#415: The Girl on the Bathroom Floor: Amber Smith on Losing Her Son, Surviving Grief, & God’s Miracle

Prepare to hear the powerful story of a mother’s grief, a family’s journey, and the miracle that came after loss. T his is the story of Amber Emily Smith.

>

What happens when the life you built — the one that felt like a dream — is shattered in a single moment? In this deeply emotional episode, Amber Smith shares the unimaginable loss of her 3-year-old son, River, the grief that nearly broke her, and the faith that carried her through.

Amber opens up about how she and her husband Granger navigated a storm of heartbreak, public scrutiny, and private suffering — and how, through surrender and spiritual resilience, they found purpose again. From honoring River’s legacy to the birth of their son Maverick, this is a raw, faith-fueled conversation about loss, motherhood, and redemption.

Grab a Copy of Amber’s book!

The Girl On The Bathroom Floor: Held Together When Everything is Falling Apart

Episode At a Glance:

• How Amber survived the unthinkable and showed up for her family in the midst of soul-crushing grief
• What it looked like to wrestle with faith, doubt, and healing after the loss of a child
• The full-circle journey of loss, love, and new life that continues to inspire families around the world

About Amber Emily Smith

Amber Smith is a mother, speaker, and writer whose life was forever changed by the tragic loss of her 3-year-old son, River, in a drowning accident. At the time, she and her husband Granger were living what many would call a dream — a thriving music career, a young family, a beautiful home — until everything changed in an instant.

In the midst of unimaginable grief, Amber found herself crying out to God from the bathroom floor, where faith began to take root in her pain. Her story is not one of clean answers or easy healing, but of raw surrender, honest lament, and a steady return to hope.

Through the birth of their fourth child, Maverick, and the founding of The River Kelly Fund, Amber and her family have turned their deepest heartbreak into a living legacy — one that continues to reach and heal others walking through suffering.

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Learn More + Purchase Amber’s book, The Girl On The Bathroom Floor
• Purchase Granger's book, Like a River
• Watch Amber's family’s journey on YouTube via their channel, The Smiths
• Learn More + Support The River Kelly Fund
• Visit the Yee Yee Apparel - Official Store

Hey, it's Kevin!

I hope you enjoyed today's episode! If there is ever anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to reach out. Below, you will find ALL the places and ALL the ways to connect!

• I would LOVE to hear from you! Send me a Voice Message
• Want to be a guest on GRIT, GRACE, & INSPIRATION? Send Kevin Lowe a message on PodMatch!
• Book Kevin to Speak at Your Next Event: CLICK to Learn More + Get In Touch
• Hire Kevin to Create Your Own Custom Soundtrack!
• Or for 1 Place for Everything, CLICK to visit the website!

Stay Awesome! Live Inspired!

© 2026 Grit, Grace, & Inspiration

This podcast is designed specifically for those seeking healing from trauma, relief from anxiety, overcoming fear of the unknown, resolving isolation, rebuilding self-worth, confronting guilt and shame, personal growth after trauma, finding their life's purpose, recovering from emotional distress, conquering limiting beliefs, navigating identity shifts, building resilience, rebuilding relationships, coping with chronic pain, searching for spiritual direction, embracing inner strength, cultivating hope, overcoming self-doubt, reclaiming their future, and experiencing post-traumatic growth.