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Emilia, the 9-year-old daughter of James Van Der Beek, recently shared a poignant video in memory of her father, best remembered for his role in “Dawson’s Creek,” on what would have been his 49th birthday.
In a heartfelt message posted on her mother Kimberly’s Instagram account this past Sunday, Emilia introduced herself and candidly remarked, “As you may know, my dad has passed away. I want to share some thoughts and tips to help anyone coping with the loss of a loved one.”
Emphasizing the healing power of expression, she advised that the most important step is “to communicate with them and express your emotions freely.”
“If you feel their absence, it’s okay to cry. You can talk to them. I chat with my dad every day. I start by saying, ‘Hi, Dad. I miss you, I love you endlessly, and my love for you will never fade,’” she explained.
“I share what my day was like, how I’m feeling, and I keep my family updated on how I’m doing. I’m confident he hears me, even though I can’t hear him.”
Emilia reminded those watching her that the key is to “feel them in your heart” because they’re “part of your body.” She also reflected that her dad is “in a good place” and he’s “not in pain anymore, he’s in Heaven.”
She also expressed that it’s OK to feel a range of emotions from happiness, because “they’re in a good place,” and sadness, “because you miss them,” to anger. However, one should never blame oneself because “it’s not a good strategy for someone’s passing.”
“Everybody has different emotions in their body, and they express it in different ways. Many, many different ways,” she continued. “And don’t let anybody tell you that. Be like, ‘No, you don’t know how I feel.”
Emilia also reminded that one should look at death as everything “happens for a reason” before revealing, “Something my dad told me was if this doesn’t work out the way he wanted it to and the way we wanted it to for him living, I still have to believe in miracles.”
She also told her mom’s followers that she “stole” her dad’s hat after his passing, noting, “My dad’s hat smells like him, and I love it so much.”
Concluding her video, Emilia expressed gratitude to those who had donated to her family’s GoFundMe created by her mom’s friends.
“I know that he was a good man. A lot of people loved him, and people prayed for him, and he was loved by … many, many people,” Emilia concluded in the emotional video.
When posting the clip, Kimberly explained that Emilia had asked her if she “[made] a video.”
“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. 🩷🥹”
Addressing her late husband, Kimberly added, “James… We will celebrate March 8th every day for the rest of our lives.”
In the comment section, many celebs rallied around the family, with Rumer Willis writing, “This is so profound and beautiful and such a testament to the incredible way you have raised your beautiful family. Happy Birthday James. We love you.”
“You are so wise Emilia ❤️🥹🙏🏻,” Jenna Dewan praised with Rebecca Gayheart, Eric Dane’s widow, adding, “Oh wise Emilia , thank you 🙏🏽.”
James died on Feb. 11 at age 48 following a nearly three-year battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer.
“He met his final days with courage, faith and grace,” his wife, 44, announced via Instagram at the time. “There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come.”
In a last effort to solidify their love, James and Kimberly renewed their vows two days before he passed.
Aside from Emilia, the couple also shares Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 4.