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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: Values → Micro-Moves (10 Minutes or Less)
Values are steering, not slogans—translate one value into a doable 10-minute action and feel the quiet of alignment.
Journal prompt: “A value I still trust—and one 10-minute way to live it…”
A Flicker (Hope) — Alignment feels quieter
When action matches belief, your body often softens. Notice the quiet that follows even a tiny aligned move.
To Rebuild (Healing) — Name one value
Options: kindness, truth, courage, service, creativity, presence, faithfulness. Write one sentence: “Today I live [value] by [micro-act].”
Take a Step (Becoming) — Do the micro-act (≤10 min)
Examples:
- Kindness: write a 3-sentence encouragement to someone struggling.
- Truth: draft a clear boundary email/text.
- Service: share a resource, leave water/snacks for tomorrow-you.
- Creativity: free-write or sketch for 10 minutes.
- Presence: phone-free walk around the block; notice three colors.
Choose-your-energy menu:
- Hollow (low): Hollow — Sit, place both feet on the floor, and say your value out loud once.
- Healing (medium): Healing — Do one 10-minute value act; drink a glass of water after.
- Becoming (higher): Becoming — Put a repeating 10-minute value block on your calendar (M/W/F).
Food for Thought Today:
Meaning grows where action repeats. Ten honest minutes, practiced regularly, changes the day more than a grand plan you never touch. You’re not late—you’re here.
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.