James Van Der Beek revealed his biggest regret as a father amid his battle with cancer while sharing a thoughtful new post on social media.
The actor celebrated his son Jeremiah in a tribute post uploaded via Instagram on Friday, October 10 to mark the boy’s fourth birthday, while apologizing for not being a better father amid his health issues.
“Today I’m 4 years old. After two late losses, we thought we were done. Thank God you knew better,” James, 48, wrote alongside a carousel of photos of Jeremiah, including one in which the boy was sitting on the actor’s shoulders.
James paid tribute to Jeremiah’s lively personality in a heartfelt post.
“An iron will combined with an innate sweetness. And ALL boy. And as you run and scream and hit things… all I can think about is how grateful I am that you came to us,” he wrote. “You’ve been particular from the beginning. And as your language skills have finally caught up with the specificity of your desires, what I’m seeing is a passionate, fun-loving soul who doesn’t think twice about standing up for exactly what she wants. And for that example, I thank you.”
Continuing with the post, the Dawson’s Creek The student then shared that he felt he had not lived up to the standard of parenting he believed his son deserved.
“I’m sorry that there were periods when I couldn’t be the father I would like to be to you… where I was too weak to pick you up, throw you or even put you to sleep… but you should know that watching you reveal yourself to us has been one of the greatest joys of my life,” he added. “And even though you’re stingy with hugs… when you decide to wrap those thick little arms around my neck, it’s like time has stopped and all is right with the world.”
James concluded: “I love you, Bubba. And I always will. And all you have to do is be yourself. Happy birthday, my ‘big boy’. ❤️”
katie holmes, who co-starred with James in Dawson’s Creek in the ’90s, he responded in the comments.
“Soooo sweet!!!!!!” the actress, 46, wrote.
Jeremiah is the youngest of six children James shares with his wife. kimberly. The couple also shares Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 11, Emilia, 8, and Gwendolyn, 6. James and Kimberly have also been open in the past about suffering pregnancy losses in November 2019 and June 2020, which James referenced in the post.
Kimberly Van Der Beek is there to support her husband James Van Der Beek following his cancer diagnosis. “I love you baby,” Kimberly, 42, wrote in the comments section of the actor’s lengthy Instagram message about his health, which he shared on Sunday, November 3. James, 47, uploaded a slideshow of thoughtful photos set to the song. […]
He University blue The star announced in November 2024 that he had been diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer.
“I have been dealing with this diagnosis privately and have taken steps to resolve it, with the support of my amazing family,” she told People at the time, adding, “There is reason for optimism and I feel good.”
In a video interview with the outlet, James addressed the effect his diagnosis has had on his children.
“My children have been great support, love and tenderness,” he said. “And you hate to see them have to grow up that way, but to see how they really put you first, which, as a parent, is heartwarming and also devastating.”