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The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations
You have found a podcast about surviving life after a suicide loss, which is nothing short of devastating, leaving you not knowing how to begin picking up the leftover pieces of your shattered heart. The host, Melissa Bottorff-Arey, who lost her 21-year-old son Alex to suicide on August 7, 2016, speaks to this from her own experiences. You will hear her have honest, hard conversations with other loss survivors, healers, and mental health experts on the podcast. She also produces shorter, solo episodes where she shares her own thoughts & experiences in this journey (thus far). She explores relevant topics and asks the hard questions. Nothing is 'off limit' as she delves into all areas of this grief, such as trauma, hope, healing, self-care, legacy & stigma. Melissa believes we learn to live alongside our grief, not get over it. We can make a difference only through authentic, meaningful connections and mindful choices. For a supporter or educator, these conversations hold nuggets of awareness and shine a spotlight on suicide and grief honestly and unapologetically. As a suicide loss griever, one can find the comfort of a community and hope for a little brighter tomorrow. Melissa wants to help others, like herself, go from surviving to finding a life with meaning, maybe even happiness, amid their own leftover pieces.
[Please NOTE: This podcast is for only relational, informational, and entertainment purposes. It candidly and openly discusses sensitive and sometimes activating topics. There will be no in-depth or graphic descriptions of the method, but merely the possible mention of suicide, murder, rape, and the like. Be guided and care for yourself accordingly. Also, Melissa is not a doctor or licensed therapist, and nothing on this podcast should be taken in place of, or as, medical/mental health advice or recommendations.]
The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations
Because Legacy Matters; The Little Tin Man & His Big Heart
NEW EPISODE DROP! Today is MOTHER’S DAY 2024. As a special Down the Rabbit Hole episode and to honor a piece of my own journey in motherhood, I am reading my chapter “The Little Tin Man and His Big Heart” - a chapter written (by me) about parts of my son Alex’s life. Alex died by suicide on August 7, 2026, but his legacy continues as we tell his stories and speak his name.
You can find this story in the book series Because They Lived, plus stories of other amazing kids gone way too soon. Memories and Stories of Amazing Kids Lost to Suicide as Told by the Moms They Left Behind. There is a link on my website and in my Instagram Bio. There are three Volumes out, and a fourth will be out in June.
That’s 14 Moms who have left permanent legacies of their kids in the world! If you are a mom, there is still time to sign up for the last project of the year - starting in August. Email me today and we will set a time to talk about whether this is right for you....and read all about it (or watch a video) on my website. You can do this too!
Remember to take care of yourself and have a gentle day. Talk Soon!
Also, look for me again WEEKLY with a mixture of longer conversational episodes and shorter, solo, down-the-rabbit-hole episodes, roundtables, and more... I have missed you, friends, and I am glad to be back
Find ALL Legacy BOOKS HERE
Check out the LEGACY PROJECT HERE
THANK YOU for listening to this episode. It means so much to me!
Like what you hear? Support the show
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My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.
PS....The FIRST SESSION of the Legacy Writing Project in 2024 is under way BUT you can get on the wait list for the August 7 group NOW!!
For a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HERE
If you, or someone you know, is struggling with suicidal thoughts PLEASE reach out:
CALL 988 OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA