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The Leftover Pieces: Suicide Loss Conversations
Suicide loss changes everything. This show is about life after suicide—real talk and practical support for grief after suicide: parents, partners, siblings, and friends finding their footing again. Each week, we explore what helps in suicide bereavement so you can keep going with honesty and hope.
Hosted by Melissa Bottorff-Arey, whose 21-year-old son, Alex, died by suicide in 2016, the podcast blends intimate conversations with survivors, healers, and mental health experts with short solo “Daily Nugget” episodes you can actually use. We cover child loss, trauma and nervous-system care, anniversaries and seasons, stigma, faith and meaning, legacy, and the everyday practices that make life livable again. You’ll hear grounded tools, language that honors your person, and the reminder that you are not broken—you are grieving.
For supporters and educators, these episodes offer insight into the realities of suicide grief and what genuine, non-fixing support looks like. If you’d like to share your story or expertise, you can request to be a guest via my website. 💜
Content Note
This podcast speaks candidly about difficult experiences and may feel activating. We avoid method details and graphic description. Please care for yourself as needed. I’m not a doctor or licensed therapist; nothing here is medical or mental-health advice.
The Leftover Pieces: Suicide Loss Conversations
Saving Military Lives; A Legacy to their Son
Today I talk with the Hicks FAMILY - of #HicksStrong. Today I have a conversation with Jolee, Mike, and Sienna. If you have lost a child to suicide, a sibling to suicide or a family or friend in the military to suicide this episode will speak loudly to you!
The Hicks are a warm and fun-loving family who are fiercely loyal and connected. Just three years ago, with one child in the Navy and the other in college, things were looking up for all of them
On February 11th, 2019 they received the call that would forever change their lives.
The person on the other end said “Mr. and Mrs. Hicks your son was found dead this morning”. Their hearts were shattered that day. They do not want other families to know this pain. They do not want our service members to feel alone…
#HicksStrong is here to help!
- There is an overwhelming stigma, across all branches, regarding mental health in the military.
- Service members feel they cannot talk about their mental health difficulties without losing rank or being dishonorably discharged.
- They are being told to suck it up, being mistreated by their chain of command, and being mocked by peers.
The mission is to SAVE MILITARY LIVES! - #HicksStrong Inc. aims to do this by linking veteran & active duty service members with confidential mental health therapists via telehealth and we cover up to 24 sessions.
Believe in what they do and want to SUPPORT or DONATE - do so HERE
Find a HUG MUG or other EVENT near you HERE
Find ALL things HicksStrong HERE
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My website "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is LIVE and that means my different SUPPORT SPACE Options are available and much more will be coming in 2022
Go DIRECTLY to my SUPPORT page here where yo9u will find ALL of the ways to connect and find support
My first two books (tools I am creating for you!) in the "Facing Life After Suicide" series are available on Amazon
The website again is at www.theleftoverpieces.com
If you, or someone you know, is str
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Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything! CLICK HERE
💜 The Leftover Pieces is support central for grieving hearts.
🔗 Stay connected: Join my free email community for weekly check-ins, resources, and encouragement.
🌟 For moms: Explore the $9 Lighthouse Community — safe connection, tools, and hope.
🛠 Resources for all grievers: Start here.
🤝 One-on-one grief coaching for moms after child loss to suicide: Learn more here.
📞 Need help now? If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts, dial 988 in the U.S. & Canada, or text HOME to 741741.