Currently, James Van Der Beek is contemplating the manner in which he informed his six children about his diagnosis of stage 3 colon cancer.
The actor, who is 48 years old, frankly described how he discussed his health experience with his children, whom he shares with his wife Kimberly Van Der Beek, eight months after he disclosed that he had been diagnosed with cancer.
I am not even close to being an expert, but our strategy consisted of just being as honest as we could possibly be, as honest as we could be to the extent that they understood, right? As a result of the fact that they are aware,” Van Der Beek said during his appearance in the third hour of Today on Wednesday, July 30.
The actor who once appeared on Dawson’s Creek said that his children “can sense that Dad is having a tough day.”
If Dad is in pain, they are aware of it. In reference to his children, Olivia, 14, Annabel, 11, Emilia, 9, and Gwendolyn, 6, as well as his boys Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, 2, Van Der Beek said, “They know, and so by not telling them, I think you’re confusing them even more.”
In the event that other parents find themselves in a similar circumstance, Van Der Beek encouraged them to give themselves permission to be amazed by the resilience of their children.
He said, “When you tell them what you’re doing, and you tell them the approach, they can see it and they can feel it, and I think it’s also your journey is their journey,” pointing out that parents should enable their children to show up for them emotionally. He also mentioned that they should allow their children to show up for them emotionally.
“My children are the ones who are brewing my tea. What is it that you need, Dad? “There is a great deal of beauty that has resulted from it, but I would love to save everybody this journey, which is why I am recommending that you get screened,” said Van Der Beek.
In response to a question about his health, Van Der Beek said that he is “feeling great.”
It’s true that I’m in a fantastic mood today. That has been quite a trip. Just like that, there are a lot of highs and lows, as well as a lot of unknowns. For me, dealing with cancer is like having a full-time job,” he remarked.
People magazine published an interview with Van Der Beek in November, during which he discussed his health struggle and expressed his gratitude for the affection that surrounded him despite his illness.