your body and in a good place. I know that my dad's in a good place. He's not in pain anymore. He's in heaven above the clouds with God and the Lord."
