Former “When Calls the Heart” star Kristina Wagner recently shared a poignant post on social media honoring her late son, Harrison Wagner.
The Hallmark alum, who co-starred on WCTH with her former husband, Jack Wagner, honored what would have been her son’s 31st birthday with a touching tribute on Instagram.
Posting About Her Son Is a Ritual for Kristina Wagner
On December 1, Wagner shared a pair of photos of Harrison on Instagram. One of the photos was taken when he was celebrating his 11th birthday. The other appeared to have been taken at a birthday celebration not long before his death.
In the caption of her post, Wagner gushed, “Opening birthday presents was a thing! It was always entertaining to watch Harrison and hear what he would say next.”
Wagner explained, “Today, December 1, marks his 31st birthday. Posting this is a type of ritual for me. I think rituals are essential for healing.”
“Grief is a solitary issue that I can’t face alone,” she acknowledged.
The former “When Calls the Heart” star noted she has shared similar posts about her “grief journey” over the past few years. Wagner admitted that doing these types of posts “somehow…keeps him present.” She also noted she has “many rituals” she leans on as her grief journey progresses.
The Hallmark Alum Received Loads of Support
Wagner also wrote, “On a lighter note, Harrison would love the attention, which I loved about him. The forever social butterfly.”
She wished him a happy birthday and shared, “I know, with certainty, you are always with me.” Wagner then shared a quote from Eden Phillpotts that read, “The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.”
Many of Wagner’s colleagues and fans took to the comment section to send their love and support.
Laura Wright, who co-stars with Wagner on “General Hospital,” sent “Big love to you.”
Fellow “General Hospital” co-star Finola Hughes added, “Thank you for keeping him present for all of us. Happy Birthday, Harrison.”
A fan shared, “My son died and today he would have been 29! Happy birthday to our boys today!”
“You should always keep him present. As a mom you do whatever brings you joy and comfort. Happy Heavenly Birthday Harrison,” read another fan’s comment.
Jon Lindstrom, who recently returned to “General Hospital” as Kevin Collins, commented, “Mad love to you Kristina.”
Several of Wagner’s followers commented on how much Harrison looked like his father, who continues to play Bill Avery on “When Calls the Heart.”
Harrison Wagner, the younger of two sons raised by Jack and Kristina Wagner, died in June 2022, noted People. He was 27 years old.
According to People, he was found deceased in his car in a parking lot in Los Angeles. The media outlet reported that, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner, Harrison’s death was accidental.
The office reported that Harrison had both alprazolam, which is the generic name for Xanax, as well as fentanyl in his system at the time of his death.
