Former “Dancing with the Stars” competitor James Van Der Beek recently posted a loving message to his daughter, Olivia, for her 15th birthday. Now, he’s done the same for his son, Jeremiah, who just turned four years old.
“4 years old today. After 2 late-term losses, we thought we were done. Thank God you knew better,” James wrote in the caption of an Instagram post he shared on Friday, October 10. “An iron will combined with an innate sweetness. And ALL boy. And as you run around and scream and bang things… all I can think about is how grateful I am that you came to us.”
“You’ve been particular from the jump,” the loving father added. “And as your language skills have finally caught up the specificity of your desires, what I’m seeing is a fun-loving, passionate soul who doesn’t think twice about speaking up for exactly what he wants. And for that example, I thank you.”
James Regrets Not Being Able to Be the Father He Wants to Be
As James battles cancer, he is not always able to be the kind of dad he wishes he could be for his son, Jeremiah.
“I’m sorry there have been spells where I couldn’t be the father I would want to be for you… where I was too weak to pick you up, throw you around, or even put you to bed… but know that watching you reveal yourself to us has been one of the greatest joys of my life,” James continued in his Instagram caption.
“And even though you’re stingy with the hugs… when you do decide to wrap those thick little arms around my neck, it’s like time has stood still and all is right with the world,” he wrote. “I love you, bubba. And I always will. And all you ever have to do is be you. Happy birthday, my ‘big little boy.’ ❤️”
Katie Holmes Left a Comment on James’ Post
GettyPlenty of James’ Instagram followers left comments filled with birthday messages for Jeremiah and support for James. That includes another famous figure.
James’ “Dawson’s Creek” co-star Katie Holmes left a comment, saying, “Sooooooo sweet!!!!!!!”
“This is the sweetest.❤️ And omg how is he FOUR already!?!? Sending him the biggest birthday hugs!❤️❤️❤️,” someone else wrote.
Another person added, “❤️ Beautiful. Make a wish Jeremiah. I hope it comes true. I hope theres stronger days to come James. Stay safe.”
“This is so beautiful,” wrote another follower. “I’m especially touched by the ‘sorry I couldn’t be the father you needed me to be.’ I got cancer when my baby was 7 months old. 5 surgeries in 13 months and the biggest suffering of all that came from my sadness of not being able to do the things I knew I needed to be doing with my baby. I feel you so much. But I’m here to say my son is now 3.5 and we are sooo close. No matter what you can and can’t do physically, they know your love.”
That message from James Van Der Beek is so heartfelt—it beautifully captures gratitude and hope through hardship. I recently adapted a traditional blessing for my nephew’s birthday, and it reminded me how love often shines brightest in tough times. Adding warmth like happy birthday bhachi in marathi translated into English could bring that same gentle, family-centered emotion to such moments.
I wish James and his family the very best. I say prayers for him weekly.💜