The country singer and his wife lost their son River, 3, in a drowning accident in 2019
Amber 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 multiple photos on her Instagram, reflecting on the loss of their 3-year-old son, River Kelly, who tragically drowned in 2019.
Posting heartfelt photos of herself and River, Amber took a moment to share how much life has changed since that fateful day.
“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. “5 years ago we played and danced for the last time, not knowing it was the last.”
“5 years ago I faced death. 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 experience joy again.”
“5 years later I am a new woman. A woman transformed. 5 years later my eyes are open to the Truth and the fleeting nature of life we have,” she continued with emotion.
“5 years later my eyes are fixed on eternity and not this world. 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,” she urged. “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 on 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.”
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 delivered the heartbreaking news on social media, revealing that despite doctor’s best efforts, they could not revive River. He was laid to rest on June 11. Later that December, Amber reflected on their challenging year.
“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.”
