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Almost five years ago, Ryan DorseyLife changed forever.
The Righteous actor, 41, found on July 8, 2020, that Naya riveraHis former wife and mother, missing after renting a boat for a day of swimming in Lake Piru in California. The Clay The actress, 33, was last seen in the water by their son, Josey, who was 4 years old at the time.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office searched the lake for days before their worst fears were confirmed on July 13. Rivera accidentally submerged seconds after she used her last piece of energy to help Josey climb back to the boat, saving his life.
Rivera’s unexpected death was a “endless nightmare” for her family.
“I remember laying there with (Josey) in a state of shock,” Dorsey remembers in the latest issue of Weekly USon new standards now. “Looking at this beautiful boy and grateful he was right. When he woke up, he said, ‘Dad, what are you doing here?’ I said, ‘I came with you.’ He said to me, ‘They can’t find a mother. I was borne to me, for me, to everyone.
Overcome with tragedy, Dorsey left Los Angeles with Josey and returned to his hometown of Charleston, West Virginia, where he began to rebuild their lives. Five years later, a father and son have fallen into a “surreal” but happy rhythm.
Dorsey focuses on being the best father he may have to Little Josey, who spoke to a grief adviser to help them process Rivera’s death. The 9 -year -old has enlisted at school and paid tribute to his mother with performances in local plays and piano lessons.
“I see how creative (Josey) is,” Dorsey shares. “He’s been playing a piano for a year and he gets better on that. He’s been amazing to watch him go from picking around on one finger to play with both hands. He is really starting to hit the notes when he sings. He told me the day before, ‘Dad, I think I might want to be a musician. My mother is a singer, so why not me?’ I just thought that was a lovely thing.
Dorsey ensures that Josey is close with the Rivera family, arranging frequent calls and visits with her parents and siblings in Los Angeles. The actor tells Us That Josey “talked to (his) grandmother and all uncles,” who “plays a big part” in the boy’s life. The 9 -year -old is also encouraged to share his thoughts and feelings about Rivera whenever she crosses his mind.
“(Josey) will always have many memories (from his mother),” Dorsey shares. “It still tells stories about when we went to this place or that place. We have many videos. Your iPhone will remind you, ‘Three years ago on this date,’ and I’ll say, ‘Hey, do you remember this?’ He’s like, ‘Yes, I remember.’ “
Dorsey honors Rivera’s place in Josey’s life through a big birthday celebrations – a tradition that the Clay The star started when their son was a baby. Josey will be celebrating his 10th anniversary in September, and the party will reflect that big milestone with Ninja or Star Wars themed turtles.
Dorsey is hopeful, one day, when the timing is right, Josey could have a stepmother to help love and care for him as he moves on in life. But the most important thing, Dorsey emphasizes, is Josey’s continued health and happiness as he remembers Rivera.
“Josey is going to be her legacy,” Dorsey shares. “I don’t know what he will do, but I think he’s going to do great things.”
