Granger Smith and Wife Amber Reveal They’re Expecting Baby Two Years After Loss of Son, River

Granger Smith and wife Amber Bartlett broke hearts two years ago after the tragic loss of their son, River. The accident that took the child’s life hit the family like a hammer but two years later, they’re ready to move ahead.

The Smith family posted a message on Instagram confirming that Amber is pregnant with the couple’s fourth child, with a due date in August. “Because of the life you lived, very soon, you’re going to have a baby brother,” Smith’s wife says in the clip posted on Instagram. The emotional caption with the video sums up the family’s feelings.

“We’re pregnant. I don’t have many words for this video. Life isn’t perfect. Sometimes it’s beat up and broken but it’s NEVER hopeless. God promises that,” Smith wrote in the caption. “Our story isn’t finished yet, and neither is yours! Through our suffering and joy, God’s glory radiates through it all! A new Smith boy is due in August.”

Amber also shared the video to her own Instagram page and reflected on the past two years and the loss she experienced with her husband. “If I’ve learned anything over the last 2 years, it’s that I do not have as much control as I think I do,” she wrote in the caption. “Never did I think at 39 I would be blessed with expecting another baby boy. These past couple of years have been so rough but also so full of so much joy, hope, healing, growing and grace from God…Lord, I pray that our story can speak life to someone else who may be suffering to never give up hope. To surrender their burdens to you. To trust you even when it hurts.”

Amber continued on between Bible verses, paying tribute to her late son near the end of the post. “Sweet Riv, because of the beautiful life you lived, we are forever changed and we will continue honoring your big, little legacy until we come home to you,” she wrote including a heart emoji. She also included a note to watch her Instagram stories later in the night, with the couple giving a look back at the 14 months that led to this announcement.

The announcement comes on the heels of the worst thing any parent can experience. On June 6, 2019, Smith had to cancel a show and announced the accidental death of his son in a drowning incident. “I have to deliver unthinkable news. We’ve lost our youngest son, River Kelly Smith,” Smith shared at the time. “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.” The story continues for the couple, though, and now they can add a new chapter that rises out of the loss. Congratulations to the Smiths!