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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
Grief After Suicide: Boundaries as Warmth—Not Walls
In life after suicide loss, boundaries aren’t punishments—they’re blankets; clear limits keep you warm enough to heal.
Journal prompt: “Today, permission looks like…”
Boundaries aren’t punishments—they’re blankets. Today we practice limits that keep you warm enough to heal.
A Flicker (Hope) — Relief after a clear no
Notice what loosens when you cancel, leave early, or choose quiet. Relief is data. Keep the data.
To Rebuild (Healing) — Scale it, don’t explain it
Use one of these today:
• Time-box: “I can stay 30 minutes.”
• Scale-down: “I’m joining by phone.”
• Opt-out: “I’m skipping this one—catch you next time.”
No five-paragraph essay required.
Take a Step (Becoming) — Pre-write the line
Choose one event this week. Pre-write your boundary and put it in your notes app. Read it once before you go. Use it as needed—early exits count.
Choose-your-energy menu:
- Hollow (low): Silence your phone for 20 minutes. Do nothing on purpose.
- Healing (medium): Send one boundary text using a time-box or opt-out.
- Becoming (higher): Remove one non-essential thing from your calendar this week.
Just for Today:
Clarity is a kindness to your future self. Every boundary you practice now becomes a bridge you can cross later when the season gets louder. You’re not withdrawing from love—you’re preserving the conditions under which love (and you) can breathe.
Exhale. Keep what serves you; leave the rest. I’ll be here again tomorrow. 💜
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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.