James Van Der Beek’s nine-year-old daughter Emilia shared a heartbreaking video tribute to the late Dawson’s Creek actor on what would have been his 49th birthday.
In a post shared to her mother Kimberly’s Instagram on Sunday, Emilia began her self-introduction video by saying, “As you all know, my father has passed away. But I would like to share with you some little tips and things that will help you pass the person you care about.”
She went on to say that the number one thing to do is “talk to them and vent your feelings.”
“If you’re lonely, you can cry. You can talk. I talk to my dad every day. I start with one sentence and say, ‘Hello, dad. I miss you and I love you so much. I never stop loving you,'” she continued.
“And I just tell him about my day, how I’m feeling, and I tell my family how I’m doing. And I know he can hear me, but I can’t hear him.”
Emilia reminded those watching that what matters is what they “feel in their hearts” because they are “part of the body.” She also said that her father is “in a good place” and is “in no more pain and in heaven.”
She also said it’s okay to feel a range of emotions, from happiness “because they’re in a good place” to sadness and anger “because I miss them.” However, you should never blame yourself just because it’s not a good idea for someone to die.
“Everyone has different emotions in their bodies and expresses them in different ways. So many different ways,” she continued. “And don’t let anyone tell you that. Just be like, ‘No, you don’t know how I feel.'”
After reminding us that we should see death as something that “happens for a reason,” Emilia also revealed, “What my father told me is that even if it doesn’t work out the way he wanted it to and the way we want him to live, I still have to believe in miracles.”
She also told her mother’s followers that she “stole” her father’s hat after he passed away, adding: “My father’s hat smells like him. I love it.”
At the end of the video, Emilia thanked everyone who had donated to the family’s GoFundMe, set up by her mother’s friends.
“I know he was a good person. Many people loved him, people prayed for him, and… he was loved by many people,” Emilia concluded in a touching video.
When posting the clip, Kimberly explained that Emilia asked her if she had made a video.
“My story has a lot of photos and some videos. All I want to do now is watch his videos with my kids. Thank you so much for all your heart, love, and support for my family. 🩷🥹”
Kimberly wrote to her late husband, adding: “James…we will celebrate March 8th every day for the rest of our lives.”
Many celebrities surrounded the family in the comments section, with Rumer Willis writing, “This is so deep and beautiful. It’s proof that you’ve raised an incredible family. Happy Birthday James. We love you.”
“You’re so smart Emilia ❤️🥹🙏🏻,” Jenna Dewan gushed along with Eric Dane’s widow Rebecca Gayheart, adding, “Oh smart Emilia, thank you 🙏🏽.”
James passed away on February 11th at the age of 48 after a nearly three-year battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer.
“He met his final days with courage, faith and grace,” his wife, 44, announced on Instagram at the time. “There is much to share about his wishes, his love for humanity, and the sanctity of time. That day will come.”
In a final effort to cement their love, James and Kimberly renewed their vows two days before his death.
In addition to Emilia, the couple also have Olivia (15), Joshua (13), Annabelle (12), Gwendolyn (7) and Jeremiah (4).
