Rickey Smiley talks about loss of son, shares important message

[@heartstrings7814]

Bravo to Rickey Smiley for not sweeping the truth under the rug. Its ok to be open and honest about your son ( or daughter's drug issues or fatal overdose). Its healing .

[@pandorajohnson7345]

Illuminati

[@MISNM0]

❗❗❗❗❗🕊

[@Dachozan1]

Thank goodness the Truth all while people making their own assumptions much love Rick🥰🙏

[@Lbree1077]

@@pandorajohnson7345 you do know that doesn’t exist right?

[@TPRighteous]

That's true but you can also respect someone's privacy when they want that too!

[@t.c.5456]

I respect him for talking about this.

[@teresaevans4840]

Me too, I know people that have had this happen ,(my ex family') they will not admit it was drugs,talking about it helps others get help.

[@barbarawilliams5130]

Me too.

[@moniewalker3970]

My deepest condolences so very sorry for your loss. Continue to keep God first and he will strengthen and comfort you.

[@LabanKing]

You can see the hurt in his eyes. May God bless him and his entire family.

[@weasel2672]

He looks so nice, but it's not lost on anyone, that this man is in so much pain. My heart breaks for him and his family hang in there my brother. Your faith and family will see you, and your family through this tragedy.. ❤️ 🙏🏽 💙

[@steplove75]

Yesss & Yesss The Pain of Losing a Love One Is Tragic & Dear to Our Hearts God Help Us ... All It's Definitely a Hard Journey to Lose A , Love One You Cry.. Sometimes & Get Angry as Well.. But, Joy Cometh in the Morning

[@lindag9080]

I Concur.... Jesus comfort his Family 🤗😍🙏🙏🙏

[@starshanae80]

Amen! Mercy

[@cgreen2984]

@Weasel He does look very nice. Love the outfit on him. But my goodness. It's obvious he's in so much pain... understandably.

[@weasel2672]

@@cgreen2984 The sarcasm isnt really needed. My family too has gone through a recent tragedy with my great nephew. It's just that unfortunately, my family and I can relate to his tone, and they way in which he is trying to hold it together. Especially when asked, "how are you doing".. His mere presence astounds me.. And gives new meaning to what grace looks like. So excuse me if my words rubbed you the wrong way.. I meant no disrespect.

[@deborahwilliamson5655]

I love all of the praise you are giving to the Heavenly Father through all of this!!! What a powerful display of faith in Him. Blessings to you and your family, Mr. Smiley.

[@b.robins7305]

AMEN

[@rickmayberry1517]

He didn't use the words heavenly father

[@deborahwilliamson5655]

@@rickmayberry1517 May the God of Heaven, my Heavenly Father, give you peace and joy.

[@DB-ed6si]

Amen!

[@sophsold7040]

I'm so happy Rickey Smiley said that he believes that the parents ARE having these conversations with their kids. Many times you hear things like, parents NEED to talk to their kids about issues of concern, but MANY times those conversations HAVE been happening.

[@lyngrey4186]

I was thinking the same thing and that's absolutely true...I have never drank or taken drugs...I've always talked to my kids about drugs...yet 3 of my kids drink and smoke. They are not addicted they smoke and drink causally but they didn't get that from home...they got that from society.

[@alisharo58]

Right. more often than not, kids have been told not to do drugs, whether at home or at school or both. It can still happen though, because we have free will. It’s not always the parents fault. I felt so sad when he said he was shocked but not surprised. There’s nothing you can do after a certain point.

[@geraldineallen8060]

​@@lyngrey4186 right I never drank nor smoke cigarettes or smoke weed. Never had it in my house.

[@dlw1221]

I'm so sick of black folk using the word "abuse" in relation to Drugs!! It is a Disease that requires daily maintenance, just like Diabetes otherwise you will die. Obviously, your SON'S brain was dealing with something you knew little to nothing about. Why!? You were never home to ever know.. This ain't HIS fault, stop Using the word "abuse". I knew a wealthy, well-educated, attractive Man, who took a Oxycodone for a simple toothache first time ever, prescribed to him. He almost died 10 yrs later from O.D on them. How your BRAIN decides to re-act from a pill or fentanly for legitimate "pain management" ain't got ish to do with you personally.

[@jenniferslowley4319]

Thank you for these sentiments about parents speaking to their children about the ills of drink and drug abuse, yet being judged by society when those children refuse to adhere to their parents' wishes and loving advice. It happened to my own family so I know first hand about societal misjudgement on things people know absolutely nothing about. May Ricky and his family find peace somehow.

[@tracychampagne2763]

Rickey is one of a kind, my heart breaks for he and his family, he did an awesome job on keeping the media from speculating about his son and controlled the narrative all while protecting his family and allowing them to grieve in peace.

[@masonwhellington5946]

What an absolutely marvelous job Rickey did...God Bless him and the family..You can see and feel his pain

[@sandranynj7118]

Spoken so well. I send him love and comfort. 🙏

[@heathermetz3974]

4:58 “I’m shocked but not surprised!” Family member addictions are a nightmare! Thank you for sharing Mr. Smiley! 🙏

[@angelinajulie2864]

I don't want to talk too much, but I've just done my first week of chemotherapy, and I'll be honest, I'm worried about how it's going to effect me. But, your enthusiasm for the subject helped me feel better. You have no idea how much I appreciate this today.

[@sherleywuhong2572]

Practice techniques to heal what you can with ideas, manifestation, and positive energy because you are strong and remember that your mind is stronger than everything. Your journey through this becomes simpler, happier, and it might even hasten your recovery because, in my opinion, you have mental control over a lot of physical functions (it takes time, believing and practice)

[@shibanibasava5209]

I appreciate you sharing. I've had a lot of experience over the past 34 years with loved ones who have had HIV and cancer, and I've seen how much information and support can assist. Therapy has greatly advanced. Hope your medical procedures go well. I received assistance from a buddy who suggested a healer and caster for me.

[@angelinajulie2864]

@@shibanibasava5209 Wow, how can I contact her, and does she heal other illnesses?

[@shibanibasava5209]

@@angelinajulie2864 yes, name is Susan Regina White

[@angelinajulie2864]

@@shibanibasava5209 Awesome, I found her webpage; many thanks for that

[@laronjmccall2468]

Most of us already had an idea of what really happened. And were waiting until Ricky was ready to talk about it. Great elegant and dignified interview. My prayers are with Ricky and his family. The spirit of drug addiction is serious and taking so many lives today like never before! 😢🙏🏽

[@laurenabates8201]

I grew up with Rickey in church as teenagers. We had a solid spiritual foundation. He’s strong and with Grace and Mercy, he will make it. Keep pushing Rickey & praying for you…🙏🏾 Love Binky❣️

[@joannjohnson8334]

Thank you Rickey. Even through your pain, you are willing to teach others.

[@Indypendy]

May Mr. Smiley’s son rest in peace. Sometimes all you can do is grieve. I love what he said at the end about God giving him strength.

[@moniquefrey-jackson3977]

Blessings to you....and your family...hugs & kisses...love you Smiley!

[@susanwilliams7141]

Wow, such grace and peace to be able to share your pain of losing your child this way. Parents can do everything right and still our children can do things that they know can destroy them. It's a sickness and the pain is real. I pray that as Ricky continues to push through he will use his platform to minister to others and in turn heal as well. God bless you! 🙏

[@chuanitrac]

The ending is the most important part, thanking God for his GRACE and MERCY

[@contentat45able]

Oh my goodness. He is so brave to be televised sharing his experience and pain. I cannot imagine what he is feeling and I PRAY I never do. That has got to be the hardest pain to suffer through.

[@nnek19]

Sending love, comfort, and my deepest condolences to Rickey and his family. ❤️

[@evamn4999]

You don't have to be in the hood to succumb to drug addiction. 🙏

[@blkyogi999]

Facts!!!

[@GeorgiaWhisper]

I'm in my late 40's. I went to private school in elementary. We stayed for 2 weeks....... there were kids on drugs, talking about suicide, stealing their parents credit cards and other things. My dad said he'd rather we go back to public school. You are absolutely right. Those gated communities often mean they just keep things closed in. It's happening, we just don't hear about it.

[@iamkierraleigh9499]

​@Jetblue Horizon what I believe that this commenter and what Ricky was referring to in his statement was that sometimes parents become naive when they can put their children in environments that society deems as better or safer. For instance, adequate school districts, lower crime rates, and better opportunities overall some parents work hard to make this their children's reality so that they would be protected from the harsher experiences of crime that is prevalent in certain neighborhoods similar to Rickey Smiley. Therefore I believe that they are raising awareness among some people who are unaware that regardless of how hard you work to shield your children from certain aspects of the world there are still problems that they may encounter.

[@iamkierraleigh9499]

@Jetblue Horizon I understand, however, I am a firm believer of common sense is not common what may be obvious to some may be foreign to others especially if that person has not grown up in privilege they may assume that it is better on the other side.

[@dp7047]

@Jetblue Horizon Dang!!

[@jenniferhardin-cole1445]

Wow! Sounds like me. I lost my son in August same situation. I also was surprised but not shocked. Thank you for that... I needed to hear that and know that I am not the only one going thru this. Thanks again.🙏

[@binibini7975]

Sending love and light to you❤❤

[@nzinga8]

So sorry for your loss. So many of us have family struggling with addiction and the loss that comes from it. You are not alone 🙏

[@geraldineallen8060]

Sending prayers to you.

[@aishiawilliams8717]

🙏🏾

[@louiedangelo3843]

🙏🙌❤️

[@alimachase2536]

The physical body has transition, but love has no boundaries. Hence no doubt he knows your love and yours for him. We got you. ❤️

[@JustBree716]

I had a secret addiction that I finally decided to share with my son who was 11 at the time because I'd been struggling for a few years and I realized that times were changing and kids are being exposed to alot. He'll be turning 14 and I plan on making him come to meetings from time to time.

[@154angel154]

Excellent!!!

[@zakiraray2906]

I grew up in NA meetings and does help children as well and to meet other children who parents are addicts helps 💯 %. You can't shelter your children in this world

[@fegrace_1]

Congratulations on your sobriety and living a life of recovery! Continue to take it one day at a time, do the work, and lean on a healthy support system as you work your program! Much success to you.

[@LaLagunz187]

I had a secret addiction as well. I’m so glad it never got too out of control but It was headed that way. Thinking abt the money wasted that shld have gone to my kids. It made me put myself in rehab. It takes a strong person to know when to stop and I applaud u 💕

[@JustBree716]

@@LaLagunz187 oh I didn't stop on my on. Lol. I had the walk of shame and everything child. But my son didn't know anything. So after a few relapses is when I decided that I don't get to hide from him. He needs to know that his mother is an addict. I could have continued to kept him from him. But I feel like that would be far worse

[@paulettehammond-duerson8989]

Thank you for sharing. I will be praying for you 🙏

[@regisnyder]

So sorry to hear about Rickey’s loss. He loves his family (especially his kids) so much!

[@patsywarren-cook9637]

Bless you Rickey. Your honesty will help so many parents and families. We are continuing to pray for you and your family.❤️🙏🏾

[@rbaman5]

May God continue to bless and provide comfort to Rickey Smiley and his family through this ordeal.

[@sonyadanielly4530]

Mr. Smiley!!!!!! There is not enough wording to even begin commending you on such a selfless contribution. Prayerfully, you, Brandon’s Mother and Bonus Father, along with his Siblings, Family, Friends, and other loved ones at Alabama State, will continue to walk with our Father in Heaven 🙏🏾 Keep the Faith and know that we are here for you and are also drawing strength from the continued ‘Trust’ that you have put in the Lord💜💛💜💛

[@dertyrice7855]

I listen to Brother Rickey every morning and try not to miss the morning praise and worship part because he gives me so much encouragement and motivation to THINK OF THE GOODNESS OF GOD!! even at his worse time he is still praising the most high for the little things🖤❤🖤❤🖤

[@nikkisixx1832]

Rickey looks so nice. GOD bless you & your family though this rough time.

[@redray9146]

My nephew just died a few hours ago from an accidental overdose. My heart is broken for him and all the unfortunate unknowing ppl that have lost their live to this evil drug. Thank you for sharing Ricky. Peace and love to you and those struggling.🙏🏽🤍

[@destinydia]

Deepest condolences to you and your family 🙏🏼

[@kirstenmcbride1132]

Praying for you and your family 🙏🏾

[@terikathomas2131]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@rakn752]

Prayers to you and your family 🙏🏽

[@t.thompson8985]

So sorry for your loss 🙏🏾

[@nlp6082]

Glad he was able to share ❤ Praying for Rickey Smiley 🙏🏽

[@tamyagravatt777]

The lost of this young man is extremely 💔 heartbreaking 💔. Parents need seriously be in tuned with their children and start talking to them. My heart goes out to every parent that are struggling with the lost of a child.

[@marjoriecoleman8280]

This must’ve been soo hard to do but most definitely helpful. It’s soo sad. Prayers for Rickey and his family. ❤❤❤

[@jaijailindor5527]

He's brought so much joy & laughter. It's OK to take time & grief. Your true fans will always be here.

[@sig9girl]

There were so many times I thought I’d get that call, or that knock at my door in the middle of the night. My son has a mental illness, and for years messed with drugs. It was living in constant fear. Well, a lot has happened but my son is doing great! He’s on medication, and holding down a job, and has been drug free for over a year now. My heart goes to the Smiley family…😢

[@evonza4858]

Thank you Rickey for being honest and Blessings to you and your whole family 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽❤️🖤💚🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@sanderiafayesmith4102]

Thank you for sharing. We need to know because it’s going to take all of us to protect our children. Praying for you and your family❤

[@harmony3183]

My deepest condolences to Rickey and his family. May God comfort you during this hard time. 🙏🏼 So happy and encouraged to see your faith in God and bold, uncomprimising voice in stating your reliance on God in your weakest moments. The world needs to hear that God is STILL here for us in our time of deepest need. Stay strong in His arms!

[@ms.m.s9005]

👏🏿👍🏿💯

[@blackqueen67]

Amen

[@Ladydeedee38]

We Have To Pray 🤲🏽 & Depend On Our Higher Power 👼🏽👼🏿

[@jannishatownsend9330]

It’s true! Parents do talk to their kids. My ex husband’s father talked to him and tried to get him help but he didn’t want it. You cannot make someone change when they’re not ready for change. It’s a sad situation and no one wins.

[@aprilq116]

I appreciate this transparency. Prayers for the family of Brandon Smiley.

[@alimachase2536]

You are brave and stronger. Thank you for being real.❤️

[@Anabee399]

Well said, God and we got you, Rickey. 💐

[@Charlenedoesstuff]

my heart hurts for him and his family....we need to shift the focus from criminalizing drug use in our community to seeing it as an addiction. I can't imagine his pain. Praying for him and his family.

[@testaccount01336]

Hugs to Rickey 🤗 Family is so important to him.

[@genitarivera9654]

God bless Ricky and his family I've loved his comedy for years. Thank you sooooooo much for sharing your pain with us.

[@carrie8582]

Please God place your arms around this beautiful family and continue to give them strength everyday for the loss of their son, a pain no parent should ever endure. Thank you Mr. Smiley for sharing, lifting you up in prayer sir. Amen. 💔🙏🏻

[@fia1001]

This was a beautiful interview ; handled with GRACE AND DIGNITY!!!! 😢😢😢😢Continuing to prayer for Rickey Smiley and his family!!❤️🙏🏽

[@kingmitchell653]

Can’t have a testimony without a Test. Hold on to God’s unchanging hand. Hallelujah ❤

[@janellerollins5893]

Yeah but this ain't of GOD. I'm glad GOD is with him. So glad to hear his son is with JESUS. We'll see him again.

[@kingmitchell653]

@@janellerollins5893 what’s not of God? Please explain

[@jamesalston8134]

Very transparent. Phenomenal man. Parents can only do so much. Can not imagine the depth of the pain that family is feeling. Wow.

[@BrigitteTransforms]

This was a touching and moving interview. I can't even imagine the pain of that loss. It was so beautiful to see Rickey Smiley give God honor as he is going through. I continue to keep their family in prayer. Please let us keep all parents dealing with grief in our thoughts and prayers.

[@evonnewilson3185]

I’m so glad you stopped so many money hungry, disrespectful peoples who want to gain from your loss. you deserve respect peoples think because you are a celebrity you don’t have feeling. I hate you had to get on tv just to clear the rumors about your son. Your son died you and your family are hurting just like any other family hurts. I just want to say to you Rickey stay strong and your son will always live in you. If anything good comes out of you having to go on television to explain about your son I pray it helped someone son, daughter, sister, brother, mother or father, because we all got that problem in our family rich or poor. ( ( Just Love From My Heart)

[@jacksontenise6946]

Thanks to Rickey! And he’s right.. these kids aren’t listening to wisdom..

[@rasheedamuhammad144]

Facts💔

[@MsTineyhighlyfavored]

FACTS💔 !!

[@Deborajosephsplatt]

My condolences to Rickey Smiley and the family

[@ClockitENT]

This was the MOST HONEST interview oh God my peace with him and his family

[@ms.m.s9005]

Sympathy and Condolences to the Smiley family. Rickey Smiley your STRENGTH 💪🏿 is very admirable.🤝🏿 You've suffered SO much loss and yet you push/move on Forward and Upward.🙏🏿☝🏿💯

[@rubysteincoppage4225]

I felt that down in my soul what Rickey said close to the end of his interview

[@lakeshat4208]

God Bless Rickey and his family. I loved watching Brandon on Rickey Smiley Forreal. He had a big heart, gave his siblings great advice, and was very funny. It was a great reality show.

[@michaelfinley4433]

He will always be in pain. I lost my son in Oct 2021 due to Covid and let me tell you that he crossings my mind every minute of the day. Let's continue to pray for Mr Smiley and his family.

[@KayKay-fc5sg]

Great interview. Much respect to Rickey. I admire his courage & strength to talk abt this issue. Prayers of strength and peace to him & his family.

[@jamieshakur2703]

I commend you Rickey for being transparent about this. I’m sure this was not easy. So sad😢

[@Deerych]

Thank you Ricky Smiley for sharing this traumatic experiences with the world...to learn from. It takes courage. This message is so needed! We must address this issue directly and not hide is or sweep it under the rug. Addiction is a disease and we have to communicate it's impact!

[@cupcakepinup1]

Mr. Smiley thank you for being so open. You can save others .

[@NanetteFloydPatterson]

My condolences to Rickey...Godly proud to hear you giving God glory even through this unimaginable time. That has to be hard. What strength! Praying God will embrace you and the entire family even more while you all grieve.

[@kandisejenkins8998]

Thank you for not sweeping this under rug

[@tanyawhitfield1393]

Thank you Rickey. 🙏🏾 SO MANY PARENTS have walked in your shoes. Brandon’s walk… was/is a flashlight lit to save lives. Light his 🕯️. I believe our Heavenly Father chose Brandon, chose Rickey, chose the Smiley Family to lead by example! Rickey, this isn’t just a test. This is Brandon Smiley’s testimony. You are the chosen one to move!

[@chicmommy610]

Wow, probably one of the most inspiring interviews I've ever seen from a grieving parent. Best wishes Mr. Smiley.

[@ceeceeg6224]

Excellent and respectful interview. Condolences to you Ricky and your family. May GOD keep you strong and encouraged.🙏🏽✨

[@MJ-np6ni]

We love you Ricky! Condolences to you and your family!

[@divalarue]

I respect his honesty about drug usage not being confined to sketchy neighborhoods. It's an everybody problem no matter your economic status. God bless him and his family!

[@thisisquanah2801]

You’re so brave for being vulnerable and sharing your story ❤ Sincerest condolences to your family!

[@emilyfarris3510]

Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.🌻

[@davidmelton3690]

That was well put. Best words I’ve heard in a long time. God Bless You Rickey. Touching.

[@marshawhite2670]

My condolences 💐 Thanks for your transparency Rickey

[@LibraLife47]

Perfect respectful loving brave interview. We love you Rickey Smiley. Rip Brandon🤎Smiley

[@yolandathomas4877]

God bless you, Ricky. Sending condolences and love from Birmingham.

[@yesmum2]

Love that he speaks the truth and so sorry for his loss. What a testimony at the same time.

[@Shyy_Beauty]

Prayers to Mr. Smiley and his family. 🙏🏽 🙏🏽 ❤❤ 🙏🏽 🙏🏽

[@randallmadison9910]

Very personal. Wonderful that he can share so others can learn. Sorry for your loss.

[@KenyaG.]

Continued prayers for Rickey Smiley and family. 🙏🏽❤

[@ScarfArt]

My condolences for the loss of your son. It's BEAUUUUUUUUUUTIFUL to see you glorify God thru your pain and use your platforms to minister to MILLIONS of others who are going thru the same or similar circumstances. God' perpetual Grace & Mercy be with you and your family.

[@karengambrell8350]

God bless your honesty, that is a hard conversation to be had. Thank God for keeping you and your family strong and at peace 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 RIP Brandon 😢

[@jasminecope-chisolm5409]

beautifully done😪

[@cleohall6775]

Heartfelt condolences to you and your family

[@teishyacollier9806]

Rickey there are a lot of people praying for you and your family. I’m in Dallas.❤🙏🏾😔

[@kmurray559]

Thank God for Ricky’s strength ❤

[@kashanawhidby1159]

Prayers for strength to the family & friends during this difficult time! God bless!

[@weirdgirl7475]

God bless you Rickey. I can't imagine what you're going through, but your faith in God truly shows in your words and actions. ♥️🙏

[@nduncan79]

This man right here...wow. My most heartfelt condolences for his loss. But, the fact that he leans on God to keep and sustain him what a blessing. ❤

[@motivatedqueen]

Sending you prayers and healing energy to anyone who lost someone or who is struggling with addiction. You can do it. You are worth it

[@Sunshine-ks2ji]

Thank you Mr. Smiley for allowing God to use you! Thank you for His Praise.

[@ashleywhiters6365]

Prayers sent

[@johnsonmarlena25]

Thanks for sharing. It's happening all over the world. Keep your head up. Prayers really do work. There's no secret what God can do.❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏🐬

[@jawandathomas4365]

Sending my Prayers to Rickey SMILEY & FAMILY 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@candyjones2326]

This is so touching- God bless him.

[@oedivci]

Thank you R.S. for pointing out that parents are talking to their kids about the dangers of these drugs but the kids are not listening. Kids have to make the decision to say no. No, not today or any day.

[@lindaadams444]

So true. There are so many underlying things that can lead a person to self medicate....I been there with my now adult children..hardest thing for a parent to see them struggle with an addiction and you do prepare for the worst at times that you will get that phone call....I thank God they were all delivered and set free from their addiction and doing the Lord's work. Sending continued prayers for Ricky.

[@dianeharris3722]

Rickey you are a very strong man and I really appreciate you sharing your story about your lost but you know that God has you in the palm of his hand and Rickey it's nothing you did wrong with raising your kids we know that you can raise your kids the right way but as we know that they live their life like they choose to we as pratents does our best with our kids and we all have the same situation with some of our kids it's life and because we can't make our kids always do right in their life and I am very very proud of you for being the family man that you are and when a child reach a certain age in life they are uncountable for their own actions my God continue to be with you and you and your family are in my prayers every day and every night God bless you Amen

[@ChristiansEndeavorMinistries]

🤝 Enough said Rickey! You made an all time point that need no further clarity. Ty for your sincere expressions; advice; and testimony. May grace con’t to extend healing to U. 🙏🏽