James Van Der Beek is celebrating Thanksgiving with his loved ones and reflecting on his recent cancer diagnosis.

Earlier this month, the 47-year-old actor exclusively confirmed to PEOPLE that he had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

To mark Thanksgiving, Van Der Beek shared a thoughtful Instagram post on Thursday, Nov. 28, about the recent developments in his life alongside a sweet photo of him with his wife Kimberly posing in a field with their six children.

In the caption, Van Der Beek began by acknowledging, “It’s been a tough year… and I’m thankful for all of it.”

“For the giant life re-direct cancer has placed in my path. For the gift of knowing what it feels like to have friends come through on such a profound level, and in ways I never would have been able to ask for had I not been going through it,” he wrote.

The Dawson’s Creek star also wrote that he is “grateful to each and every one of you who has reached out and sent good vibes and prayers,” adding, “It all lands and makes a difference.”

Van Der Beek gave his wife a special shoutout in his post, noting “I’m more grateful than ever to my super human wife who has shown up on levels I never knew possible.”

“Who has shown me what unconditional love is and the magic that comes from that,” the actor wrote. “I am in awe of you, @vanderkimberly.”

He concluded, “And of course, I’m beyond thankful the little blond army of hearts who keep me present, active, and inspired just by being you. I love you guys beyond.”

Van Der Beek opened up to PEOPLE about his diagnosis, stating earlier this month, “I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family. There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”