Granger Smith Shows What Love Looks Like After Tragedy In Anniversary Post

Granger Smith and his wife Amber celebrated their tenth wedding anniversary on Tuesday (February 11). Now, a decade later, the couple is reflecting on their relationship and the storms they've had to weather, especially throughout the last year.

The couple lost their 3-year-old son, River in a drowning accident at their family home near Austin in June 2019. Smith opened up on social media about how the tragedy has affected his relationship with his wife, showing his painfully real perspective.

"It's not real," Smith writes alongside a picture perfect photo of himself with his wife. He acknowledges that from the outside looking in, it might look like a couple "living out the fairytale story." He continues on to explain that while it might look that way to the public, what he sees is something completely different.

"What I see: 2 people in a storm," Smith says. "Hanging on to God for truth and guidance like a lone fence post in a ravaging wind. I see a girl hurting. Drawing on unimaginable strength just to continue on with necessary motherly duties. Clinging to the Bible like it’s a life raft hurdling through an unknown sea. I see a man, savagely battling a relentless demon. Shielded only by Faith and masking the crippling weakness brought on by his deep shame; his failure as a father."

"But we’re still in love," he continues. "Stronger than ever before, but it feels different in its evolution now. It’s not the fairytale, but the vulnerability that fuels the fire. The very essence of what makes us human...bounded by integrity and truth but still fundamentally flawed...that makes our love mature."

As he starts to conclude his post, he notes how sweet it is to see a young couple in love, but how it's even better to see an older couple still together. "Because you know the peaks and valleys they’ve climbed together, the storms they’ve weathered, the mature love that’s endured," he explains, adding, "THAT is the real fairytale."

Since the accident, the family has been open about the grieving process. Both Granger and Amber have shared multiple social media posts updating fans while also periodically sharing videos to their family YouTube channel, The Smiths.

The family also recently announced their plans to continue to honor their late son's memory through the River Kelly Fund. The organization will support charities and causes that are close to the family's heart, including arts and education, wildlife preservation, first responders and more.

Photo: Getty Images