Meadow Walker turned 21 on Monday and her “uncle” Vin Diesel had a very special and heartfelt birthday message for her. Meadow is the daughter of the late actor Paul Walker, whom Diesel had worked with on the “Fast and the Furious” franchise and subsequently became very close to. Diesel posted the tribute to Meadow on Instagram.

“I could say that I am so proud of the person you are becoming... but the truth is I have always been proud of you. Happy Birthday Meadow! I know it’s your 21st and you wanted to go big in Japan, but the family has a cake waiting for you when you get home, so hurry. Love you kid. Uncle Vin”.

Diesel being referred to as “Uncle Vin” in the post is entirely due to the families’ strong bond. Diesel and Paul were so close that Diesel named his daughter Pauline after his best friend and co-star.

E! Online reports that, after losing Paul nearly six years ago, Meadow has developed a very close bond of her own with Diesel and his family and spends a lot of time with Pauline.

This isn't the last time Diesel has paid tribute to Walker and his family on social media. In September, on what would have been Paul’s 46th birthday, Diesel remembered his fallen co-star with a remembrance post. "So much to tell you… so much to share…" Diesel shared as part of a long Instagram post, where he recounted a recent wrap party of the most recent “Fast and the Furious” film in Scotland, in which he was very missed.

Diesel’s post continued: “We only hope to make you proud. Speaking of which, guess what message I woke up to... your daughter. Meadow sending me love on this day. Wow, she knows me so well. She has your heart.”

Fellow “Fast and the Furious” cast members Tyrese Gibson and Ludacris each had their own messages for Paul.

Vin Diesel and Paul Walker
Paul Walker will always be alive in the “Fast and Furious” franchise. Pictured: Actors attend the premiere of “Fast & Furious” at Universal CityWalk Theaters in Universal City on March 12, 2009. Getty Images/Kevin Winter
RELATED STORIES
Japan Instagram