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James Van Der Beek previously shared how his cancer treatment affected his role as a dad
The actor wrote that he was sorry that "there have been spells" where he wasn't able to be the "father I would want to be for you"
The actor, who was a dad of six, died on Wednesday, Feb. 11, following a journey with stage 3 colorectal cancer
James Van Der Beekpreviously shared how his cancer treatment affected his role as a dad.
TheDawson's Creekstar, who died at 48 on Wednesday, Feb. 11, following a journey with stage 3 colorectal cancer, touched on the impact when sharing a carousel of photos of son Jeremiahon Instagramas he celebrated his 4th birthday.
In his caption, Van Der Beek took a minute to celebrate Jeremiah, adding that he was sorry he couldn't be the "father I would want to be" amid his cancer treatment.
"I'm sorry there have been spells where I couldn't be the father I would want to be for you… where I was too weak to pick you up, throw you around, or even put you to bed," Van Der Beek wrote at one point in his lengthy caption. "But know that watching you reveal yourself to us has been one of the greatest joys of my life."
"I love you, bubba. And I always will. And all you ever have to do is be you. Happy birthday, my 'big little boy.' ❤️," the dad of six ended his post.
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Van Der Beek shares his six kids — Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9, Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 4 — with wife Kimberly Van Der Beek.
The actor'swife announced his deathon Wednesday, sharing a statement on Instagram.
"Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace," the post read. "There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."
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Van Der Beek was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer back in 2023. In December, the actor sat down with Craig Melvin to talk about how he was feeling at the time. The actor told Melvin that he "would not be aliveif it weren't for my wife."
"She just has stepped up as a caretaker, as a nurse, as head of the household," he said.
"And then my kids, as much as I want to shield them from seeing me in any kind of pain or stress, I wanted to be Superman, Super Dad. You realize that resilience is not only something that they have and can build, but it's the best thing for them."
Back in January, Van Der Beekshared his last Instagram post, which celebrated his daughter Annabel and his dad James' joint birthday.
"My father and my daughter share a birthday today. At first, I thought that was all they shared — they seemed so different to me," his caption, which accompanied a picture of himself hugging Annabel and one of Annabel cuddling her Grandfather, began.
"But as the two of you have evolved, and let more of who you are shine through, I can recognize the same open, warm, loving, gentle heart. I see the care and dedication you shower upon those you love most," he continued.
"In this crazy world, it's a wonder to me that you've managed to stay so open, so tender, and so genuinely good," he went on, "You are marvels… and I'm so insanely grateful to have you in my life."
Van Der Beek's post ended, "The world is a better place because the two of you are in it. Happy birthday, guys. I love you with all my heart ❤️."
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