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
Healing After Suicide: Meaning That Doesn’t Erase Pain—Service • Art • Legacy
Meaning is a companion, not a cure; a small act of service or creation makes room for both love and ache in grief after suicide.
Journal prompt: “A value I still trust—and one 10-minute way to live it…”
What we mean by “meaning that doesn’t erase pain” (so we’re clear):
Meaning isn’t a cure or a performance. It’s a small, honest act that lets love move alongside ache. Examples:
- Service: sending a resource to someone struggling; leaving water/snacks for tomorrow-you; holding a door on a hard day.
- Art: four lines of writing, a quick sketch, a photo of something true—not pretty, true.
- Legacy: speaking their name, lighting a candle before dinner, adding one memory to your witness log.
Keep it 10 minutes or less, tied to a value you still trust (kindness, truth, presence, creativity, service).
A Flicker (Hope) — A purposeful minute
Folding one kindness into the day can warm the edges. Keep the warmth.
To Rebuild (Healing) — Pick one lane (≤10 minutes)
Service: share a resource, hold a door, donate $1, check on a neighbor.
Art: write four lines, sketch one object, snap a photo that feels true.
Legacy: speak their name, light a candle, note one memory in your “witness log.”
Take a Step (Becoming) — Name why it matters
Finish the sentence: “This act honors [value/them/me] because [reason].” Say it out loud; then do the act.
Choose-your-energy menu:
- Hollow (low): Hollow — Light a candle or speak their name once.
- Healing (medium): Healing — Do one 10-minute act in service, art, or legacy.
- Becoming (higher): Becoming — Schedule this act 2–3 times this week.
Food for Thought Today:
Meaning isn’t a verdict that you’re “better.” It’s a humble way to carry what hurts while letting your love move somewhere tangible. The act is small on purpose; the point is movement, not proof.
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.