Courtesy of Amber Smith/Instagram; Shutterstock
Granger Smith’s Kids Go Back to School 2 Months After Brother River’s Death: ‘This Sucks’
Moving on with their lives. Granger Smith’s wife, Amber Smith, revealed that their daughter, London, 7, and their son, Lincoln, 5, are heading off to school — two months after their little brother River passed away in a tragic accident.
“Back to school. Man. The full gamut of emotions today,” the 37-year-old blonde beauty wrote on Instagram on Thursday, August 15. “So happy and proud for London entering second grade. So excited for Lincoln to be able to walk into kindergarten at the same school as his big sister. Yet, I’m also so sad they won’t have their little brother bouncing and running down the halls, making everyone laugh at drop-off.”
Amber continued to explain what her routine would have been if River was still alive. “I would normally be going home with just River for another year before he started pre-k,” she continued. “I was so excited to have the one on one time with him while big brother and sister were at school. He was already belting out his ‘ABCD’s’ and teaching me the [difference] between an excavator and front loader. But sometimes the plans we make for ourselves don’t come to pass. Sometimes God has another path for you, your family and your heart.”
The Texas native pointed out that losing her little boy will always hurt, but she will try to be positive going forward. “This sucks, and it will suck for the rest of my life,” she said. “But I’m choosing to make the most out of the hand that we’ve been dealt. I’m choosing to smile, through tears, and get excited for London and Linc because they need and deserve that. I’m going to focus on living a life of meaning for River’s honor, creating the foundation in his name to help others and getting closer to Jesus and my family and friends than I’ve ever been. Not today, Satan. If you’re having a hard time, going through a ‘why God’ season, and your life isn’t what you planned it to be, ‘You CAN do it.’”
Amber ended the lengthy post on a high note and gave her followers some advice when dealing with death. “You have a purpose. It’s not over yet. Just dig deep,” she explained. “Fight when you can and hit your knees when you can’t. Let’s all pray for our kiddos and our teachers and our schools. May God be by their side every step of the way. And thank you ALL for your words of encouragement, kindness and love. They really help my mama heart. Matthew 11:28.”
Of course, fans took to the comments section to show her some love. One person wrote, “Not today, Satan! No way! Not now and not ever! Keep shining, girlfriend! God is using you to spread his hope and peace to a watching world!” while another echoed, “Wow, I am in awe. What an amazing perspective you have. Prayers for you and your family.” A third chimed in, writing, “Beautiful babies … Have a great first day! And so many prayers for your mama heart. Your words and faith are changing lives.”
In June, Granger, 39, and his wife revealed that their 3-year-old son drowned at the star’s home in Georgetown, Texas. “I have to deliver unthinkable news,” he wrote on social media at the time. “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.”
Since then, Amber has been vocal about how she has been coping on Instagram. After she learned that River’s organs were donated to a 49-year-old woman and a 53-year-old man, she was conflicted, but ultimately happy. “I’m so proud to be River’s mama, and I’m so grateful to God that he gave him to me for those incredible three years,” she said. “I pray these two recipients live healthy, joy-filled, full throttle lives just like Riv. It was one of the hardest, yet easiest, decisions we’ve ever made.”
We’re thinking of the Smith family during this tough time.
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