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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
Suicide Loss Daily Nugget: A Gentle Reset—Your 24-Hour Plan
In life after suicide loss, keep what helped, release what didn’t, and set one small plan for the next 24 hours—repeats are allowed.
Journal prompt: “What I’m keeping from this week is…”
End of first 7 days of October, not an end of you, just of the 1st 7 days of a new month...in a tough season. Today we keep what helped, release what didn’t, and set a small plan for the next 24 hours.
A Flicker (Hope) — Notice what worked once
Which tiny thing warmed the room—witnessing, one brick, a boundary, a bit of light? Keep that. Repeats are allowed.
To Rebuild (Healing) — 24-hour reset
On paper or notes app, write three lines:
• Flicker: one thing you’ll notice (window light, song, candle).
• Brick: one 7–10 minute task (body/home/admin/connection).
• Care: one non-negotiable (water, food, meds, rest).
Take a Step (Becoming) — Tomorrow’s micro-intent
One sentence, present-tense: “Tomorrow I move slowly and finish one thing.” Put it on your lock screen.
Choose-your-energy menu:
- Hollow (low): Do only the “Care” item. Done.
- Healing (medium): Do the Brick with a timer; stop when it dings.
- Becoming (higher): Share your micro-intent with a safe person or post it where you’ll see it.
To Consider Today:
Integration is repetition, not heroics. The way through this season is often the next honest inch, practiced again tomorrow. When you choose a flicker, place a brick, and take one care step, you’re not starting over—you’re continuing. That counts.
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.