Granger Smith's wife writes about how the loss of their son is impacting their lives with God.

 River Smith, the youngest of Granger Smith's three children, passed away at the age of three this June after an incident at the family's home. 

Amber, Granger's wife, writes that this year she "became the closest to God (she's) ever been." After the tragic loss of her son, she and Granger found support in God. Amber often posts about their son on Instagram and how the loss has connected her with Jesus. 

"I can’t live this life without God," Amber says in an Instagram post.

The family is working diligently to promote a foundation set up in their late son's name, The River Kelly Fund. They are using donations to "spread joy" to those in need. The Smiths were inspired after their decision to donate River's organs proved to be impactful to the lives of others.

Amber has also been working to help other parents going through the same loss by ministering to others who are "looking for hope."

View this post on Instagram

2019 - The year that brought me to my knees. The year our beautiful red-headed boy turned 3 & went Home. The year that same sweet boy saved 2 other lives. The year that broke my heart into pieces but also tempered my spirit. The year we started The Smiths. The year we moved from our home and all the memories we made there. The year Linc turned 5 and started kinder and London started 2nd grade. The year that I became the closest to God I’ve ever been. The year I cried every day for 6 months straight. The year London lost 3 teeth and turned 8. The year we ministered to hundreds about grief and hope. The year we vowed to not let anything tear our family apart. The year we promised to find meaning and not reasons. The year Granger and I became closer than ever before. The year my eyes were truly opened to what is important. The year we’ve never felt more love from our community. The year I found out that joy and grief can coexist. The year we dove back into the fire to help other grieving parents. The year that changed me. The year of the blue butterfly. The year I learned that I am not in control. The year that solidified that I can’t live this life without God. I can’t believe it’s been almost 7 months since we held our sweet Riv and that we will be starting a new year without him physically with us. Through this sadness, I’m hopeful for all that is to come. My goals for the coming year are to grow the @theriverkellyfund and help as many people as we can, keep London and Lincoln thriving despite the heartache of the past year, grow in grace and faith with my Maker, share our story in the hopes of helping others, and be in the present moment, because as much as we want to plan and dream, today is all we have. This moment. Each day, whether good or bad, is another gift from God. I hope to live it with gratitude and compassion for others. I hope to continue to surrender my battles, because in my weakness He is my strength. I hope to forgive myself little by little. I hope to keep bringing people to the Kingdom and sharing the love of God that I have felt so strongly. (Continued in comments)

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