A touching moment shared by the daughter of late actor James Van Der Beek is resonating with many online after she spoke openly about grief, faith, and remembering her father on what would have been his 49th birthday.
Nine-year-old Emilia Van Der Beek recorded a heartfelt video that her mother, Kimberly Van Der Beek, later shared on Instagram. The emotional message came just weeks after the actor's passing following a three-year battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer.
In the video, Emilia offered simple yet powerful thoughts about coping with the loss of someone you love.
"The number one thing for somebody's passing is to talk to them and let your emotions out," Emilia said. "I talk to my dad every day. I say, 'Hi Dad, I miss you and I love you so much, and I'll never stop loving you.'"
The young girl said she believes her father is now "in a good place" and "not in pain anymore." She added that she feels he is watching over her and their family.
"You have to feel in your heart they're watching over you," she said. "They are part of your body and in a good place."
Holding on to Memories
Emilia also shared one small way she keeps her father close. She said she kept one of his hats because it still carries his familiar scent.
"My dad's hat smells like him and I love it so much," she said.
She ended her message by encouraging others experiencing loss to be honest about their emotions and remember the love they shared with those who have passed.
"I praise my dad," Emilia said. "I know he was a good man. A lot of people loved him and prayed for him."
A Moment That Has Touched Many
For many Christian readers, Emilia's words reflect something deeply familiar - the belief that death is not the end and that loved ones who trust in God are in His care.
Her simple statement that her father is "in heaven above the clouds with God and the Lord" echoes the hope many believers hold when facing grief.
While losing a loved one is always painful, stories like this remind us that faith often becomes a source of strength during life's hardest moments. The Bible reminds believers that God is close to the brokenhearted and offers comfort to those who mourn.
As Emilia and her family marked what would have been James Van Der Beek's birthday, many people online shared prayers and messages of support - a reminder that even in sorrow, love and faith continue to shine through.
Source: Instagram (vanderkimberly)
