The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations

NEW EPISODE DROP! Today is MOTHER’S DAY 2024. As a special Down the Rabbit Hole episode and to honor a piece of my own journey in motherhood, I am reading my chapter “The Little Tin Man and His Big Heart” - a chapter written (by me) about parts of my son Alex’s life. Alex died by suicide on August 7, 2026, but his legacy continues as we tell his stories and speak his name. You can find this story in the book series Because They Lived, plus stories of other amazing kids gone way too soon. Memories and Stories of Amazing Kids Lost to Suicide as Told by the Moms They Left Behind. There is a link on my website and in my Instagram Bio. There are three Volumes out, and a fourth will be out in June. That’s 14 Moms who have left permanent legacies of their kids in the world! If you are a mom, there is still time to sign up for the last project of the year - starting in August. Email me today and we will set a time to talk about whether this is right for you....and read all about it (or watch a video) on my website. You can do this too! Remember to take care of yourself and have a gentle day. Talk Soon! Also, look for me again WEEKLY with a mixture of longer conversational episodes and shorter, solo, down-the-rabbit-hole episodes, roundtables, and more... I have missed you, friends, and I am glad to be back Find ALL Legacy BOOKS HERE Check out the LEGACY PROJECT HERE THANK YOU for listening to this episode. It means so much to me! Like what you hear? Support the show ______________________________________________________________________ My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central. PS....The FIRST SESSION of the Legacy Writing Project in 2024 is under way BUT you can get on the wait list for the August 7 group NOW!! For a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HERE If you, or someone you know, is struggling with suicidal thoughts PLEASE reach out: CALL 988 OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA Support the show Support the Show.

Today, I share my conversation with the Founder of PsycheX, Josh Halu, and his invited guest, suicide loss survivor-mom Natika Terrell. Plant Medicine has gotten a bad rap, becoming stigmatized in 'hippie culture' that led to government bans, which are (thankfully) now beginning to disappear, allowing for unparalleled mental health research and incredible breakthroughs! I did not step into this topic lightly. While I have been curious for a while (as I know several people who have greatly benefited from psychedelics), allowing that stigma to play a role, I have kept it at arms distance at best. Then Josh Halu reached out. I have been researching, listening, and even leaning in ever since. I am very excited to share this conversation with you, hoping it may add another possibility to your toolbox! PsycheX's Mission: Is to create a unified, trustworthy, and inclusive platform that fosters connections, education, and opportunities in the psychedelic industry. Their Vision: To make psychedelics a cornerstone of mental health care by developing the most comprehensive, trusted, and inclusive platform for resources, education, and therapy options. Today, we discuss plant medicines such as ketamine, ayahuasca, mdma, mushrooms (psilocybin), and more... Find PsycheX HERE Meet Josh "Josh Halu, Founder and CEO of The Psychedelic Exchange, is a dynamic leader committed to revolutionizing mental health care through the innovative use of psychedelic therapies. His background, steeped in military leadership from his time at West Point and as an Army Officer, fuels his dedication to a critical mission: bringing the number of veteran suicides down to zero. With his deep understanding of mental illnesses, including trauma, depression, and PTSD, as well as the unique challenges faced by veterans, Josh is pioneering new approaches in mental health care. He strives to transform the landscape of treatment and support for all, while destigmatizing the use of psychedelic medicines for mental wellness." Find JOSH HERE on his WEBSITE Reach him at info@psychex.com Here on Instagram Meet Natika Natika Terrell is a mother who has used psychedelics to aid in healing the trauma of losing her daughter, Carla to suicide in February of 2015. Through this loss journey she has been able to be more vulnerable in sharing her story as well as how she is facing life now. She aspires to be a motivational speaker who helps to be a voice for mental health including the power of psychedelics and plant medicine for mental health and healing. ______________________________________________________________________ [Please note that this episode is not intended as an endorsement of psychedelics, and Melissa is not a doctor or medical professional. As always, you should consider seeking medical (or appropriate) guidance when considering their use & possible outcomes.] ______________________________________________________________________ My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central. REGISTER for Monthly SUPPORT after Suicide loss HERE If you, or someone you know, is struggling with suicidal thoughts PLEASE reach out: CALL 988 OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA Support the Show.

Today I release a conversation with the founder & owner of Casa Alternavida which is on the beautiful, lush Caribbean Island of Puerto Rico - which now happens to also be where I call home as well! CLICK for The Leftover Pieces RETREAT INFO HERE In Yancy's words: "Casa Alternavida - A House of Transformation. Fresh perspective for a more fulfilling life.Casa Alternavida is a boutique wellness retreat center located in Puerto Rico offering a high-touchpoint, guided retreat experience for curious, growth-minded individuals and groups. Our approach is to get people out of their heads and into their body, a vast and commonly untapped intelligence that can bring deep insight and guidance. We work with nature as a metaphor during our daily adventures, supporting mindset shifts that give our guests opportunities to reconnect to their essential self. I am Yancy, the founder, is a master facilitator, somatic healer and I have a wealth of knowledge around retreat planning, nature guiding, and conscious communication. I am also a seasoned nature adventure guide with an abundance of knowledge and passion for their local flora and fauna." READ ABOUT THEM HERE in Preferred Magazine Today Yancy & I discuss: Some of the specifics of our retreat that will be July 17-22, 2024What the takeaways will be from The Picking up the Pieces RetreatAgain, CLICK for The Leftover Pieces RETREAT INFO HERE You can FIND Yancy /Casa Alternavida through the links on my website! Find CASA ALTERNAVIDA's Website HERE FOLLOW the, on INSTAGRAM HERE Follow them on FACEBOOK HERE Support the show ______________________________________________________________________ My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central. REGISTER for Monthly SIBLING SUPPORT after Suicide loss HERE If you, or someone you know, is struggling with suicidal thoughts PLEASE reach out: CALL 988 OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA Support the Show.

REGISTER for Monthly SIBLING SUPPORT after Suicide loss HERE Today I release a conversation with a sister talk about her baby brother Teddy. At 43, she lost her only sibling to suicide. Our personalities making us fast friends, Jen & I dug right in & discuss so many things surrounding, loss by suicide, AFSP & more... A bit more about her: "Jen Hoye is a passionate mental health and suicide prevention advocate, a board member of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Massachusetts Chapter, and a suicide loss survivor. Jen lost her brother, Teddy Fusco, Jr., to suicide in May 2017. Before July 2021, Jen Hoye hadn’t run in nearly 30 years – when she was on her high school cross country team. Several years after her brother Teddy’s suicide, Jen began walking for her physical & mental health. Jen was inspired by her brother to complete #HealingMiles remembrance walks and runs in honor of others who have died by suicide. Since September 2020, she has dedicated Healing Miles to hundreds of men, women, and children from across the globe. Today, Jen has completed a number of races representing Team AFSP, including the Boston Marathon (2021, 2022), & several more. Jen also completed her first ultramarathon to celebrate her upcoming 50th birthday. Her goal is to support the AFSP’s mission to bring hope to those impacted by suicide – and to run Healing Miles in memory of others – in every state of the US. Jen has been featured on a number of podcasts, radio shows, and international video panels, as well as in the news media. She lives in Taunton, MA, with her family, three rescue dogs, cat, and chickens." Find here HERE Jen Fusco Hoye | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree Her message of HOPE is to take care of yourself, outside of serving others, because you will need to be 'good' before you can truly be that help. Today we discuss: Choosing to LIVE & BE the real YOU FIND JEN (usually daily) behind that coffee cup, her beaming, infectious smile & that lovely leg tattoo - on Instagram HERE - FOLLOW HER NOW for a daily dose of good 'medicine' for your soul! And you can USE #healingmiles if you run! Support the show ______________________________________________________________________ My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central. REGISTER for Monthly SIBLING SUPPORT after Suicide loss HERE If you, or someone you know, is struggling with suicidal thoughts PLEASE reach out: CALL 988 OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA Support the Show.

Today is MONKEYS DAY, where I'm returning to the rabbit hole to discuss the third (& final) piece in my current series, "Mindset, Motivation & Monkeys." So now you have your mindset (or at least know what you would like it to be; goals are a first step), you have picked your guidance word of the year, and you have discovered your motivation. So what now? In this episode, I discuss MONKEYS! Ok, as you may have guessed, not actual monkeys (flying or otherwise) but rather boundaries! (aka - 'not my circus, not my monkeys') Setting boundaries after loss is much more complicated than before, like everything, right? But for many of us, there are hurdles we can't overcome after the mindset and motivation part, and then we end up feeling stuck. Today, I discuss this at length to give you some actionable ideas that may help. In this episode, hear me discuss: In the end, we are truly only limited by what we believe, and we have a choice in what we think and choose to believe. Our possibilities for life 'after' loss are only limited by our own mind. Yep, there's a LOT in those two sentences. Read them again. (And I know it's extraordinarily hard, but we can do hard things!) Some BONUS follow Up READING - just food for thought & for fun: A Person Without Boundaries ... (a post from The Daily Stoic) Setting Healthy Grief Boundaries (an easy read about a difficult thing!) THANK YOU for listening to this episode. It means so much to me! ______________________________________________________________________ My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central. PS....The FIRST SESSION of the Legacy Writing Project in 2024 is under way BUT you can get on the wait list for the August 7 group NOW!! For a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HERE If you, or someone you know, is struggling with suicidal thoughts PLEASE reach out: CALL 988 OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA Support the show Support the Show.

Today, I welcome Bobbi Smith. At 22, this brave young woman is actually a two-time loss survivor. She actually first lost her best friend AND then, a few years later, her husband to suicide, yet the hope in her voice is inspirational. She is wise beyond her years - that happens after trauma, but she is not shrinking away from the very raw & complex parts of her experiences -- she is standing up & drawing attention to them. "Her best friend since childhood, Racelyn, died on Feb. 20, 2018, at just 16 years old. While she felt the support of family & adults in her life, Bobbi's world was completely rocked. She even ended up completing her schooling online due to the bully-like, insensitive behavior of her peers after Racelyn died. Bobbi met Quentin through Racelyn; they were online friends for years! After Racelyn passed, they became closer after Quentin contacted her over social media to offer support and say he'd always be there to talk. It turned out he was, and their connection grew. After a road trip to visit Bobbi in October 2020, he asked her to be his girlfriend, and they married in December 2021. At the time, Quentin was a Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton from 2018 to 2022. Quentin Reed Smith was a 0331 Machine Gunner (Infantryman) in the United States Marines. He served one deployment to Japan. When he left the military, he was an E-4 corporal. He died from suicide by firearm in their backyard on Aug. 14, 2023, only 4 months short of turning 24, and he had only been out of the military for 9 months." You will hear us discuss many of the things listed above, but also: Whatwe can all make a difference by just saying their names...and more!THANK YOU for listening to this episode. It means so much to us! ______________________________________________________________________ My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central. PS....The FIRST SESSION of the Legacy Writing Project in 2024 is under way BUT you can get on the wait list for the August 7 group NOW!! For a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HERE If you, or someone you know, is struggling with suicidal thoughts PLEASE reach out: CALL 988 OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA Support the show Support the Show.

NEW EPISODE DROP! In this episode (2 of a 3 part series) I go back down the rabbit hole to discuss the second piece in the series called “Mindset, Motivation & Monkeys” ...today is motivation day!I know -- it sounds super hard; nearly impossible, right? Stick with me - we will get there. So now you have your mindset (or at least know what you would like it to be; goals are a first step) ... you have picked your guidance word of the year. Great. NOW WHAT...? How do you find a way to actually be motivated you ask...well, we explore this idea today! In this episode I discuss: thisRemember to look for me again WEEKLY with a mixture of longer conversational episodes and the shorter solo down the rabbit hole episodes, roundtables and more.... I have missed you friends and am glad to be back! THANK YOU for listening to this episode. It means the world! Check out ALL of my books including the lastet legacy book (and there's more on the way!) -- CLICK HERE!! PS....The FIRST SESSION of the Legacy Writing Project in 2024 is under way BUT you can get on the wait list for the August 7 group NOW!! For a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HERE ______________________________________________________________________ My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is 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 you know, is struggling with suicidal thoughts PLEASE reach out: CALL 988 OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA Support the Show.

Today I go (deep) into the rabbit hole to discuss a haunting question -- haunting for anyone, but even more so for us suicide loss survivors. Everything is harder now, right? (but that's NOT the question). Sing with me “I can do hard things. I can do hard things...” (it may just be the weirdo in me, but yes, I sing it out loud to myself often ...when I feel frustrated or discouraged), and then I DO “it” -- whatever the current “it” is. Or at least TRY to. How about you? (STILL NOT THE QUESTION though). I want to know if you have asked yourself this question I ask in the episode-- now, in your “after loss” life OR before? Should you? (pssst....the answer is “yes”) YOLO is what Alex would say and he was my kid after all...I hope this episode is thought provoking & motivating....and YES, you have to listen to the episode to actually HEAR THE QUESTION! Today I touch base on: Listen to the TedX Talk I reference HERE and for the joy of it (& because you will be left feeling like "I want to hear the song" So... HERE is the song she sings at the end (it's not part the original TedX recording) Remember to look for me again WEEKLY with a mixture of longer conversational episodes and the shorter solo down the rabbit hole episodes, roundtables and more.... I have missed you friends and am glad to be back! THANK YOU for listening to this episode. It means the world! Check out ALL of my books including the lastet legacy book (and there's more on the way!) -- CLICK HERE!! PS....The FIRST SESSION of the Legacy Writing Project in 2024 is under way BUT you can get on the wait list for the August 7 group NOW!! For a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HERE ______________________________________________________________________ My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is 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 you know, is struggling with suicidal thoughts PLEASE reach out: CALL 988 OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA Support the Show.

Today I am sharing a poignant & heartfelt conversation I had with an amazing woman named Jessica Timmerman. She lost her brother to suicide & everything changed. Jessica & Zach were not a typical brother and sister.... losing both of their parents before they were 18, they became each other's whole family and also the very best friends. Zach died by suicide in 2022 while serving his country (he was 15 years in when he died) - leaving Jess to pick up the pieces and figure out how to live without him AND honor his amazing life. This is a bold conversation with a brave lady & it's my honor to share it. "Jessica Timmerman is a married mom of three kids and a military mental health advocate, currently residing in Edmond, Oklahoma. Sergeant First Class Zachary M. Brown lost his life to suicide on Mother’s Day 2022 while on active duty in Germany. He was Jessica’s baby brother, a proud Infantryman, a combat veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan, a devoted Dad with a huge heart and made an impact on so many. Zach BELIEVED in a life of service and Jessica intends to continue that code". Today, we talk about: Find Jess at INSTAGRAM - please follow her & support her efforts for change And look for me to add a link to her (currently being updated) website in the next month or so to my resource page. THANK YOU for listening to this episode. It means the world! Check out ALL of my books including the lastet legacy book (and there's more on the way!) -- CLICK HERE!! PS....The FIRST SESSION of the Legacy Writing Project in 2024 is under way BUT you can get on the wait list for the August 7 group NOW!! For a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HERE ______________________________________________________________________ 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 you know, is struggling with suicidal thoughts PLEASE reach out: CALL 988 OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA Support the Show.

In this episode, I go down the rabbit hole to discuss the concept of acceptance, or acceptable, as it pertains to our loss. Words can be so very tricky. I am anxious to know your feelings after you listen to this episode. Do you agree? Have you encountered this with others wondering why you can’t “accept” your loss? Is your loss acceptable to you? . I launched Season 5 last week with a very exciting first episode directly from the book launch Zoom event for the latest legacy book “Because They Lived; Stories & Memories of Amazing Kids Lost to Suicide. As Told by the Moms They Left Behind” (Volume 3) and TWO Down the Rabbit Hole episodes as well. If you haven’t listened, you should when you have time! . Remember to look for me again WEEKLY with a mixture of longer conversational episodes and the shorter solo down the rabbit hole episodes, roundtables and more.... I have missed you friends and am glad to be back! You can look for me again WEEKLY with a mixture of longer conversational episodes and the shorter solo down the rabbit hole episodes, roundtables and more.... I will drop episodes between Sunday night & Monday night but the best way to know a new one is out, is still to subscribe to be notified from you podcast platform. THANK YOU for listening to this episode. It means the world! Check out ALL of my books including the lastet legacy book (and there's more on the way!) -- CLICK HERE!! PS....LAST SESSION of the Legacy Writing Project for 2023 began August 16 BUT you can get on the wait list for the February 7, 2024, group NOW!! For a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HERE ______________________________________________________________________ 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 you know, is struggling with suicidal thoughts PLEASE reach out: CALL 988 OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA Support the show Support the Show.

NEW EPISODE!! Today SUNDAY, Feb 4, 2024 The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations Podcast officially launched Season 5 !! I am honored to be back behind the mic talking with other loss survivors and experts....so that I can share these conversations with you - fellow griever. So, yes, I AM BACK!!! AND I did take a bit of a “pause” and I can’t wait to share with you why...(psst, episode 2 tells all of the details -- or at least some!) I am launching Season 5 with this very exciting episode directly from the book launch Zoom event for the latest legacy book “Because They Lived; Stories & Memories of Amazing Kids Lost to Suicide. As Told by the Moms They Left Behind” (Volume 3) AND I will be releasing at least one Down the Rabbit Hole episode as well! GET YOUR OWN COPY -- CLICK HERE Now you can look for me again WEEKLY with a mixture of longer conversational episodes and the shorter solo down the rabbit hole episodes, roundtables and more.... I have missed you friends and am glad to be back! Check out ALL of my books (and there's more on the way!) -- CLICK HERE!! PS....LAST SESSION of the Legacy Writing Project for 2023 began August 16 BUT you can get on the wait list for the February 7, 2024, group NOW!! For a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HERE ______________________________________________________________________ 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 you know, is struggling with suicidal thoughts PLEASE reach out: CALL 988 OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA Support the show Support the Show.

SUNDAY, Feb 4, The Leftover Pieces launched Season 5 with 3 new episodes ...with more coming EVERY WEEK! I am honored to be back behind the mic talking with other loss survivors and experts....so that I can share these conversations with you, fellow griever. So, yes, I AM BACK!!! AND I did take a bit of a “pause” and I can’t wait to share with you why...(psst, this episode tells why) I am launching Season 5 with a very exciting first episode directly from the book launch Zoom event for the latest legacy book “Because They Lived; Stories & Memories of Amazing Kids Lost to Suicide. As Told by the Moms They Left Behind” (Volume 3) AND I am releasing TWO Down the Rabbit Hole episodes as well Then....look for me again WEEKLY with a mixture of longer conversational episodes and the shorter solo down the rabbit hole episodes, roundtables and more.... I have missed you friends and am glad to be back! Check out ALL of my books (and there's more on the way!) -- CLICK HERE!! PS....LAST SESSION of the Legacy Writing Project for 2023 began August 16 BUT you can get on the wait list for the February 7, 2024, group NOW!! For a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HERE ______________________________________________________________________ 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 you know, is struggling with suicidal thoughts PLEASE reach out: CALL 988 OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA Support the show Support the Show.

This episode (the 3rd of 3 in the initial drop of Season 5) is releasing on SUNDAY, Feb 4, 2024. I am honored to be back behind the mic talking with other loss survivors and experts....so that I can share these conversations with you, fellow griever. So, yes, I AM BACK!!! AND I did take a bit of a “pause” and I can’t wait to share with you why...(psst, episode 2 episode tells why if you haven't listened in order) THIS episode is me reading my recently published essay to (my) Alex “Serendipities & Synchronicities; An Essay to Alex” from the most recent legacy book (see next paragraph) I launched Season 5 with a very exciting episode directly from the book launch Zoom event for the latest legacy book “Because They Lived; Stories & Memories of Amazing Kids Lost to Suicide. As Told by the Moms They Left Behind” (Volume 3) AND I will be releasing TWO Down the Rabbit Hole episodes as well (I mean episode 2 was really just an update -- but an episode nonetheless) Now you can look for me again WEEKLY with a mixture of longer conversational episodes and the shorter solo down the rabbit hole episodes, roundtables and more.... I have missed you friends and am glad to be back. THANK YOU for listening to this episode. It means the world to share Alex with you! Check out ALL of my books including the latest legacy book (and there's more on the way!) -- CLICK HERE!! PS....LAST SESSION of the Legacy Writing Project for 2023 began August 16 BUT you can get on the wait list for the February 7, 2024, group NOW!! For a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HERE ______________________________________________________________________ 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 you know, is struggling with suicidal thoughts PLEASE reach out: CALL 988 OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA Support the show Support the Show.

Today I turn the microphone Caro's direction as she sits on the other side of the interview for a change. Many of you know Caro Brookings from her semi-yearly Interview Series. Twice a year Caro holds these amazing speaker series where you can hear 20+ suicide loss experts share their experiences and knowledge. I have been privileged to be a guest speaker all 4 times plus the upcoming one next week, Nov 6-10, 2023. In her words: "After my Mum took her life in 2013, I quickly realized that there isn't enough support out there for suicide loss survivors. I struggled with complex grief, including feelings of guilt. After trying every healing strategy under the sun, I finally found the one which works when I learned all about refuting thoughts and rewiring the brain. I am now a Certified NeuroCoach and grief coach. I use brain based, science backed methods, as well as drawing from my vast experience, to support my clients find inner peace and even joy again - for good." Today we get personal in Caro's loss journey. Losing a parent to suicide is a complicated loss of a lifetime that changes a child permanently. This conversation was a joy to have. I enjoyed getting to know more about Caro's personal journey & I think you will also. Some of the things Caro & I speak to are: Register for the FREE "Navigating Conversations After Suicide Loss "Interview Series HERE AND HERE are ALL of the other ways to find Caro carobrookings.com facebook.com/suicidebereavementcoaching instagram.com/suicidebereavementcoaching facebook.com/groups/healingaftersuicideloss ______________________________________________________________________ PS....LAST SESSION of the Legacy Writing Project for 2023 began August 16 BUT you can get on the wait list for the February 7, 2024, group NOW!! For a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HERE ______________________________________________________________________ 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 you know, is struggling with suicidal thoughts PLEASE reach out: CALL 988 OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA Support the show Support the Show.

Today you are getting the much-anticipated, long promised (& finally here)- friends roundtable episode! And it was so. worth. the. wait! After loss it feels like (publicly) there is so much that is centered around the immediate family and friends often seem 'forgotten' or definitely might feel unseen in their grief. It's really important to me to give them a voice because their loss was NOT small or inconsequential, at all! It was so very relevant and important in their lives! Today I talk with three amazing humans who all lost a dear friend to suicide. A fourth friend who couldn't join, is represented by submitting answers to the talking points and I read these answers to Intermingle his answers in between the other's answers. We here from Christian Murillo & Branislav Tadic from North Kansas City, Missouri here in the States and also from Oakley Mengel from Elkford, British Columbia, Canada. Brock Lorenzen (also from NKC) submitted his answers (and I read them for him in his absence). Christian, Brock and Branislav lost their friend (my son) Alex and Oakley lost her dear, best friend Donavon. This conversation is a joy and heartbreaking all at once, but it is so very, very powerful and I am SO THANKFUL that we had this time! Some of the things we speak to are: Such an IMPACTFUL & AMAZING conversation - like me, I think that you will take a WHOLE lot from this! It was a REAL GIFT FOR ME!! ______________________________________________________________________ PS....LAST SESSION of the Legacy Writing Project for 2023 began August 16 BUT you can get on the wait list for the February 7, 2024, group NOW!! For a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HERE ______________________________________________________________________ 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 you know, is struggling with suicidal thoughts PLEASE reach out: CALL 988 OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA Support the Show.

In life after suicide loss there is a lot to practice ---and today I talk about practicing our practices!! I go "Down the Rabbit Hole" Today I cover: I almost didn't release this one --- because I am human and sometimes doubt if my thoughts have any value to share -- but after listening again, I realize it DOES! This even came up recently in a group I was in and I thought --"Holy Cow! I recorded these thoughts and didn't put them out!" It was my "A-Ha!" Moment!. I hope you take something from it - I sure did the second time around...this is for you Dustine! ______________________________________________________________________ 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 ______________________________________________________________________ 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 you know, is struggling with suicidal thoughts PLEASE reach out: CALL 988 OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA Support the show Support the Show.

Today I am sharing my guest appearance with host Mathew Blades & Dr. Frank Bevacqua on the "Learn from People Who Lived It" Podcast. LISTEN to THIS EPISODE HERE Below I have copied Mathew's show notes from this episode: Putting the Pieces Back Together with Melissa Bottorff-Arey In this episode, you'll hear: How Melissa was able to make peace with the guilt she had over the incident What she would have done differently and what it looks like to be a "safe person" How she handled Alex’s death with her other two children (I am omitting my Bio which was here because its already on my site) In this episode, Mathew, Dr. Frank, and Melissa discuss how to carry grief and pain at the same time, factors that lead to increased suicidal ideation, and the impact people around you have on your mental health. Dr. Frank outlines the costs and benefits of mental health medication, what suicidal ideation is, and when it switches to becoming suicidal. What would Melissa have done differently if she knew Alex had made that switch? She tells us what she has learned over the years about how to be a safe person to talk to, why parent guilt is unique, and how knowledge has helped her deal with it. There is a balance between modeling behavior and grieving authentically that she has had to manage with her other two children and has gotten to a place now where she understands the difference between trauma and grief. She says finding a community is the most important thing to do after a loss, and she is doing her part to create one through her organization, The Leftover Pieces. "I know I will always be a work in progress, but now I also know I can live a good life, right alongside my grief." Again --LISTEN to THIS EPISODE HERE PLEASE CHECK OUT HIS WHOLE PODCAST HERE -- link, rate & review if you would be so kind (please do this for e too if you haven't yet) _____________________________________________________________________ PS....LAST SESSION of the Legacy Writing Project for 2023 began August 16 BUT you can get on the wait list for FEBRUARY 7, 2024 anytime! For a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HERE ______________________________________________________________________ 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 you know, is struggling with suicidal thoughts PLEASE reach out: CALL 988 OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA Support the Show.

Today I speak with mama to Macoy, Jolee Hicks and mom to Noah, Valerie Norris. Alongside each other these moms each wrote chapters containing memories and stories of their wonderful sons. I also wrote a chapter about Alex as well. Among other things we discuss: These ladies are so brave and so dynamic - I am so very proud of the and feel honored to now call them friends! Get a copy of the book & delight in knowing Noah, Macoy & Alex... this is how legacy works! The gift will be yours! Such an IMPACTFUL conversation - like me, I think that you will take a lot from this! ______________________________________________________________________ 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 ______________________________________________________________________ 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 you know, is struggling with suicidal thoughts PLEASE reach out: CALL 988 OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA Support the Show.

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: 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! ______________________________________________________________________ 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 ______________________________________________________________________ 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 you know, is struggling with suicidal thoughts PLEASE reach out: CALL 988 OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA Support the Show.

Today I go "down the rabbit hole" to discuss a touchy subject ... or at least a difficult and complicated one. But this is a difficult and complicated journey, isn't it? Today I discuss my thoughts on if our "before" - our old life and self - will ever be relevant again. You will hear me discuss: And speaking of this loss and the trauma associated with it... do you need to start your trauma healing journey? I have created a good place to start ...FIND my "Growth in Grief; Healing our Mind, Body & Spirit" COURSE INFO HERE and JUST for reading the show notes, I have a GIFT for you. So..... CLICK HERE to GET $50 off now. Thank you for listening and learning and growing with me. I appreciate you. AOT :) Also see the links below to check out all of the NEW things happening here at the Leftover Pieces. Talk soon! - Melissa PS....LAST SESSION of the Legacy Writing Project for 2023 started August 16, 2023 BUT you can get on the wait list for January 2024 or August 2024 anytime! For a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HERE ______________________________________________________________________ My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" support central - MY HUB - and that means my different SUPPORT GROUP Options are available. I work to meet the needs of the three main things all moms say they need after the loss of their child by suicide - resources (at the time of loss and beyond), a community of connection that 'gets it' and a way to ensure that their child leaves an enduring legacy in this world! For resources go to my Resource Page HERE For Community, go t my Support Page HERE where you will find ALL of the ways to connect and find support. The latest Legacy project is NOW published as a BOOK -- GET IT 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 you know, is struggling with suicidal thoughts PLEASE reach out: CALL 988 OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA in Canada TEXT 686868 in the UK TEXT 85258 Support the Show.