Country music star Granger Smith and his family have been on an emotional journey since the tragic loss of 3-year-old River due to drowning. While in Chicago for the Country LakeShake music festival, the grieving family made a special stop.
“We just happened to be in the same city as the ‘biiiigggggggest T-Rex’ ever found. We had to make a trip to see it in honor of River. This dinosaur was discovered in FAITH, South Dakota by a woman named Sue. And he died by a River ♥️. Open your eyes and you will see signs all around you. We think just maybe, Riv is having the best time of his life in Heaven with this 🦖,” Amber shared via Instagram.
The family continues to stick together as they work to heal. Amber admits that transitioning back to daily life is not easy, “Getting back on the road and back into daily life without River has not been easy in the slightest. Every single thing reminds me of him, and all I can think about is how he would love exploring and seeing all that we are seeing. I see his name everywhere, I see little red-headed toddlers everywhere. I miss his silly personality and his bright light. I see his face in our other kiddos. I have this pit in my stomach constantly, because I’m trying to make life as normal as possible for our other 2 incredible kiddos, London and Lincoln, while hurting so bad inside.”
Although it’s difficult, Amber is doing her best to stay strong and focus on what matters.
“I look around at everyone else and wonder if anyone is going through something like we are. Dumb little things don’t matter anymore. My family does. My faith does. We’ve got this, because God’s got us ✝️. Thank you all for your continued support, prayers and love. It really does help us so much. #livelikeriv,” she concludes.
The family is asking that donations be made to central Texas’ Dell Children’s Medical Center to honor River. The Smiths have also released a special tribute t-shirt through Granger’s Yee Yee Apparel line and proceeds benefit the medical center. The shirts can be purchased here.
