She hath wings

I’m sitting here watching many videos of James Van Der Beek. At first, when I read the news, I couldn’t bear to see photos of him unwell. I wanted to fix the youthful, strong and energetic version of him in my mind. As I read more about his life and his love of his wife and kids, and coming to terms with what he was when all was stripped away, I found myself gaining courage to watch videos of him speaking. The hope and gratitude he had was so beautiful. It was inspiring. I encourage you to watch his 48th birthday message. It reminded me of my dad and the message he so desperately needed me to hear;  I am loved. I have a purpose- a unique one- just for me.

Thankyou for the wonderful acting and hours of entertainment you gave us James. Most of all, I am grateful that you knew and you shared what was most important in life. Even though you were brave, your family will be shattered. Your kids will wish they can go to sleep and find you in their dreams or wake up to find that your illness was a bad dream. May the Lord hold them ever so tightly. May your kids not grow up with bitterness, but rather, may they see the beauty you found in the opportunity to live life to the full.

Heartbroken, we let you go, and the era you reminded us of, but we also will remember the courage with which you lived through pain and walked forward to the finish line.