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
Lynn Brooks-Lewis's Story; "I Choose to Live" after the Suicide Loss of her Son
Lynn Brooks Lewis lost her son Daniel to suicide in August 2019, and she has made the choice to not be consumed by the grief of her tragic loss. As a part of her healing process and to stay true to her choice, in addition to encouraging and inspiring other women with similar experiences, Lynn readily shares her grief story. In sharing her story, “I Choose to Live”, she talks about the positive impact self-love has on how she manages the grief and how she strives daily to move forward living an impactful and meaningful life.
She is a DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster), is the founder of TeaTime Chats with Lynn and is a From Grief To Gratitude Certified Grief Coach.
TeaTime Chats with Lynn is a non-clinical, informal space for adult women grieving the death of a loved one who find themselves feeling alone and stuck in their grief, to connect with other women who have similar experiences.
As a From Grief to Gratitude Certified Grief Coach, Lynn works with adult women who are grieving the death of a loved one. She encourages and guides them as they move from pain to peace, heartbreak to happiness and grief to gratitude at their own pace in a one-on-one setting.
She also offers talks centered around grief and self-love. She resides in Richmond VA, USA with her husband, Keith.
FIND LYNN HERE on Facebook
_______________________________________________
My website "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is LIVE and that means my different SUPPORT SPACE Options are available and much more will be coming in 2022
Go DIRECTLY to my SUPPORT page here where yo9u will find ALL of the ways to connect and find support
My first two books (tools I am creating for you!) in the "Facing Life After Suicide" series are available on Amazon
If you, or someone you know, is struggling with suicidal thoughts PLEASE reach out:
The National Suicide Lifeline is there for you
IN a crisis you can also TEXT--->
TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA
in Canada TEXT 686868
in the UK TEXT 85258
And Grievers, I am always here. You can find me at The Leftover Pieces
__________________________________________________________________________
Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything! CLICK HERE
💜 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.