What a heartbreaking loss for James Van Der Beek‘s family.
On Monday night’s episode of Dancing with the Stars, the 42-year-old revealed his wife Kimberly Van Der Beek suffered a miscarriage. The admission came right before the semi-finalist contestant danced what would be his final number of the competition.
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In his emotional announcement, the Dawson’s Creek star said:
“My wife Kimberly and I went through every expectant parent’s worst nightmare. We lost the baby. The little soul that we had expected to welcome into our family took a shortcut to whatever lies beyond. You never know why these things happen. It’s what I’ve been telling my kids. All you know is that it brings you closer together.”
James continued, dedicating his and partner Emma Slater’s Take Me To Church routine to his wife who was at home recovering, adding:
“It breaks you open. It opens up your heart. Deepens your appreciation. Makes you more human. I really didn’t think I would be dancing tonight. But Kimberly from our hospital bed said to me, ‘I am not done watching you dance.’ Kimberly, I love you.”
The news of the miscarriage comes one month after Van Der Beek announced Kimberly was expecting on a previous episode of DWTS. At the time, the actor shared a clip of his wife’s ultrasound visit with their daughters Olivia, nine, Annabel, five, Emilia, three, Gwendolyn, one, and son Joshua, seven, in attendance.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time their family has experienced this kind of loss.
For those of our readers who may not know, the couple has been transparent about their struggles to continue growing their brood, sharing on social media they suffered three failed pregnancies before this one.
However, the Pose star admitted nothing could prepare them for the tragedy that nearly took his spouse’s life this time around.
Alongside the Instagram snaps (above), Van Der Beek penned:
“Wrecked. Devastated. In shock. That’s how we’re feeling right now after the soul we thought were going to welcome into our family in April… has taken a short cut to whatever lies beyond this life. We’ve been through this before, but never this late in the pregnancy, and never accompanied by such a scary, horrific threat to @vanderkimberly and her well-being. Grateful that she’s now recovering, but we’ve only just begun unpacking the layers of this one. Thank you to all of our friends and co-workers (and dance partners) who have shown up for us so beautifully during this time. As many of you have said, “There are no words…” and it’s true. Which is why in a time like this it’s enough to know that you’re there. Grieving AND counting our blessings today.”
The momma-of five also took to IG to thank fans for their kind messages of support during this difficult time and wrote:
“It was a TOUGH weekend. Extra thankful right now to have help with my kids. Keeping these cuties happy as can be while I replenish at home.”
We are sending lots of love and comfort to the Van Der Beeks at this time.
[Image via WENN/Avalon]
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