The strength this couple has is immeasurable.
On Wednesday, Granger Smith and his wife Amber Bartlett returned to YouTube with an emotional video detailing their 3-year-old son River Kelly Smith‘s tragic drowning earlier this month.
Related: Country Singers Send Support To Granger Smith Following Death Of His Son
Taking to Instagram to prompt followers to visit the family’s channel, Granger explained:
“We’ve been on quite the journey these past few weeks. I’ve been dark on social media, but I still have a full understanding of the responsibility placed upon me as a public figure. I can choose to snuff that influence, or instead use my platform (in relevancy big or small) towards what I believe is right. I believe I’m obligated on certain levels to include you guys in my current journey, as I’ve been involved either personally or musically in yours.
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The finality and mortality brought on by death makes life feel fragile. It can weaken, terrify and separate those close to it. But it can also awaken us. It can remind us never to take a moment with those we love for granted.
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In my house, we have united stronger and closer than we’ve ever been. We’ve cried. We’ve smiled. I’ve held my family tight. I’ve found strength from God and used that in the face of adversity so that my wife and children can rely on me. I’ve guarded my heart and my mind during weak moments and graciously accepted all of the encouragement and empathy from so many. I have realized that I will not slave over a search for answers, but instead for meaning. I will focus and then cultivate the light from a dark place, the good from the bad, God’s will from my own plans. I can rest assured knowing that River’s assignment on earth was always intended for 1116 days and not only did he live it to the fullest, but he lived it loved by so many, including a mother, father, sister and brother who held nothing back and have no regrets on how much he felt that love. We should all be so blessed to be able to live like Riv.
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Amber and I want you to hear it from us and not just read it, so we made this little video for you to watch. (Link in bio)Thank you for all the love, prayers and support. We feel it!”
Here’s the tearjerking video:
In the nearly 30 minute clip, the Smiths revealed Riv’s accident happened in a flash. One minute they were playing, and the next, they were giving the toddler CPR.
Truly devastating.
The duo shared towards the end of the piece:
“Don’t feel sorry for us because we feel very blessed we had an incredible little boy for three years. We feel really good about that. We feel really good about our other kids and their states of mind right now. We are going to live our best lives.”
As you might know, the pair are also parents to 7-year-old London Smith and 5-year-old Lincoln Smith.
We reported the performer’s tragic news on June 6. He shared with social media followers at the time:
“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.”
Over $100K has already been raised through a t-shirt for the hospital that treated River.
Granger and his family are also heading back on the road to continue his When the Good Guys Win tour starting next week.
We continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers. R.I.P. River.
[Image via YouTube/Instagram]
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