Granger Smith's Wife Amber Shares Tribute to Son River 5 Years After He Drowned in Family Pool
The country singer and his wife lost their son River, 3, in a drowning accident in 2019
Amber Smith/Instagram
Anna Smith and son RiverAmber Smith is remembering her son on the fifth anniversary of his death.
On Tuesday, June 4, the wife of country singer Granger Smith, 42, shared a series of photos on her Instagram as she commemorated the death anniversary of her 3-year-old son River Kelly, who tragically drowned in 2019.
Posting photos of herself and her son, Amber took a minute to reflect on how things have changed for her since her son's accident.
"5 years. 5 years ago was the last time we saw our little wild red-head boy vibrant, and alive on this earth," she wrote in her caption. "5 years ago we played and danced for the last time not knowing it was the last."
"5 years ago I stared death in the face. 5 years ago it felt like my heart was ripped out of my chest when we lost him and I kissed his little cheeks for the last time. 5 years ago I didn’t think I would ever have joy again."
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"5 years later I am a new woman. A woman transformed. 5 years later my eyes are open to the Truth and the vapor of a life we have. 5 years later my eyes are fixed on eternity and not this world," she emotionally continued.
"5 years later Jesus has restored my joy in Him. So much can happen in 5 years. Don’t lose heart. Don’t lose hope. When all you want to do is run away, run to the Healer. Again and again. 5 years without you little one, but 5 years closer to eternity."
"We didn’t get the miracle of healing this side of heaven, but through our suffering, we got the miracle of Jesus and His saving grace. That’s the greatest miracle of all," she concluded her post.
Alongside River, Granger and Amber are also parents to sons Maverick, 2, Lincoln Monarch, 9, and daughter London, 11.
In June 2019, Granger and Amber shared the “unthinkable” news on Twitter and Instagram, revealing that “despite doctor’s best efforts, he was unable to be revived.” River was laid to rest on June 11. That December, Amber opened up about the difficult year she had.
“2019 – The year that brought me to my knees. The year our beautiful red-headed boy turned 3 & went Home,” she began in a lengthy post.
“The year that broke my heart into pieces but also tempered my spirit,” she continued, acknowledging that in addition to 2019 being “the year I cried every day for 6 months straight,” it was also “the year I became the closest to God I’ve ever seen” and “the year I found out that joy and grief can coexist.”
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