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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: Community as Amplifier—Find or Host Small
Belonging doesn’t need a crowd; one steady person or tiny space can hold you as you are after suicide loss.
Journal prompt: “The kind of space where I breathe easier is… and one way I’ll find/ask for it is…”
What we mean by “tiny space” (so we’re clear):
A tiny space is low-pressure, consent-based, and specific—a container that fits your current capacity. Examples:
- One-to-one check-in: 20 minutes, cameras off, “no fixing—just listening.”
- Micro-circle: 2–4 people with a start/stop time and one norm (no advice, confidentiality).
- Quiet co-presence: a phone call while you both walk; sitting together in silence; texting during a hard appointment.
Name where, how long, and what it is/not. Small and clear beats big and vague.
A Flicker (Hope) — One steady person
A single safe presence can change a room. Notice how your breath shifts when you’re with them.
To Rebuild (Healing) — Choose your container
Find: a grief-savvy meetup, online circle, or support group.
Pair: weekly 10–20 minute check-ins with one steady person.
Host: a 30-minute “quiet tea” or walk with simple norms.
Take a Step (Becoming) — Make the micro-ask
Send one message: “Want to try a 20-minute check-in on Tuesdays? No fixing—just company.”
Or: “Quiet tea Sunday? 30 minutes, arrive/leave as you need.”
Choose-your-energy menu:
- Hollow (low): Hollow — List two names of steady people. That’s it.
- Healing (medium): Healing — Send one check-in invite with a simple time window.
- Becoming (higher): Becoming — Post or schedule a tiny gathering with clear, gentle norms.
Food for Thought Today:
Community isn’t a rescue; it’s resonance. When your truth is witnessed without rush or advice, capacity returns—and with it, room to become.
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.