The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations
This podcast focuses on surviving life after a suicide loss, an experience that can be devastating and leave you feeling lost as you try to pick up the pieces of your shattered heart. The host, Melissa Bottorff-Arey, lost her 21-year-old son, Alex, to suicide on August 7, 2016, and brings (& often shares) her insights from her personal journey.
In each episode, Melissa engages in honest and challenging conversations with other survivors of loss, healers, and mental health experts. She also produces shorter solo episodes where she reflects on her own thoughts and experiences thus far. The podcast covers a wide range of relevant topics and addresses difficult questions. Melissa explores all aspects of grief, including trauma, hope, healing, self-care, legacy, and stigma. She believes that we learn to live alongside our grief rather than getting over it. Actual change comes through authentic, meaningful connections and mindful choices.
For supporters or educators, these conversations provide valuable insights and shine a light on suicide and grief genuinely and unapologetically. Listeners who are grieving a suicide loss can find comfort in the community and hope for a better tomorrow. Melissa aims to help others, like herself, transition from merely surviving to discovering a life filled with meaning and, potentially, even happiness amid the leftover pieces around you. You can always schedule a time to chat about being a guest from my main website.
[Please NOTE: This podcast is for only relational, informational, and entertainment purposes. It candidly and openly discusses sensitive and sometimes activating topics. There will be no in-depth or graphic descriptions of the method, but merely the possible mention of suicide, murder, rape, and the like. Be guided and care for yourself accordingly. Also, Melissa is not a doctor or licensed therapist, and nothing on this podcast should be taken in place of, or as, medical/mental health advice or recommendations.]
The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations
Grief Truth #7; August Daily Nuggets
“Some days are sacred, no matter how much time has passed.”
Welcome, fellow griever.
This is your Daily Nugget from me, Melissa, your host of The Leftover Pieces.
Today we will share a moment of presence, a breath of truth, and a reminder.
Let’s begin.
Take a breath. Or Two - or three. Let yourself arrive.
Sometimes we don’t need answers — just something true to hold.
Here’s today’s grief truth.
Some days are sacred, no matter how much time has passed. For me- today is one of those days.
Nine years ago today, my son Alex died.
And no matter how much time passes… this day still stops me.
The air feels different. The grief shifts — not heavier, but deeper. Like an underground river I’ve learned to navigate.
This isn’t just a date on a calendar. It’s a sacred marker. A heart-shaped scar that reminds me he was here. That he is here.
Some days are like that. For all of us. Days where time folds in on itself, and we’re right back in the moment when the world changed.
Today, I miss Alex. AND today I honor Alex. His laughter. His spunk. His love. The way he changed me, and the way he still guides me. His life & legacy.
If today is sacred for you too — for any reason — know that you’re allowed to feel it fully. And if today isn't one of those days, all of this applies to your days... remember,
You don’t have to explain your grief to anyone.
You just have to keep loving. Keep remembering. Keep breathing.
Some days are sacred. And so is your story.
Let's a take another breath together.
Let the truth settle where it needs to.
You don’t have to carry everything — just what feels true today.
You’re not lost — you’re walking with your truth.
I’ll be here again tomorrow.
Talk soon.
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