Keep your tissues ready. James Van Der Beek‘s loving daughter has a message on grief that will move you to tears.
Kimberly Van Der Beek offered a deeply personal glimpse into her family’s grief as they remembered James Van Der Beek on his birthday. The actor’s wife revealed on Instagram that their 8-year-old daughter, Emilia, asked if she could record a message for the day. According to Kimberly, their loving daughter stepped outside for a moment, then returned with a thoughtful video reflecting on loss and remembrance.
“Emilia asked me if she could make a video to post today, walked outside, and came back with this,” Kimberly wrote in the caption.
Kimberly also shared that the family has been revisiting old photos and videos while remembering James. “In my stories are a whole lot of photos and some videos. 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 ended the post with a touching promise about how the family will continue honoring him. “James… We will celebrate March 8 every day for the rest of our lives.”
Here are the details from Emilia’s heart-wrenching video on grief.
Emilia Van Der Beek Speaks Openly About Losing Her Father
GettyIn the video, Emilia gently introduced herself before speaking about the loss of her father.
“Hello, my name is Amelia Vanderbeek, and as you all know, probably know, my dad has passed away.”
She explained that she wanted to share a few things that have helped her cope with grief.
“But I’m just going to tell you a little tips or anything that helps you getting through anybody you love is passing.”
Because the message was shared on her father’s birthday, Emilia reflected on what that day meant for her.
“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.”
How Emilia Keeps Her Father’s Memory Close
Emilia said that speaking to her father every day helps her feel connected to him.
“If you miss them, you can cry, you can talk to them. I talk to my dad every day, and I start with a sentence: “Hi, Dad.” I miss you, and I love you so much, and I’ll never stop loving you.”
She explained that she often tells him about her day and how she is feeling.
“And I just tell him about my day, how I’m feeling, and I tell my family how I’m feeling, and I know he can hear me, but I can’t hear him.”
Emilia also shared her belief that loved ones continue to watch over those they love.
“My mom can, and you just 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.”
A Child’s Honest Words About Grief and Healing
Throughout the video, Emilia spoke openly about the complex emotions that come with losing someone you love, sharing both comfort and honesty about grief.
“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, and cry. Cry, cry, cry. Be happy they’re in a good place, be sad because you miss them,” she said, encouraging others to allow themselves to feel every emotion.
Emilia also reminded viewers not to carry guilt while grieving.
“You can be angry, but don’t blame yourself. Blaming yourself is not a good strategy for someone’s passing.”
She added that grief is deeply personal and different for everyone.
“And if somebody also lost their dog, or like somebody they love, and you did too, and they try to tell you, I know how you feel, I felt worse. They don’t know how you feel. Everybody has different emotions in their body, and they express them in different ways, many, many different ways.”
Later in the video, Emilia shared a small but meaningful way she keeps her father close.
“And also, something that I have done with my dad’s passing is that I stole his hat. My dad’s hat smells like him, and I love it so much.”
She also reflected on the love many people had for her father, saying, “I know that he was a good man. A lot of people loved him. And he was loved by many, many hearts, and many, many people.”
Emilia ended her message by thanking those who supported the family following his passing.
“Also, if you donated to the Kimberly Vanderbeek fundraiser, thank you so much. I checked it, holy moly. Thank you so much. I am blown away.”
Emilia has long shared a special bond with her father. James and Kimberly welcomed their fourth child on March 23, 2016, at their home in Los Angeles.
The actor announced her arrival on Instagram two days later, writing, “Crazy how deeply in love you can fall with someone you just met 😍.” A year later, he shared another tribute while celebrating her birthday, calling her “this sweet, determined, magical little soul.”
Today, Emilia’s heartfelt message offers a glimpse into the love and memories she continues to carry with her as the family remembers the late “Dawson’s Creek” star.
