Granger Smith Opens Up About Abusing Substances After His Son Drowned

Granger Smith details abusing ‘weed, vaping and alcohol’ to cope with his son’s death in his new book, 'Like A River,’ which is out now.

[@kendrawilson8131]

We love you Granger!!! This interview had to be so hard for you. I can see it in your eyes. Thank you for being so vulnerable to all of us. Lifting you and Amber up in prayer.

[@maxcullen3427]

Yeah but he amazingly powered through it

[@kendalrush5595]

Grief is the hardest thing to go through. You’ve got this granger ! Praying for you & your family

[@JulieLorraine1]

This book is the most honest, raw story, I have ever read. I could feel his pain, his guilt, Shame and ultimately his love. Such a powerful read. I highly recommend everyone gets their hands on this book.

[@karenseay2225]

The book is awesome. Beautiful, sad, redemptive. I bawled most of the way through it.

[@lilthislilthat]

Love the Smith family! I've been following along their journey on their KZbin channel, and it's been incredible watching God work in them and through them! 🙌

[@SharonWard-dx1sv]

Amen. ☁️🎺👼🙏✨👑

[@sherrylongbine3876]

I know this testimony will help others that are going through very tough situations in their lives. Thank you and may God continue to bless River’s family as they share Jesus, the life giver, with others.

[@SharonWard-dx1sv]

Amen. ☁️🎺👼🙏✨👑

[@maryjdobson7316]

The loss of a child is one of the hardest journey's I've ever walked! You have a gorgeous family & I'M SO PROUD OF YOU.I would love to write with you ❤Blessings,Strength to move fwd , LoVE up to your AMAZING FAMILY,

[@carolynturk-hu7je]

Maverick did know River, as gifts from God. They met before Maverick was given to Granger and his wife as the sweet consummation of their love. He is a blessing for sure just as River was, is and always will be.

[@julievanderleest]

Grief is in my opinion the hardest emotion there is. I lost my dad as a kid and it was very hard and it did take a long time to process. I lost my big sister a couple years ago. We were extremely close. I have a lot of medical issues and because of that I could no longer work at the job I absolutely loved, I lived with my mom and we had the best and tightest relationship. We did everything together. Then after returning from a day of errands and shopping she fell asleep on the couch and never woke up. Her last words to me were, “once a mom always a mom. I will always be yours.” She said that after I chuckled because she was telling me to go rest because I wasn’t feeling well. This was 6 months ago. I had never been to a point so low that I was ready to commit suicide. Had I owned a firearm, I probably would have held it to my head. Losing a child has to be a far greater pain than I could imagine. My mom lost her child, and she certainly struggled but to lose a young child, there’s no words.

[@PEPSIMAX2013]

grief is another level when you sleep in the streets or not having food ...but you dont deserve that destiny anyways

[@JayL1221]

Praying you find strength. Keep going God has a purpose for you.

[@thezendo6746]

Love lives on ..remember this..and grief is grief...if u don't have a child u wouldn't know...but they are a apart of u and so it be like loosing a arm...

[@Daydreamer233]

Do you realize how many people you are helping? 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@Lu-qg7qm]

Granger, you are so brave to share your story. All glory to God!

[@latonyagreen-warner7402]

Granger Smith, you and your family are in my prayers. Thanknyou for sharing your story😊

[@pacificnorthwest7456]

Omg I’m such a longtime huge fan of Granger and had no idea just how deep the pain was going with him when River drowned. Omg love Granger so much

[@karissaspicer1421]

Been a huge fan of Granger for years now. Was so sad to hear he was done with the music industry. I read his book and immediately understood why. Best book hands down I’ve ever read. Never cried that hard throughout a whole book and it starts in Chapter 1. So well written and an incredible story that’s meant to be told.

[@blovedh4]

I’ve been watching the smiths for years. This. This is why I believe in God. Because this family showed us joy and grief simultaneously… while also never telling us these pieces. Granger: you are a strong man. I love u and ur family. Honestly. I can’t even put it into words how much your family changed my life. God bless you.

[@crystalbrooks9975]

I just went through this. Good bless our beautiful God-sent angels who sent them here to pay us a visit to love and teach. ❤ the heart was my son’s favorite shape. 😢

[@celestedonohue3543]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I have 4 adult kids. I just can't imagine that kind of pain. I pray you believe in Jesus. It does help. 🙏🙏

[@Son-of-Krypton]

I can only imagine the pain a father feels for losing his son…to get into spiral of drug abuse…he is very strong to get out of it….in the end faith in God helps in the darkest hour 🙏🏼

[@swissms5808]

Such bravery to share this all in an interview. I am so very sorry for ALL the pain you and your family must have gone through and still do. I imagine other families who have gone through their own pain and trauma can relate and maybe can find some support in your story. Thank You For Sharing !!

[@melissadavis2782]

God bless you. So much respect to leave music to pursue ministry. He must've felt God had a call on his life to be a pastor and for him to follow through with that is amazing. He'll be able to help so many people.

[@Borderlinegoldenretriever]

Takes a strong man to tell all this and get better. A strong man and God

[@CarolynLewis-z3p]

I know the pain of a lost child. I lost three and even after years I still grieve. Your change to God came from a tiny angel who still loves Daddy. Blessings to you and your family

[@mattjames1555]

Love you Granger! ❤️ Thank you for sharing your story. You are touching and helping millions of people my man.

[@camelliaroan6341]

God bless Granger & his family! Praying for y'all!

[@FLMegan]

Wow I've watched the Smiths for years- didn't know it got this bad for him. 😢

[@Borderlinegoldenretriever]

Loosing a child must be the worst that can happen, a kind of pain we can’t even imagine

[@Mom2ChinaGirls]

I loved listening to your book through audible! What a powerful message you shared. Thank you for sharing your journey. I loved your analogy to the source of the River. Great book!!!!

[@lindaeledan5198]

I’m praying for you and your family 100%. Thank you for blessing me with your testimony and for letting God use you. God loves and so do I my brother Amen !!🙌🏾🙏🏽❤️🤗

[@cinramirez8627]

I’m glad that the good Lord kept Granger here with us. ❤

[@kelliscarbrough9580]

I love your family so much. I am so completely glad you didn’t end everything after river passed away. I’ve never thought of you as a weak man I actually think you’re one of the strongest men I’ve ever seen. Both you and your wife Amber and family for living through the darkest time any parent can ever go through. And I’m so incredibly proud of you for that.

[@annetteelizalde906]

Granger may you continue to help and bless others, you are so loved by many and so needed by many . Blessings 😇

[@heatherthompson8878]

I definitely understand the thought of leaving earth exactly how he explains his feelings

[@geraldinemarcum3611]

Thank you for being brave enough to share your truth. By doing so you will help so many others.

[@fereherskine2148]

Praying for you and family, may his soul rest in peace 🙏

[@sherrywilliams409]

Thanks for the truth and what it took to tell it. I’m suffering right now from losing my husband of 39 years. I too have those flashbacks of taking care of his open skull. The surgical site from having 3 brain surgeries in the exact same spot never healed. So, there was an open wound. He was under hospice care with me being the biggest caregiver. Which I wanted to take care of him. But it’s caused images that won’t allow me to sleep.

[@lilman0820]

This was so touching

[@travistreeserviceledbetter3585]

So proud of your testimony. A lot of your music tells stories and I can relate to that. If the good lord takes us to it…. He will get us through it. Amen to that and I’ll continue to pray for peace and I hope everything you do will prosper.

[@robinlewisart_1997]

This is so painful I know I lost my daughter . I still fell guilty for waking her up to go out sometimes . God bless you

[@coolstamper]

LOVE the Smiths!!! I didn’t start watching The Smiths until after River had passed. I think the first episode I saw was a few years back when Texas went through that awful ice storm. Granger and Amber were sitting outside under the trees and you could hear limbs cracking and falling down all around them. They were talking about a loss they had endured but I didn’t know what that loss was until doing some research. I didn’t even know Granger was a Country Western singer. I watched all the videos before and after River died and let me tell you he was a darling, fun-loving, and adventurous child…just a sweet delight. Sooooo sooooo sad!!! 😢

[@MicheleBrooks6]

I want to go to his last concert so bad. We've seen him in South Texas, but those last two nights at Billy Bob's are going to be amazing. My parents love to go to concerts but had never heard of Granger. I suggested his concert in New Braunfels and crossed my fingers that they wouldn't be disappointed. They both said it was the best concert they had ever seen and that other performers should watch and take tips. This is huge coming from them. They attend a LOT of concerts each year. We were all disappointed about his retirement, but totally understand his decision. God bless!

[@williamolt1183]

Thank You Jesus for saving Grainger life that night. Thank you for completely filling the void left by the loss of River through Maverick, and THANK YOU JESUS for Usung Your Servant Grainger Smith in such a Mighty way for YOUR PURPOSE IN Ministering too Your children’s Jesus!!! Although due to my medical issues and due to that, my forced early retirment, I won’t be able to EVER watch Grainger perform Live, but as much as that saddens me, that is COMPLETELY HEALED BY WATCHING YOU JESUS USE GRAINGER SMITH In such a miraculous way for your Kingdom Lord Jesus!!! I LOVE YOU LORD!!! ✝️🙋‍♂️🙏❤️ Might I pray for a gospel album much like ol Johnny Cash did???

[@b30-m8h]

Praise God, it’s crazy how Jesus can take these traumas and turn them into something good. God bless your family

[@joybochsler7160]

Dang you made me cry 😢 Never truer words spoken than those of Pain,Love,Suffering, Healing ❤God is the Answer

[@leanncarpenter9138]

Granger you are a light, and so is Amber. May God continue to heal you both

[@ARTWV]

One day at a time my friend. 🤲 God Bless

[@karenkramer3760]

Love you Granger. Praying the guilt leaves you. I have guilt myself from an injury my daughter got. Prayers for both of us.

[@RevolutioXxNx]

I'm so thankful God is helping you in helping others. Our entire world should be this way, HELPING OTHERS. The book was so emotional but I loved every word I read in it. Many tears fell from reading it but helped me understand so much more in different views. May God and Jesus bless you and your family. I have so much respect for you and your decision on your career. I love hearing you do a sermon. You explain everything in such detail and I can understand better. THANK YOU and GOD BLESS

[@gingercollier7949]

My nephew drown 19 years ago at the age of 2 1/2 years old. His mother’s boyfriend left the backdoor open into a backyard with a pool. Pure neglect and neither BF or mother were charged. It took our family about ten years of grieving and I think it still haunts his father my brother often. Things are never the same and you learn to accept what the new normal looks and feels like.

[@mochaloca9741]

I will try and support your ministry career. I saw alot of KZbin videos and I will choose them over the others.

[@jacintacody133]

Harrowing to watch,no one should ever blame themselves for an accident 😔

[@pearljamin]

Grief is an open wound you cannot heal. It’s a part of you every day for the rest of your life, but so are the memories you have and time you spent.

[@Kels42]

As a parent. I can’t even imagine the heartache. This is devastating.

[@dukeravenshadow5532]

Amen Brother! Gods Grace is indescribable. And sometimes that Grace is hard times, because it refines us, makes us more of who He wants us to be.

[@elisestokes6961]

Thank you for your transparency and how you journeyed this with Jesus

[@Olivia-r1k]

I'm balling my eyes out 😭😭😭 God bless you and your family 🙏🙏🙏

[@maverickhanecak1682]

The kid in the beginning is so adorable!

[@geraldkor8307]

I know what the grief can do to you and push you to the point you were at. God is Faithful!

[@Rockymountainprospector]

Yea this is awesome too give up music and focus on family. So sad the lose you've experienced but don't forget to count all the blessings in life. Thanks so much for sharing

[@rhoadestraveled]

That was truly one of the most beautifully written books I’ve ever read. I cried so many times. I wonder though if Mav will have a hard time carrying Rivs legacy. That’s heavy and I pray he truly feels valued just as the unique person he is too.

[@somecostcoguy]

Reading your book, Like a River. I can only imagine what your heart is going thru and what you've experienced.

[@BobbyBigallo]

It's true, when you love someone you'll wake up and suddenly remember they're gone and it tears your heart out

[@jessicabenson9017]

Maverick knew River Granger, they knew each other in heaven before Maverick arrived my brother. God is so good and amazing. Jesus definitely saves 🙌 🙏 We may not understand and we may not even agree with His plan but we must trust and have faith and follow His will for us.

[@mischievousmoonshine]

I lost my son as well and I absolutely understand what he means

[@Luskwy2]

🙏🙏🙏 prayers for you and family continued healing, God Bless

[@annem8152]

I hope Maverick doesn't always get compared. he is his own little person, made special by Yahweh. I honestly don't see how he looks like River. He definitely is rough and tumble like River though. Such a blessing.

[@minicoop2015]

I witnessed a little boy drowning 2 years ago. He was surrounded by adults but no one heard the splash. Thankfully someone saw him fall into the deep end and that little boy is alive and healthy. A year later, a foster child from my agency passed away at 18 years old in a community pool. It can happen to anyone. Pool safety and CPR truly save lives, but accidents happen to good people. I appreciate The Smith family for sharing their story and raising awareness.

[@monicaw5036]

I love this guy, he keeps it 100 always! God came to him when he needed him most. God was there all along. Heaven just needed a tiny angel... so he chose River and with all things that happened, would he have become the man he is today if his sweet boy hadn't went to be with God early? No he wouldn't. I hope once in a while he will still play shows. But even more I hope I can see him preach live some day❤❤ GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU ALWAYS🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼❤️

[@TheAmishRebelPodcast]

Inspiring testimony

[@glorialovesChrist]

The Love of God is Bigger than loss grief shame and trauma and tragedy. ✝️⭐🙏

[@thezendo6746]

No parent should ever ha e to go thru that ever ....but how beautiful the newbaby came

[@cherylsykes194]

prayers 4 granger and his family

[@tracybarber9179]

God Bless all of you...

[@staceypennington919]

These are the sides of The Smiths that we never saw. Granger I wish you had told us. We love you and Amber and those kids so much. We would have shared no judgement.

[@flormariarennerstam4886]

I do not have children but it sounds painful what he got through. Poor him 😢

[@cheritamurray7966]

Bawling crying now!!! You are so strong!!!! Love your family!!!! ❤️❤️

[@JesusLovesyou..1John3.6]

God is our Comforter 😊❤

[@Roger-m5j]

That's god working in his life. If that doesn't encourage everyone to seek Jesus because he will get you through anything. That's so encouraging! Much love for you, Granger!

[@pagejames8754]

Water Survival lessons for babies are a MUST!!

[@Yellowroseintexas5]

Grief takes a toll

[@Yellowroseintexas5]

Ready read book ! Had lot grief life ! My son substance abuse .

[@kristenkaz3080]

The night my husband was killed in Baghdad, I cradled his 9mm. I held it & savored the fact that I could end my pain. It would be over. But then I thought of my 3 year old daughter in the room next me. Of her losing her both her parents. And then I tucked the gun away. Grief is indescribable. It lives & breathes right beside you. It was tragic I lost my husband, yes. But had it been my daughter then no doubt I would not survive that.

[@bgrateful453]

This interview pains me! This book is about HOPE THROUGH GOD. Love, love, love this man! Soon to be Preacher. The Smiths are the best. Wish this interviewer would have had more sensitivity and grace rather than catching the title with substance abuse and digging into his worst night. Granger is such a wonderful person and always has amazing Grace. YeeYee. Like A River! Preach Granger Preach.

[@arielwatt2122]

I’ve ever lost a child, but I have lost three siblings, two special needs. I know the feeling of being in the dark and blaming yourself. There is a way out

[@lillianmcgrew217]

Oh my. He is with Jesus now ❤❤❤

[@carriebloodsworth6188]

Testimony!🙏❤️❤️❤️

[@davidmiller6726]

God bless you, Grainger. I’d love to meet you, hug your neck, Son.

[@sledracer92]

Great guy

[@carolferguson8241]

Gob bless you Granger. ❤

[@nalonja78]

We love you Granger

[@Magazinelady]

My condolences, Granger on the loss of your son, River. Congratulations on surviving a suicide attempt. Congratulations of the new baby. To be a human is difficult at best. Life is good and God is great.

[@rmrita55]

Prayers

[@shanellescott6777]

Praying

[@asian6oy]

Poor guy 🥺

[@tiffanybittman7523]

🎉❤ best wishes to all of you

[@Renee5]

i hope they eventually give Maverick the opportunity to be his own person/image instead of comparing him over and over to River. He was only born because of the loss of River, but shouldn't be repeatedly compared to him because of it.

[@pagejames8754]

Hope Maverick has his own sense of self, not feeling compared to River ... heck they already named him after River, both first AND middle names (both tributes to the name/word River.) Praying he doesn't feel like a replacement.

[@gmoney2300]

We’ll miss you granger

[@dianecelento4974]

Love you Granger

[@MicheleBrooks6]

I take offense about the title - clickbait of course, but still. It infers much more than what happened.But on the other hand maybe it will ensure his message reaches people who don't know him and need to hear his story.

[@gillowens24]

They children so cute so sad lost son though

[@KittyKitSumHo-ql2ly]

The kid in the is Maverick , Not River !!!!

[@rmrita55]

So sad