.png)
The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations
This podcast focuses on surviving life after a suicide loss, an experience that can be devastating and leave you feeling lost as you try to pick up the pieces of your shattered heart. The host, Melissa Bottorff-Arey, lost her 21-year-old son, Alex, to suicide on August 7, 2016, and brings (& often shares) her insights from her personal journey.
In each episode, Melissa engages in honest and challenging conversations with other survivors of loss, healers, and mental health experts. She also produces shorter solo episodes where she reflects on her own thoughts and experiences thus far. The podcast covers a wide range of relevant topics and addresses difficult questions. Melissa explores all aspects of grief, including trauma, hope, healing, self-care, legacy, and stigma. She believes that we learn to live alongside our grief rather than getting over it. Actual change comes through authentic, meaningful connections and mindful choices.
For supporters or educators, these conversations provide valuable insights and shine a light on suicide and grief genuinely and unapologetically. Listeners who are grieving a suicide loss can find comfort in the community and hope for a better tomorrow. Melissa aims to help others, like herself, transition from merely surviving to discovering a life filled with meaning and, potentially, even happiness amid the leftover pieces around you. You can always schedule a time to chat about being a guest from my main website.
[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
Lynn Lewis is Destined to Thrive; But Denial Isn't Always a Bad Thing
Today it is my honor to once again welcome back a resilient, inspirational survivor mom -- Lynn Lewis. I first spoke with Lynn in April of 2022. At that time Lynn was 3 years in after the loss of her "favorite man child" as she often refers to her precious son, Daniel.
HERE is that Episode Lynn Brooks-Lewis's Story; "I Choose to Live" after the Suicide Loss of her Son from Season 3 of this podcast
So, it's time to 'catch up' with Lynn .... she has indeed been up to alot, and I want to share with you so that you can celebrate with me where she is now along with acknowledging all of the critical support (& tools) she is providing to other survivors of suicide loss. Let's find out why 'denial isn't always a bad thing.' Let's be inspired. Let's find hope.
About Lynn:
Lynn Lewis, a Certified Grief Educator, is the Visionary and Chief Empathy Officer for Destined to Thrive Grief Coaching, a speaker and an author. After her son’s death on August 4 of 2019, Lynn Lewis made the choice to not be consumed by the grief of her tragic loss. Lynn readily shares her grief story “I Choose to Live in the Aftermath”. She talks about how she strives daily to keep moving forward, why she does it and the positive impact self-love has on how she manages grief. She supports adults who are ready to move forward with living meaningful and impactful lives despite having experienced the loss of a loved one Lynn is the co-author of "Prepare for Purpose – Your Invitation to The Next Level" and author of "My Suicide Grief Journey Journal; Memory Book." She is happily retired from the automobile claim industry with 39 years of service and resides in N. Chesterfield, VA with her husband, Keith D. Lewis.
For more information go to www.destinedtothrivegriefcoaching.com
Here is the journal she wrote (on Amazon) My Suicide Grief Journey
She is the Co-Author of Prepare For Purpose: Your Invitation to the Next Level is an inspiring and practical guide that seeks to help readers discover and nurture their individual paths to living meaningful lives.
Watch her in a candid TV Interview HERE
Her INSTAGRAM is HERE
__________________________________________________________________________
My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.
__________________________________________________________________________
💜 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.