WWE Hall of Famer Stacy Keibler has posted a tribute to her friend, TV and movie star James Van Der Beek.
Van Der Beek, the star of Dawson’s Creek, Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23 , The Rules of Attraction and Varsity Blues died yesterday after a battle with colon cancer. He was 48-years-old.
Keibler revealed that she was there to support Van Der Beek and his family over the last few days.
“Spending these final days with you has been a true gift from God. I have never been so present in my life. When you know 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. In these past days, you taught me more about being present than any book ever could. You showed me what it looks like to trust God’s plan, even when it breaks your heart. Especially when it breaks your heart,” she wrote in her tribute on Instagram.
Keibler explained what an inspiration he was to her.
“The other night we watched the sunset together as you shared your wisdom, your hopes, and the promises we made to each other. We talked about how this world can feel upside down…and how maybe heaven needs your spirit now to help steady us down here. And just as the sun slipped away, a shooting star crossed the sky…as if to remind us that none of this is random,” he continued.
She also wrote about how his battle had a profound impact on her life and that of others.
“You are a gift. An incredible husband. An extraordinary dad. The way you showed up for @vanderkimberly and your children…steady, strong, devoted…was a blessing to witness. It has been an honor to stand beside your family in these sacred moments. It’s pretty incredible how someone can fight so hard for so long, travel the world battling so much, and somehow still look so handsome doing it 🙂 That smile never left you. You have given this world so many gifts. Your presence was a bright light in my life, and in so many others. And while your physical body may no longer be here, I know your spirit is doing big things. I feel it already,” she wrote.
Keibler expressed how much she will miss her good friend.
“We may have lost a good one here on earth… but heaven gained something extraordinary. I will think of you every time I watch a sunset. Every time I see a rainbow stretch across the sky. I’ll know you’re there. And maybe the lesson you leave us with is this: 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. Thank you for changing me. I will carry you with me. Always,” she wrote.
Van Der Beek leaves behind his wife Kimberley and six children.
A GoFundMe has been created by Kimberly’s friends who say the family is now facing an “uncertain future”.
“The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds. They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time. The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead,” states the GoFundMe.
The GoFundMe has generated over $1 million thus far.
