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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
When “No” Becomes a Gift: Protecting Your Heart Without Apology
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.
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This is December 10 — Welcome, Fellow Griever
When ‘No’ Becomes a Gift- A Daily Journal Prompt:
“Where in my life does saying ‘no’ feel like an act of self-preservation — and how might I offer myself compassion for that?”
Today’s Reflection
Today’s episode explores the power of “no” as an act of care — not a rejection, not avoidance, but a way of honoring your heart, your capacity, and the realities of grief during December. Whether you’re surviving, stabilizing, rebuilding, or integrating, you’re invited to let your boundaries protect what matters most.
Quoted or Referenced In This Episode
– “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation.” — Audre Lorde
A Gentle Closing Reminder
Your “no” isn’t selfish — it’s sacred.
Stay Connected
💜 TheLeftoverPieces.com
💜 Instagram @theleftoverpieces
💜 Download the Leftover Pieces App
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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.