James Van Der Beek sadly passed away on February 11, at the age of 48 due to stage three colorectal cancer.
Retired WWE wrestler and friend Stacy Keibler took to social media to share a moving picture of herself leaning onto James' wheelchair in the backyard as they watched a sunset together.
© InstagramShe loving captioned it: "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."
Stacy added: "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."
© WireImageStacy recalled just how special their hangout was the other night and how it opened up her eyes about the world and how to see it.
She added: "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."
Stacy went on to compliment James for his lasting impact as a husband and father figure.
She continued: "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."
© InstagramDespite the devastating news, Stacy continues to remain hopeful and think back on her memories with James positively.
She expressed: "And while your physical body may no longer be here, I know your spirit is doing big things. I feel it already. 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."
Stacy concluded her post by emphasizing the greatest thing that James taught her.
She concluded: "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."
© InstagramAnother emotional photo was posted by designer Erin Fetherston who shared a snapshot of her smiling at her good friend James who was in bed.
She wrote: "Brother James, you were loved by the whole world, but to us — you were Uncle James. Thank you for your friendship. For always showing up. For being the one who would go the extra mile. When our dog died in the middle of the night, you were the one who came over with a shovel. When our babies were born, you and @vanderkimberly were the very first visitors — you didn’t just celebrate our milestones, you were part of them. What an honor it was to have a seat at your table and to call you a best friend. The space you leave behind can never be filled, but we will do our best to shower your beautiful family with love and remember to keep dancing in your honor — because you always knew the importance of joy. We love you. Always."
The Dawson's Creek star leaves behind six children, including Annabel who was his last child featured on his social media for her 12th birthday on January 25. James' father Jim also shares the same birthday.
© InstagramIn the carousel post, James was seen hugging Annabel from behind, as she tightly held onto his arms. In the second picture, his daughter and father were seen smiling while embracing on the couch.
The actor got sentimental in the caption, writing: "My father and my daughter share a birthday today. At first, I thought that was all they shared - they seemed so different to me. But as the two of you have evolved, and let more of who you are shine through, I can recognize the same open, warm, loving, gentle heart."
He continued: "I see the care and dedication you shower upon those you love most. I see the same out-of-the-box Aquarian creativity and originality. And you both make every room you're in more fun. Different senses of humor, but you both have a way of alchemizing the vibe around you in such a subtle way one can almost miss how powerfully you do this."
James concluded: "In this crazy world, it's a wonder to me that you've managed to stay so open, so tender, and so genuinely good. You are marvels… and I'm so insanely grateful to have you in my life. The world is a better place because the two of you are in it. Happy birthday, guys. I love you with all my heart."
Although James had a successful career, it was becoming a father that changed "everything" for the star.
He revealed to Good Morning America: "What you genuinely want [as a father] is to take care of them, to make them feel safe, to keep them safe, to connect with them and feel that joy."
Being a dad was an experience that enlarged his level of compassion and empathy. He added: "Your life becomes shared and your joys become shared joys, and in a really beautiful way, that expands your level of circuitry out to other people instead of just keeping it all for your own gratification."
© InstagramThe actor explained that parenting is something that you continually practice in order to get it right. He added: "I don't know that you're ever fully ready for any parenting stage until it's actually happening. [I] try to keep as open a heart and open a mind as possible and...hope for the best."
In addition to Annabel, James has left behind Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Emilia, nine, Gwendolyn, seven, and Jeremiah, four, all of whom he welcomed into the world alongside his wife Kimberly Van Der Beek.
