James Van Der Beek, known for his role in “Dawson’s Creek,” passed away on February 11 after a battle with colorectal cancer at the age of 48.
Following the announcement by his wife, Kimberly, longtime friend Stacy Keibler shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram.
The Power of Presence in End-of-Life Care
Keibler’s post detailed her final moments with Van Der Beek, emphasizing the importance of being present during difficult times.
She described spending time with him at his Texas ranch, noting, “Spending these final days with you has been a true gift from God. I have never been so present in my life.”
Keibler reflected on the simplicity of those moments: “When you understand time is sacred, you don’t waste a single breath. You don’t rush. You don’t scroll. You don’t worry about tomorrow. You sit. You listen. You hold hands. You watch the sky change colors and you let it change you too.”
Shifting Perspectives on Mortality and Connection
Their final conversation, watching the sunset, touched on the feeling of a world “upside down” and the possibility that Van Der Beek’s spirit was needed elsewhere. She noted a shooting star appeared as they spoke.
Keibler praised Van Der Beek as an “incredible husband” to Kimberly and acknowledged his dedication to their six children.
She described witnessing his devotion to his family as a “blessing.”
Keibler expressed her belief that Van Der Beek’s spirit would continue to have a positive impact, stating, “I know your spirit is doing big things. I perceive it already.”
She shared that she would remember him every time she witnessed a sunset or a rainbow.
Keibler’s message emphasized the importance of living in the present moment: “The present moment is everything. Love the people in front of you. Say the words. Watch the sunset. Trust God, even when you don’t understand.”
Van Der Beek’s Final Months
James Van Der Beek’s final Instagram post, on January 25, featured a photo with his daughter Annabel.
He wrote about recognizing the shared qualities between his father and his daughter.
He praised Annabel’s “open, warm, loving, gentle heart” and her ability to positively influence those around her.
In a video posted last month, Van Der Beek discussed his plans to “recover and rest” in the spring, acknowledging the difficulty of maintaining New Year’s resolutions during the winter months.
He proposed making New Year’s resolutions in the spring, aligning with the natural cycle of renewal.
In December, Van Der Beek discussed his health during an interview, stating he felt “much, much better” than he had a few months prior.
He described his journey as requiring “more patience, more discipline, more strength than I knew I had.”
He was “trying a bunch of stuff” for treatment but did not disclose specifics.
Van Der Beek explained his absence from the “Dawson’s Creek” reunion in September, noting his family attended in his place and received a standing ovation.
The reunion was held to raise funds for F Cancer following his stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis in 2023.
He was diagnosed at age 46 after requesting a colonoscopy.
