Dawson’s Creek star Mary-Margaret Humes is continuing to honor a tradition with her onscreen son, James Van Der Beek, one month after his death.
James’ wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, took to her Instagram Story on Sunday, March 8, to honor memories with the late actor on what would have been his 49th birthday — and also share new moments with the couple’s six kids. In the clip, the kids gathered around an outdoor table as they looked at a gift given to them by Humes.
“Who do you think sent this?” Kimberly asked, to which the kids replied in unison, “Mary Margaret.” After Kimberly inquired about what was inside the box, the children exclaimed, “Cookies!”
“And we always get them on Daddy’s birthday,” Kimberly explained, while one of the kids said, “Don’t stop sending these.”
Before unpacking the box, the kids read a note written by Humes, which said, “Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. For those who love with their heart and soul, there is no such thing as separation. Happy birthday kiddo. I love you.”
Humes, for her part, reposted the video and added two hearts, alongside the text, “Forever family.” Humes also paid tribute to James via Instagram on Sunday, sharing a collage of throwback photos with her onscreen son and his family.
“You are never more than a thought away,” Humes wrote. “Happy Birthday James … #familyfirst #foreverfriends @vanderkimberly ❤️.”
News broke in February that James died after a battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. He was 48.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” a statement shared via the actor’s Instagram read at the time. “There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
Humes, for her part, honored James by sharing a selfie of the twosome and a throwback photo.
“Rarely am I at a loss for words … today would be the exception. James, my gracious warrior, you fought a hard battle against all odds with such quiet strength and dignity,” Humes wrote via Instagram at the time. “I will always love and admire you for that. Our last conversations … merely a few days ago … are forever sitting softly in my heart for safe keeping. To our extended Dawson’s Creek family of friends, please be respectful of our silences at the moment as Beautiful Kimberly and family have asked for peaceful privacy for now.”
