Overview
- On March 8, Emilia, 9, posted a multi‑minute tribute on her mother Kimberly’s Instagram to mark what would have been her father’s 49th birthday.
- She says she speaks to her father every day and recommends talking to a deceased loved one as a way to cope with loss.
- She urges mourners to let themselves cry and says her father is no longer in pain and in a better place.
- Kimberly Van Der Beek said Emilia asked to create the message and returned with it after recording outside at the family’s Texas ranch, wearing his cap for comfort.
- Emilia thanks contributors to a GoFundMe supporting the family, which has raised more than $2 million.