James Van Der Beek opened up about how his health scare affected his role as a father.
Months before the Dawson’s Creek alum’s death, James took to his Instagram account on his son Jeremiah’s fourth birthday and wrote a heartfelt note.
In the detailed birthday tribute, the father-of-six said he was sorry he couldn’t fulfill his fatherhood duties as he wanted while undergoing treatment for bowel cancer.
After a touching birthday greeting to his son, James wrote, “I’m sorry there were times when I couldn’t be the father I wanted to be for you… when I was too weak to pick you up, throw you around, or even put you to bed.”
“But know that watching you reveal yourself to us has been one of the greatest joys of my life,” he added at the time.
“I love you, Bubba. And I always will. And all you ever have to do is be yourself. Happy birthday, my ‘big little boy,'” James concluded his tribute by expressing his love for his children.
Along with Jeremiah, James is also dad to Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, and Gwendolyn, seven.
On February 11, James Wofe Kimberly announced the tragic news of his passing through his official social media account.
The statement read: “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed away peacefully this morning. He spent his final days with courage, faith and grace. There is much to share about his wishes, love for humanity and the sanctity of time. Those days will come. For now, we ask for peaceful privacy as we mourn our loving husband, father, son, brother and friend.”
