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
Widow Abby Dart Speaks Up; 19 Years After Husband’s Suicide
Today I have a poignant conversation with Abby Dart... a suicide widow of 19 years. Her husband Steve died by suicide in 2004 when her 5 children were only 8,10, 12, 13 & 17 (now, 26,29,31,32, & 36 to put it in perspective). Because Steve was in the public eye (in politics) and they had to figure out to grieve publicly while trying to find private time as a family. We pack a LOT into our time together and this was a very enlightening chat.
"I wonder if I'm just still trying to find myself. Because I feel I was robbed of my future, I was, with my husband... And I never really figured it out...So no, I never remarried. And I think I'm still searching." - Abby Dart
"(Suicide is) it's such an abrupt and complicated way for our life to take a hard right turn." Melissa w/ The Leftover Pieces
Some of what Abby & I discuss today:
- The stigma & mental health - still not where we should be
- Her family with 5 kids - then and now
- The importance of a community of support
- Her brokenness - even today AND the duality of it all
- Mental Health AS HEALTH
- Did his death cause her to be "stuck" forever...?
- Her "WHY" as to still talking about suicide 19 years later
- AND so much more!
Abby Dart is a mother of five and Steve Dart's widow. She has her B.A. in Political Science, J.D. Law Degree, Member California Bar, Executive Director for Scenic Michigan and has had Extensive Political Campaign Experience.
Such a poignant conversation - like me, I think that you will take a lot from this!
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PS....LAST SESSION of the Legacy Writing Project for 2023 began August 16 BUT you can get on the wait list for January 2024 anytime!
For a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HERE
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My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" support central.
The latest Legacy projects are NOW published BOOKS -- GET THEM HERE!!!
ALSO, my first two books (tools I have created for you!) in the "Facing Life After Suicide" series are available on Amazon
If you, or someone y
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💜 The Leftover Pieces is support central for grieving hearts.
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🌟 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.