The reality of James Van Der Beek‘s death is “settling in” for his family.
Kimberly Speaks Out
His widow, Kimberly Van Der Beek, 44, admitted the “comforts of shock have worn off” for her and their children, three months since James lost his three-year battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer on February 11 at the age of 48.
Kimberly took to Instagram on Tuesday and penned an emotional tribute to the Dawson’s Creek star, with whom she has Olivia, 15, Emilia, nine, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Gwendolyn, seven, and four-year-old Jeremiah.
She captioned a series of adorable snaps of James with her and the children over the years. “Yesterday was three months since we lost @vanderjames.”
“To say I’m heartbroken is a severe understatement. Words just don’t capture what grief is. The comforts of shock have worn off. The reality is settling in… and I miss him. We all miss him.”
Kimberly’s faith has “deepened” following James’ death.
The film producer continued, “Yet, there is a different kind of magic in the air. I feel him. I know him more deeply. My conscious connection to God has deepened.”
“The veils of the universe have thinned. And I trust that this is the path me and my family have always been intended to walk.”
Thanking Fans
Kimberly thanked fans for the outpouring of love they have shown her, the children, and the wider Van Der Beek family since James passed away.
She concluded, “The outpouring of support has been tremendous. It’s held our family in the most beautiful of ways. You all went absolutely above and beyond anything I could have ever expected in supporting us and honoring James.”
“I am deeply grateful. There is so much more to share here. And in time – I will.”
Emilia’s Tips for Heartbreak
In March, Kimberly and James’ daughter Emilia reflected on losing her dad, and offered “little tips” for navigating heartbreak in an emotional video shared to Instagram on March 8 – what would have been James’ 49th birthday.
Emilia revealed she talks to the Varsity Blues alum “every day” and knows he is now “in a good place,” and “not in pain anymore.”
The youngster recalled James telling her to keep “believing in miracles” if the worst happened to him.
And she encouraged people to express their emotions.
Emilia concluded her video by thanking those who donated to her mom’s GoFundMe crowdfunder, which has raised more than $2 million for covering “essential living expenses, bills, and support for the children’s education.”
She said, “Also, if you donated to the Kimberly Van Der Beek fundraiser, thank you so much. I checked it, holy moly. Thank you so much. I am blown away.”