Let’s talk about something that hits close to home. James Van Der Beek, the guy we all grew up watching on Dawson’s Creek, recently shared some incredibly tough news with his fans. His mom, Melinda Van Der Beek, passed away at the age of 70 after battling health issues for the past year and a half. On July 13, James took to Instagram to pay tribute to the woman who shaped him into the person he is today.
In his heartfelt post, James opened up about the emotional rollercoaster he’s been on since losing his mom. "Even though we knew this was coming—and had actually thought we were at the end nearly a year and a half ago—I’m still in shock," he wrote. He went on to express the mix of emotions he’s feeling, from gratitude that she’s no longer in pain to the overwhelming sadness and anger that comes with losing someone you love. "I’m sad, I’m angry, I’m relieved—all at once and in different moments. Just trying to hold space and allow for it all," he added. This raw and honest reflection is something we can all relate to when it comes to processing grief.
Who Was Melinda Van Der Beek?
James took the time to celebrate his mom’s incredible life in his post. Melinda wasn’t just a mother; she was a force of nature. Known affectionately as “Miss Melinda,” she was a gymnastics teacher with a heart of gold. Her mantra, “There’s no such word as can’t!” inspired countless kids to push beyond their limits. But James also shared how she was a doting grandma to his five children—Olivia, 9, Joshua, 8, Annabel, 6, Emilia, 4, and Gwendolyn, 2, all of whom she lovingly called "Grammy M." He described her as a magical grandma with a big laugh, a basement full of costumes, and a house that sparkled with Christmas lights year-round.
Read also:Barbara Walters Health Update Jenny Mccarthy Shares Heartfelt Thoughts
James Reflects on His Mom's Legacy
James went on to talk about the profound impact Melinda had on his life. "She gave me life. She taught me how to tumble. Drove me to my first auditions. She believed in me based on nothing but her own intuition," he said. He also credited her for passing down a "craziness" that fueled not only his success but also his personal happiness. It’s clear that Melinda’s influence will continue to shape James and his family for years to come.
As for what comes next, James admitted that he’s unsure of what his grieving and healing process will look or feel like. But one thing he does know is that he won’t be alone. With the love and support of his wife Kimberly, their kids, and everyone else who adored Melinda, James is confident he’ll get through this difficult time.
Words of Comfort for the Future
In closing, James left fans with a comforting thought. "All I know is anytime my kids—or any of her students—want to dress up, or get on a stage, or dance, or even just think of her… they’ll have a little extra love from the other side backing them up," he wrote. It’s a beautiful reminder that the love and legacy of those we lose live on in the hearts of those they touched.
View this post on Instagram43 candles, five kids, an amazing wife… and more questions now than when I was half my my age and thought I knew everything. Thank you to everyone who’s contributed along this crazy journey. Thanks for your love, your creativity, your compassion, your vulnerability… and most of all for daring to live in your heart. #LifeIsATeamSport #AndWeAreAllOnTheSameTeam
Read also:Kate Flannery Opens Up About Her Longlasting Relationship And Love Journey
Heartbreak Piles Up for James and Kimberly
Just weeks before Melinda’s passing, James and Kimberly shared another heartbreaking loss with their fans. In late June, the couple revealed they suffered another miscarriage. This was particularly tough because they had previously shared news of a miscarriage back in November 2019. In a candid Instagram post, James wrote, "After suffering a brutal, very public miscarriage last November, we were overjoyed to learn we were pregnant. This time, we kept the news to ourselves. But last weekend, once again, 17 weeks in…the soul we’d been excited to welcome into the world had lessons for our family that did not include joining us in a living physical body."
James also detailed the harrowing experience of rushing Kimberly to the hospital for blood transfusions. "I stood by, grateful for the good people who navigated the maze of regulations to save her life, but helpless to do much for the woman I loved…other than massage her feet and try to keep her warm," he shared. It’s a gut-wrenching story that shows just how much this couple has been through.
Our thoughts are with James and his family as they navigate this incredibly difficult time. Losing a loved one and experiencing the pain of miscarriage is something no one should have to go through alone. But with the love and support of family, friends, and fans, there’s hope that they’ll find strength in each other and continue to move forward.
