'He's Not in Pain Anymore': James Van Der Beek's 9-Year-Old Gives Heartbreaking Advice on How to Deal With Grief

James Van Der Deek marked what would have been his 49th birthday on 8 March, less than a month after the Dawson's Creek actor passed away on 11 February. Van Der Beek died at the age of 48 following a battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer, leaving behind his wife, Kimberly, and their six children.

Kimberly has spoken openly about her grief in the weeks since his passing, releasing a statement in which she described her husband as irreplaceable and said she did not yet know how to process the loss.

Emilia Van Der Beek's Message on Grief

This past weekend, Kimberly shared a series of unseen family photos to commemorate James' special day. However, it was the video created by her 9-year-old daughter, Emilia, that touched the entire world. According to the doting mom, Emilia asked if she could use her mom's phone to record a video. When she returned, Kimberly discovered that her young daughter recorded a video of herself talking about grief and loss.

How to Deal With Loss by Emilia

Even though Emilia is still young, she exuded a certain level of maturity in the lengthy video. She gave the viewers tips on what they can do when someone they love passes away. She said that she talks to her dad and still updates him as though he is still alive.

Emilia also encouraged those who experienced loss to let their emotions out and cry if they miss their loved one. The 9-year-old reminded netizens that their loved ones are always in their heart. Even though she can no longer hear her dad, Emilia knows that the actor can hear her.

James and Kimberly's daughter also encouraged everyone not to listen to those who try to minimise their grief. She said that everyone goes through loss differently, and it's important to hold space for each other.

Emilia's heartfelt video is proof that she was raised well by both her parents. And now that her dad is no longer around, it's evident how focused Kimberly is on making sure that all her children will be able to deal with the loss.

James Van Der Beek's Thoughts on His Children

During a 2023 interview, James shared how fatherhood changed him for the better. He professed his love for his children back then and said that they have become his priority. 'And then you know what you genuinely want is to take care of [them], to make them feel safe, [and] keep them safe to connect with them and feel that joy,' he gushed.

Following his diagnosis, James revealed how his children have been his source of support amid his cancer battle. He said that he and his wife agreed to be honest with their kids about his illness.

'Because they know. They can sense that Dad's having a tough day. They know if Dad's in pain. They know, and so by not telling them, I think you're confusing them even more,' he said.

Perhaps James and Kimberly's honesty about the entire ordeal helped give their children a different outlook on their dad's illness and his death. Now, the entire Van Der Beek's family is focused on their grief and eventual healing.