James Van Der Beek has reflected on his and wife Kimberly Van Der Beek’s fertility journey in a heartfelt tribute for their son Jeremiah’s fourth birthday.
“Four years old today. After two late-term losses, we thought we were done,” the Dawson’s Creek star began his post.
”Thank God you knew better.”
“An iron will combined with an innate sweetness. And ALL boy,” he added.
James and Kimberly welcomed their sixth and final child Jeremiah in October 2021.
The actor shared the sweet birthday tribute alongside a series of photos of their youngest son.
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“And as you run around and scream and bang things… all I can think about is how grateful I am that you came to us,” James continued.
“You’ve been particular from the jump. And as your language skills have finally caught up the specificity of your desires, what I’m seeing is a fun-loving, passionate soul who doesn’t think twice about speaking up for exactly what he wants.
“And for that example I thank you.”
Last year, the actor revealed that he has stage three colorectal cancer.
”I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” Van Der Beek told People at the time.
Touching on his health battle, James continued the birthday tribute apologising to his son for not always being able to show up 100 per cent.
“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,” he wrote.
“But know that watching you reveal yourself to us has been one of the greatest joys of my life.
“And even though you’re stingy with the hugs… when you do decide to wrap those thick little arms around my neck, it’s like time has stood still and all is right with the world.”
James concluded his post by telling his son: “all you ever have to do is be you”.
The post comes just weeks after James was forced to pull out of a fan event after falling ill with “two stomach viruses” amid his cancer battle.
While he wasn’t able to be there in person, he surprised fans at the event in New York City with a video message.
”I can’t believe I’m not there. I can’t believe I don’t get to see my cast mates, my beautiful cast in person,” he said in his video message, according to People.
Van Der Beek went on to thank fans for attending.
“Thank you for coming. It’s just absolutely humbling just how much you did for this night, and I just want to say thank you,” he said.
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