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
Synchronicities and Redefined Motherhood; Reality After Suicide Loss
Today, at the end of Season 2, I go (deep) 'down the rabbit hole' to discuss reality in this solo episode. Since losing your loved one to suicide have you ever questioned reality? I know the edge of reality -and ‘someplace else’ - is a place I have often found myself firmly standing since the loss of my son Alex to suicide in 2016. This has happened for a few reasons I think.
I think synchronicities are partially to blame & the understanding of life & our connection to the afterlife as well. This is a deep topic - I know I only scratch the surface but hopefully, I give you a lot to think about.
So, just to help, let’s define it, from Webster it is:
1. the world or the state of things as they exist, as opposed to an idealistic or notional idea of them. My son - his energy- exists.
OR
2. the state or quality of having existence or substance. I will make the same argument as above.
Hmmm…right??? So, find your reality & embrace it. You are not alone. Unfortunately, many of us share this reality - & we understand. Life is all about shifts. Some we make. Some happen to us. Some are welcome, others are our worst nightmare- but what we make of these shifts will define our reality. Sending love always.
- For fun Wikis definition of Synchronicity.
- Afterlife by John Edwards
- Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe by Laura Lynn Jackson
A blog post that's an interesting perspective -
My Only Child Died, but I Will Always be his Mother
My first two books (in the Survival series of Life After Suicide Loss) are out. Let me help you survive so that you may find Hope and eventually even start to heal.
A Survival Guide; Facing Life After Suicide Loss
AND
The Story of Your Survival; A Guided
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💜 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.