On Monday, she shared aseries of smiley photographsof herself and her youngest child, interspersed with a collection of inspirational quotes from the Bible like “The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness” and “With His love, He will calm all your fears.”
“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,” Amber captionedher heartbreaking post. “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 toshare my journey with all of youbecause 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,” she addressed her followers.
Amber Smith and son River.Amber Smith/Instagram
Granger Smith and son River.Courtesy Smith Family
“You can grieve and still be strong for your family, husband and or other kiddos,” she wrote. “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 negativeand focus on the light and the love. 💫”
“Be kind to those around you,” Amber advised. “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 prayersand encouragement. YOU are the reasons for my strength at times and I’m so grateful. ♥️”
Granger Smith and family.Granger Smith/Instagram
Smith’s rep confirmed to PEOPLE on June 6that River’s tragic death wasdue to a drowning accident at home. That same day, the 39-year-old singer shared the “unthinkable” news on Twitter and Instagram, revealing “despite doctor’s best efforts, he was unable to be revived.” River was laid to rest on June 11.
On June 23,Smith debuted a new tattoowhile making hisemotional return to the stagefollowing his son’s death at the Country LakeShake music festival in Chicago. The tattoo consists of the name “River” written in large black script across the country musician’s right forearm.
The “Backroad Song” crooner also showed off the tattoo on Tuesdaywhile presenting a check for $218,791to Dell Children’s Medical Center, where River received medical attention before his death.
“Let this be a small token of the gratitude that we’ve got for you guys,” Smith said of the donation.
source: people.com
