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Entertainment

Country singer Granger Smith's wife Amber speaks about son's death in heartbreaking Instagram post

5 Jul, 2019 03:22 AM5 minutes to read
Amber Smith with her son River, who died last month in a drowning accident at the family's home. Photo / Instagram, amberemilysmith

Amber Smith with her son River, who died last month in a drowning accident at the family's home. Photo / Instagram, amberemilysmith

news.com.au
By Hannah Paine

Country singer Granger Smith's wife Amber has opened up about her grief as the couple continues to mourn the death of their three-year-old son River.

Last month the couple shared the heartbreaking news that their child had died in a drowning accident at home.

Since then, Granger has announced that Amber and the couple's two other children will be joining him on tour.

Granger and Amber have also made a $285,000 public donation to the Texas hospital where River was treated.

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View this post on Instagram

Missing my baby so much ❤️. People keep saying, “you’re so strong” “how are you functioning?” “I wouldn’t be able to get out of bed.” I am broken. My heart will never be the same. I will never be the same. Yes, I have strong moments, but I also (as any grieving mother would do) cry, scream, question, and fall to my knees. Then I get back up and fight. I just want to share my journey with all of you because it will be a long road, and if we can help at least one person going through something like this, then it is worth it to me to be open about my feelings, my faith, my struggles. To any of you experiencing a loss of any kind (and maybe I’m just trying to remind myself here) - You can do this. You can grieve and still be strong for your family, husband and or other kiddos. Lean in to Him in your weakness and learn to not beat yourself up (like I do) when you are having a moment of calm. Shut out the negative and focus on the light and the love. 💫 Be kind to those around you. Before you choose to judge or tear down, always try to encourage or lift people up. That person next to you, that car in front of you, that woman down the street, that man in your office, those kiddos in the store, you never know what kind of trials they are facing. Thank you all again for sharing your stories of loss with me, for lifting my family up through prayers and encouragement. YOU are the reasons for my strength at times and I’m so grateful. ♥️

A post shared by Amber Smith 🦋 (@amberemilysmith) on Jul 1, 2019 at 8:15am PDT

In an Instagram post earlier this week Amber said she was "missing my baby so much" and had been asked how she had been able to function when others "wouldn't be able to get out of bed".

"I am broken. My heart will never be the same. I will never be the same. Yes, I have strong moments, but I also (as any grieving mother would do) cry, scream, question, and fall to my knees. Then I get back up and fight," she wrote.

"I just want to share my journey with all of you because it will be a long road, and if we can help at least one person going through something like this, then it is worth it to me to be open about my feelings, my faith, my struggles."

Amber added that by sharing her experience she hoped others would know they could still "shut-out the negative and focus on the light and the love" in times of grief.

"To any of you experiencing a loss of any kind (and maybe I'm just trying to remind myself here) — You can do this," she wrote.

"You can grieve and still be strong for your family, husband and or other kiddos. Lean in to Him in your weakness and learn to not beat yourself up (like I do) when you are having a moment of calm."

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Last month the couple released a joint statement on Instagram confirming their youngest child's death.

View this post on Instagram

I have to deliver unthinkable news. We’ve lost our youngest son, River Kelly Smith. Following a tragic accident, and despite doctor’s best efforts, he was unable to be revived. Amber and I made the decision to say our last goodbyes and donate his organs so that other children will be given a second chance at life. Our family is devastated and heartbroken, but we take solace in knowing he is with his Heavenly Father. Riv was special. Everyone that met him knew that immediately. The joy he brought to our lives cannot be expressed and his light will be forever in our hearts. If there are words to say more, I cannot find them in this moment. Love the ones close to you. There has never been a more difficult moment for us than this. . . In lieu of flowers or gifts, please send donations to Dell Children’s Medical Center in River’s name. The doctors, nurses and staff have been incredible.

A post shared by Granger Smith (@grangersmith) on Jun 6, 2019 at 10:47am PDT

River had been rushed to hospital but "despite doctor's best efforts, he was unable to be revived", Granger and Amber said.

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They decided to donate their son's organs so "other children will be given a second chance at life".

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