Granger Smith + Wife Amber Thank Fans Following Son River’s Death: ‘We Are Gonna Search for Every Bit of Good’
About two weeks after their youngest child, River Kelly Smith, drowned, country singer Granger Smith and his wife Amber have released a video thanking fans, his country artist peers and many others for the love and support they've shown their family as they navigate their grief. In the clip, the couple also reflects on how they'll carry on 3-year-old River's legacy, and the meaning they've drawn from both his life and his death.
Readers can press play above to watch the Smiths' full video message, which also features a montage of sweet moments from River's life that was played at his funeral service. The couple, who spoke at their son's service together, say they recorded the video to stress that they "are committed to each other. We're committed to our family, our kids, our faith, and we are stronger than ever right now."
"We are gonna search for every bit of good that we can find in this situation, the worst situation that we've been through, hopefully ever," Granger Smith says, later adding, "We are going to constantly search for the meaning behind all of this ... We're not going to get caught up in the reasons ... but we'll find the meaning, and the good, in this."
River's parents donated his organs following his death in early June. In their video, the Smiths say they have "a new understanding" of and appreciation for all that first responders, doctors and nurses do because of how hard they worked to try and save their son.
The Smiths, who are often choking back tears throughout their video message, share that Granger Smith plans to keep his music career going, and will head back out on tour soon. His family -- Amber and their two other children, 7-year-old London and 5-year-old Lincoln -- will be with him on the road.
"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," Granger Smith writes on Instagram. "I can rest assured knowing that River’s assignment on earth was always intended for 1,116 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."
When they first shared the news of River's death, the Smiths asked that, in lieu of flowers or gifts, those wishing to express their sympathy make donations to the Dell Children's Medical Center in River's name. A T-shirt in memory of River, the proceeds from which are also going to Dell Children's Medical Center, has raised more than $100,000 to date.
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