James Van Der Beek has discovered a “newfound gratitude” for his wife, Kimberly.
On Friday, the “Dawson’s Creek” alum shared a touching message in honor of Kimberly after she suffered a life-threatening miscarriage earlier this month.
Captioning a photo of his wife, James began, “In a place of newfound gratitude to have @vanderkimberly in this world today. Got really scary for a minute there — scary enough to wake me up to how much appreciation I have for so many things I just take for granted.”
“Also… thankful for all of you,” he continued. “I’ll admit, I paused for a moment, wondering if it was healthy to be thankful for one’s IG following, but it’s the quality of people on here I’m grateful for, not so much the quantity.”
“I’d never been so open (especially with tragedy) as I’ve been these last few weeks, and you responded with love and support and prayers and shared your own stories, and we felt the energy… and it helped,” James concluded. “So thank you. Also grateful that @amandademme was at the same Thanksgiving last night, who saw Kimberly resting after dinner and turned it into this photo. #ArtSaves #happythanksgiving everyone ❤️”
The “Varsity Blues” star and Kimberly, who have been married since 2010, are parents to Olivia, 9, Joshua, 7, Annabel, 5, Emilia, 3, and Gwendolyn, 17 months.
The couple revealed Kimberly had suffered a miscarriage earlier this month, on the night of James’ elimination from “Dancing with the Stars.” Both James and Kimberly described their shock and devastation, as Kimberly added that the experience almost took her life. She also revealed it was a boy.
During the semi-finals of the dancing competition show on Nov. 19, James described the miscarriage as “every expecting parent’s worst nightmare,” adding, “You never know why these things happen. That’s what I’ve been telling my kids. All you know is that it brings you closer together, it breaks you open, it opens up your heart, it deepens your appreciation, it makes you more human.”
“Kimberly, I love you,” he said, dedicating his final dance to his wife. “Kimberly, I’m dancing for you. I’m dancing for us.” After completing a near-perfect foxtrot with partner Emma Slater, James sat on the floor and wept into her arms. There was not a dry eye in the room.
Taking to Instagram after his elimination, James wrote alongside a photo of his wife, 37, and one of their daughters, “Wrecked. Devastated. In shock. That’s how we’re feeling right now after the soul we thought were going to welcome into our family in April…has taken a short cut to whatever lies beyond this life.”
“We’ve been through this before, but never this late in the pregnancy, and never accompanied by such a scary, horrific threat to @vanderkimberly and her well-being,” he went on. “Grateful that she’s now recovering, but we’ve only just begun unpacking the layers of this one.”
“Thank you to all of our friends and co-workers (and dance partners) who have shown up for us so beautifully during this time,” James added. “As many of you have said, ‘There are no words…’ and it’s true. Which is why in a time like this it’s enough to know that you’re there. Grieving AND counting our blessings today.”
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