Restoring my faith in humankind

The Van Der Beek’s family trip to Egypt, Summer 2024

So many things in our world sadden me.  Then something unexpected happens, restoring my faith in humankind.

I wrote about the death of James Van Der Beek last week.  It’s the tragic loss of a man who was taken too soon at the age of 48 from colorectal cancer.

His passing leaves Kimberly, his devastated widow, and their six children without the man who was their whole world.

And on top of that massive loss, they were left with tremendous financial hardship, including unpaid medical bills and the risk of losing their home.

Kimberly posted a GoFundMe to ask the world for help.  She posted a funding request for $300,000, which is admittedly a large sum.

If I were her, I might’ve been wondering…will the world care about my family now that my famous husband is gone?

And the world answered.

Within hours of posting this GoFundMe request, they had exceeded their goal.  So they increased it to $500,000.

Before the clock struck midnight on the day, he died, they were up to $700,000.

On Friday, their fund reached $2 million.

And today, the total exceeds $2.6 million.

Nearly 50,000 people have reached into their hearts and their wallets to ensure this family of seven could remain in their home and carry on without their husband and father.

Some gave $25, others gave $100, and a few gave $25,000.

The family’s response?

“Your kindness has meant more than we can put into words.  In the middle of deep grief, your support has been a light.  It reminds us that love is real, that community is strong, and that James’s spirit continues to bring people together.”

In a country with such vicious political division…

and a world with such unspeakable hatred and debauchery on social media platforms…

these 50,0000 acts of kindness have radically impacted my view of humanity for the better.

Things aren’t nearly as terrible as our media portrays.

The human race is predominantly kind and compassionate.

Our society, with all its blemishes and imperfections, is filled with beautiful souls.

I hope this truth uplifts you today.

Cheri

P.S.  This picture was taken in the summer of 2024 when the family visited Egypt.  James described the experience as “magical” and “spiritual”.  I’m so glad they were able to experience this together.