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James Van Der Beek uploaded a photo series on his Instagram earlier on Friday to open up and reflect on two devastating pregnancy losses.
The Dawson’s Creek actor, 45, and his wife, Kimberly Brook, share six children together, but suffered a total of fives miscarriages in nine years, including one in 2019, followed by another shortly a year later in 2020.
In his post, the hard-working father explained that the family had reached peace after the losses, and expressed, ‘Healing comes at its own pace.’
Reflection: James Van Der Beek, 45, uploaded a post onto his Instagram to reflect on the healing process following two pregnancy losses in 2019 and 2020
In the photo series, James explained that the first photo, which included himself and one of his sons, was taken shortly after Kimberly’s first miscarriage in 2019.
‘Pic #1 we had just lost a baby 18 weeks into pregnancy and almost lost @vanderkimberly in the process.’ He then emphasized other difficulties he was facing at the time. ‘I had a collaboration going south, rapidly.’
‘And I’d just been booted off a reality dancing competition I’d been favored to win. (I feel like three out of those four are fairly relatable),’ the actor added for a touch of humor.
From past to present: After Kimberly suffered two miscarriages, the couple welcomed their sixth child, Jeremiah, in October 2021; the actor pictured this month in August with two of his children
The second photo he shared was taken earlier this month in August. James could be seen pictured with two of his children, including baby Jeremiah who was welcomed in October 2021 following Kimberly’s two miscarriages.
The star then continued to explain that after the baby loss, ‘Last minute, we rented an #RV, and headed north. No real plan, just day-to-day. Late one night we pulled into a quaint little RV park I’d booked a few hours earlier, and woke up next to this river.’
The Varsity Blues actor discussed accepting the loss and the pain in order to properly heal.
‘And thus began the process – not necessarily of healing – but of being present. Present to the pain. Present to the beauty around us. And present to the acceptance of being in a process I did not understand.’
New baby: Last year, the actor and his wife welcomed a baby boy, Jeremiah, after two pregnancy losses
At peace: Following two pregnancy losses two years in a row, James reflected that, ‘I’m astounded by how much I didn’t know about the path to where I am now’
James added that after visiting the river in 2019, the family has returned, except they were no longer mourning a loss.
‘2 ½ years later, after another late-term pregnancy loss, after that project blew up completely, after we moved to a new state and got our own RV… we came back to that same spot. With a brand new baby boy.’
The Rules Of Attraction star talked about how there is always hope, despite how saddened he felt about the losses over the past couple of years.
‘Reflecting back on that first trip, I’m astounded by how much I didn’t know about the path to where I am now… and by how much peace I was able to feel in the midst of that darkness.’
Growing family: James and Kimberly tied the knot in 2010, and have six children together, Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah
Happy couple: Despite the miscarriages, James and Kimberly have stayed strong and continue to be there for their children; pictured together in 2019 in Hollywood
At the end of his statement, James added a few inspiring and touching words, ‘Whatever you’re going through… if you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, or even know where to look for it…’
‘I invite you to not underestimate the power of a little change of environment… and of taking the time to sit exactly where you’re at,’ the talented star continued. ‘Healing comes at its own pace. Presence might just be a pre-requisite.’
Following the miscarriages, the Van Der Beek family up and moved from Los Angeles to Austin, Texas in 2021 for a fresh start.
The couple opened up to People about the big transition. ‘It’s the deepest breath, and the kids love Texas. Moving here helps spread them out and become self-sufficient because nature becomes their play toy,’ Kimberly stated.
James also weighed in on settling into a big ranch. ‘We’re really happy here. It’s very healing.’
Previous relationship: Before tying the knot with Kimberly, James was previously married to actress Heather Ann McComb, but after saying ‘I do’ in 2003, the two divorced in 2010
Healing: The actor explained in his recent Instagram post that, ‘Healing comes at its own pace’; seen in 2019in Los Angeles
Big move: After the miscarriages, the Van Der Beek family moved from Los Angeles to a ranch in Austin, Texas