"The REST of My Story; Was It Free Will, or Not"

Today, I share some resources, talk about a few change makers and read a few inspiring messages for this season - for every season, really. Today, hear me discuss the past, present and future (no, it's not a holiday tale filled with chain clanking ghosts) and then dip into some exciting, hope-filled options and resources -- and the incredible people behind them! Be sure to stay 'til the end where I read an article that I wrote for the 4th Quarter Get Griefy magazine. And there are so many other incredible articles and resources -- you will want to own a physical copy so that you can read them all over and over! Access Get Griefy Magazine HERE Editor in Chief Kera Sanchez (click the "READ" tab at left to read past issues) OR Order on Amazon HERE at Kera's author page where you will also see her Legacy Letters books (I am currently filling in a copy myself-- because, yes, legacy truly matters! Look at the Resilient AF book / Global Resilience Project HERE by Blair Kaplan Venables AND WATCH FOR RESLIENT AF 2 in January 2025!! Erin Blechman's WEBSITE and BOOK My Unexpected Journey at these links__________________________________________________________________________Go to my WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.PS....The FIRST SESSION of the Legacy Writing Project in 2024 has finished & the last one is under way...GET ON THE LIST NOW for the SINGLE DATE start for 2025For a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HEREIf you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988   OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA#theleftoverpieces #theleftoverpiecespodcast #suicideloss #childloss #suicidegrief #griefsupportaftersuicide #icandohardthings #childloss #downtherabbithole #suicidebereavement #supportaftersuicideloss #youarenotalone #legacybook #becausetheylived #grief #traumarecovery #suicidelossretreat #trumanstateuniversity #trumanstateSupport the showSupport the show

Today I share my conversation with fellow (suicide loss) bereaved mom, author & speaker Erin Blechman. We discuss her incredible son Max, life after suicide loss of a child and her book My Unexpected Journey: Reflections After Losing My Son to Suicide. Everyone will have a takeaway from this one.....& Erin & I share so many of the same realities...including that hope does come back AND that time alone does not ‘fix’ anything (it’s what we do with that time that matters)! In her own words:"The loss of my Max has been devastating," shares Erin, " and it put me on the path to become an author, speaker, and certified Grief Educator. My goal is to elevate the conversation...and to help other bereaved parents deal with the loss of their own beloved child...In my book, 'My Unexpected Journey: Reflections After Losing My Son to Suicide', I chronicle the eighteen months following the devastating loss of my beloved son, Max to suicide after his long battle with mental illness. I offer grief support to bereaved parents through online groups and community talks that seek to build greater understanding of mental illness, suicide, loss and grief. I live part-time in both Pennsylvania and Florida with her husband, Bill and Max’s dog, Emmylou". Today, Erin & I discuss:Her unexpected turn into complicated grief & her journey in the 4 years sinceWho was Max? Does she signs?... and some favorite memoriesWhen she first felt the 'nudge' to help others - her path to becoming a grief advocate, educator & resource to others like herself. The vantage point that the book was written from & her intentions & hopes for the book. Grief Illiteracy - why is it so profound AND how do we change it? Where does she go now from here...?GET HER BOOK HERE -- "My Unexpected Journey: Reflections After Losing My Son to Suicide"Follow Erin on:Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn and on her WEBSITE ____________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.For a way to leave a Legacy for your child - GO HEREIf you, or someone you know, is struggling with suicidal thoughts, reach out:  CALL 988   OR, TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 iSupport the showSupport the show

Today, I share a long overdue conversation...with Angel the Medium. After child loss by suicide, we need connection - to so much, other moms included, & we need a connection to our child in spirit. Many grievers look for, wonder about, &/or sit in front of a medium to facilitate that connection after loss.I know I did -- the first few attempts didn't go well for me after I learned how to find a medium, prepare for a reading, and moreover, I finally found "my medium" (yes, once you find a fit, you should stick with them) In this episode, Angel and I attempt to demystify mediumship including discussing that he is deeply Catholic (many people assume God & spirituality do not go hand-in-hand. Untrue. They can!)BUT THAT'S NOT ALL. Angel and his wife (mystic Medium), Lisa Dawn, are the guest co-hosts for my upcoming Mom's Soul & Spirit Connection RETREAT (Jan. 15-20, 2025). It will be an (almost) weeklong healing retreat where we integrate mediumship, psychic, and healing modalities with a fully immersive dive into soul and spirit. Come get replenished, cared for, and connected this January (and hopefully, we will partner for a yearly retreat after this!!!Angel the Medium is an Evidential Psychic Medium &Spiritual Life Coach who is passionate about teaching, helping others. Every day, he gets to do what he loves. Angel is genuinely grateful for his gifts and loves to help people the best he can."I understand the challenges life can bring, and I'm here without judgment for you and your family. My role is to support & assist you to the best of my abilities. I aspire to contribute to your healing journey during our sessions...thank you for choosing to connect with me." -Angel the Medium.Lisa Dawn sums up who should get a reading from here in a significant way: Anyone needing clarity on their life (any subject) | Psychic ReadingPeople who want to connect to a passed loved one | Mediumship ReadingIf you need emotional, spiritual, or physical healing | Healing SessionAnyone who wants to know themselves better, understand more about themselves, &see their path in life, challenges, talents, and skills would make a good partner. | Astrology ReadingThe Retreat specifics are best read about HERE on the Retreat Page.BELOW are the LINKS to websites for Angel, Lisa, and the RETREAT!Angel the Medium (website)HOW to PREPARE for a READING (by Angel)Mystic Medium Lisa DawnHERE's Season 4 Ep 11 (Dr. Lenore Matthew- how to find a Medium, &...)A great LIST of RESOURCES (from Dr. Lenore)____________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.For a way to leave a Legacy for your child - GO HEREIf you, or someone you know, is struggling with suicidal thoughts, reach out:  CALL 988   OR, TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 iSupport the show

In life after suicide loss, we hear the words "it's okay to not be okay" as part of mental health or prevention campaigns and similar messages all of the time, right? Especially THIS month as September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (or is it just awareness -- or just prevention...? Ugh, right?). We can tackle that topic another day.And it IS TRUE that it's okay to not be okay...it's an essential, to-the-point message to help empower people to speak up when they are not doing okay -- to let people know that "we got you" because life is hard, and we are all not okay from time to time (or even most of the time). Prevention is vital...but how does it all land with those left behind; those of us living in the aftermath of a devastating suicide? This came up recently in my online mom support community. You see, we've come to realize that the journey after suicide loss is so complicated. It's a path filled with intense sadness, unanswerable questions, and overwhelming guilt. It's a struggle to even consider saying that you're 'okay' today. SO, what happens when you ARE okay (even if just for the moment, or day)? Can you say that you are? And just how is it received, how does it land - with others and even with ourselves??You may not understand and wonder why this would be the case. Maybe you're nodding in agreement, eager to delve into this question with me. That's why I'm here -- to facilitate these discussions, encourage debate, and help us all navigate this 'after life' together.Those of us living this 'after life' may know this (and so many more) duality exists, but it's a different story when it comes to unpacking some these challenges in our daily lives so we can grow forward, and others can come alongside us. We must not only destigmatize mental health and suicide, but also grief. That's why I'm here, ready to tackle these issues head-on and discuss the dualities of life after suicide loss.Here is that exclusive COUPON CODE resources I mentionedCLICK HERE or go through my website and just use code TLPPOD49__________________________________________________________________________Go to my WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.PS....The FIRST SESSION of the Legacy Writing Project in 2024 has finished & the last one is under way...GET ON THE LIST NOW for the SINGLE DATE start for 2025For a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HEREIf you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988   OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA#theleftoverpieces #theleftoverpiecespodcast #suicideloss #childloss #suicidegrief #griefsupportaftersuicide #icandohardthings #childloss #downtherabbithole #suicidebereavement #supportaftersuicideloss #youarenotalone #legacybook #becausetheylived #grief #traumarecovery #suicidelossretreat #trumanstateuniversity #trumanstateSupport the show

SPECIAL NEW EPISODE DROP! This is Part 3 of 3 (Listening in order is recommended). I am getting very 'up close and personal' as I do something I have not done since I began the podcast in 2020-- tell "the rest of my story." This is part of MY life after the suicide loss of my son Alex Mullins on August 7, 2016In the 3-part series you get Part 1, "The Rest of My Story" Part 2 - "My Analysis", and that will be followed by this one - Part 3, "Can Words Kill...What Now?" In Part 3, I discuss how this is relevant to you - my audience. And WHAT do we do? HOW do we DO anything?? This is just the start of me telling anyone who will listen to what started in August of 2016 at Truman State University with my son Alex's suicide... and what we had no clue about that became a nightmare on top of a nightmare for many, not just us. "Free Will" serves as a center point of this story: free will and a disturbed individual with a death obsession and malice in his heart. The question of free will is complicated in most suicides, but how does it factor in when another person is right there - influencing or bullying or even reasoning or coaxing...?  So, it's time to tell the story. The world needs to know because I KNOW I am not alone in this, or similar, situations - and that pains me. We need to draw attention to bullies, toxic relationships, and more that lead our kids straight to taking their own life. We need answers, accountability, and more. Let's have conversations! Find the Essay I read in this episode HERE. It's called Talking Suicide Blues by Jeannette Cooperman, published on January 31, 2022. In my opinion, it's the most accurate article written to date. There is still So. Much. More. to the story, but now you know more than you did-- and I hope it gives you something to think aboutFind the Cambridge Core paper HERE "Speech & Suicide - The Line of Legality"Find Curator of Quotes HERE Find HicksStrong HERE_____________________________________________________________________Go to my WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.PS....The FIRST SESSION of the Legacy Writing Project in 2024 has finished BUT you can get on the list for the FINAL Group of the year starting August 14 group NOW!!For a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HEREIf you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988   OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA#theleftoverpieces #theleftoverpiecespodcast #suicideloss #childloss #suicidegrief #griefsupportaftersuicide #icandohardthings #childloss #downtherabbithole #suicidebereavement #supportaftersuicideloss #youarenotalone #legacybook #becausetheylived #grief #traumarecovery #suicidelossretreat #trumanstateuniversity #trumanstateSupport the show

SPECIAL NEW EPISODE DROP! This is Part 2 of 3 (Listening in order is recommended). I am getting very 'up close and personal' as I do something I have not done since I began the podcast in 2020-- tell "the rest of my story." This is part of MY life after the suicide loss of my son Alex Mullins on August 7, 2016Putting this out there has taken way more 'guts' than I anticipated. Much like Part 1, it took extra days to release this one. Even eight years in (it would seem), I am still learning about my new self. Hard things are hard!In the 3-part series, you get Part 1, "The Rest of My Story," Part 2 - "My Analysis," and that will be followed by Part 3, "Can Words Kill...What Now?" Today, I respond to the essay I read in Part 1 as the start of me telling anyone who will listen to what started in August of 2016 at Truman State University with my son Alex's suicide... and what we had no clue about that became a nightmare on top of a nightmare, for many, not just us. "Free will" serves as a center point of this story: free will and a disturbed individual with a death obsession and malice in his heart (IMO). Free will is complicated - just like suicide & mental health - in most suicides, but how does it factor in when another person is right there - influencing or bullying or even reasoning and coaxing...?So, it's time to tell the story. The world needs to know because I KNOW I am not alone in this, or similar, situations - and that pains me. We need to draw attention to bullies, toxic relationships, and more that lead our kids straight to taking their own life. We need answers, accountability, and more. Let's have conversations! Thank you for listening and supporting the podcast and me!Find the essay I read in this episode HERE. It's called Talking Suicide Blues by Jeannette Cooperman, published on January 31, 2022. In my opinion, it's the most accurate article written to date. There is still So. Much. More. to the story, but now you know more than you did-- and I hope it gives you something to think about.From Episode 3 (but I will put here also), Like me these parents know how I feel:Find Curator of Quotes HEREFind HicksStrong HERE_____________________________________________________________________Go to my WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.PS....The FINAL SESSION of the Legacy Writing Project in 2024 has begun BUT you can get on the list for the ONLY group in 2025 (starting Jan.2025 ) Leave a Legacy of your child - GO HEREIf you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988   OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA#theleftoverpieces #theleftoverpiecespodcast #suicideloss #childloss #suicidegrief #griefsupportaftersuicide #childloss #downtherabbithole #suicidebereavement #supportaftersuicideloss #youarenotalone #legacybook #becausetheylived #grief #traumarecovery #suicidelossretreat #trumanstateuniversity #trumanstateSupport the show

SPECIAL NEW EPISODE DROP! New today! This is Part 1 of 3 (the other two will be released only two days after the previous one). I am getting very 'up close and personal' as I do something I have not done since I began the podcast in 2020-- tell "the rest of my story." Putting this out there has taken way more 'guts' than I anticipated. I have been sitting on this episode, frozen, for over a week. Even eight years in, it seems I am still learning about my new self. But it's time.I am finally pushing the button today...officially entering my own new era.Today, I am transitioning from sitting on the sidelines (albeit strategic & necessary for years) to now getting up (high) on a soap box and telling anyone who will listen to what started in August of 2016 at Truman State University with my son Alex's suicide... and what we had no clue about that became a nightmare on top of a nightmare, for many, not just us. "Free will" serves as a center point of this story: free will and a disturbed individual with a death obsession and malice in his heart. I think the question of free will is complicated - just like suicide - in most suicides, but how does it factor in when another person is right there - influencing or bullying or even reasoning and coaxing...?So, it's time to tell the story. The world needs to know because I KNOW I am not alone in this, or similar, situations - and that pains me. We need to draw attention to bullies, toxic relationships, and more that lead our kids straight to taking their own life. We need answers, accountability, and so much more. Let's have THAT conversation too! This is just my springboard, but I have to start somewhere. Thank you for listening and supporting the podcast and me!Find the Essay I read in this episode HERE. It's called Talking Suicide Blues by Jeannette Cooperman, published on January 31, 2022. In my opinion, it's the most accurate article written to date. There is still So. Much. More. to the story, but this is a starting point.  You get Part 1, "The Rest of My Story" today. Then, Part 2 - "My Response - The Analysis" (to the Essay I read in Part 1) will be out in 2 days, and that will be followed by Part 3 two days after that, which will be called-- "Why is This Relevant for You - My Audience." Please have a gentle day and be good to yourself. Talk Soon! - Melissa _____________________________________________________________________Go to my WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.PS....The FIRST SESSION of the Legacy Writing Project in 2024 has finished BUT you can get on the list for the FINAL Group of the year starting August 14 group NOW!!For a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HEREIf you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988   OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA#theleftoverpieces #theleftoverpiecespodcast #suicideloss #childloss #suicidegrief #griefsupportaftersuicide #icandohardthings #childloss #downtherabbithole #suicidebereavement #supportaftersuicideloss #youarenotalone #legacybook #becausetheylived #grief #traumarecovery #suicidelossretreat #trumanstateuniversitySupport the show

Today I am releasing a conversation that I had recently with Amy King - Grace's mom. Amy also happens to be an incredible writer and award-winning YA author (psst... see down below) But the role she cherishes most in life, is being a mom to her two kiddos... she now bothers, like many of us, from both sides of 'the veil'. Gracie died by suicide in 2018. Amy's "other" episode _ Season 4 Ep. 3 "Suicide is Normal AND Tragic" And today, just a few things we chat about are: First, she talks about her loss survivor group & how it has influenced herComing face-to-face with a mom who had previously) judged her family - and how hearing her say it out loud - impacted her. The myths and realities of 'prevention' & stigma & shame...Meaningful conversations everywhere - incl. LGBTQA+ spaces...Living in a community where she is still 'targeted' and yet, her resolve is stronger than ever! Judgement, safe spaces, Gracie's House, soup and more ...Speaking our truth, judgement, creating safe spaces & having meaningful dialogue with teens (& others in our community) are key takeaways here. Take good care good you, my friend!"A.S. King has been called “One of the best Y.A. writers working today” by the New York Times Book Review. King is the author of highly-acclaimed novels including 2021's SW/TCH, 2020 Michael L. Printz Award winner and LA Times Book Prize finalist DIG, 2016's Still Life with Tornado, 2015’s surrealist I Crawl Through It, Glory O'Brien's History of the Future, Reality Boy, the 2012 Los Angeles Times Book Prize winner, Ask the Passengers, Everybody Sees the Ants, 2011 Michael L. Printz Honor Book Please Ignore Vera Dietz among others. She also writes Middle Grade fiction as Amy Sarig King, including Attack of the Black Rectangles. She has edited an anthology of weird stories, The Collectors, which won the Michael L. Printz award in 2024, and will release a new YA novel, Pick the Lock, in fall 2024. In 2022, King received the Margaret A. Edwards Award for her significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature. In 2023, she accepted the ALAN Award from The Assembly on Literature for Adolescents of NCTE for her "artistry, courage, and outstanding contributions to the field of adolescent literature."  She is a former faculty member of the Writing for Children and Young Adults MFA program at Vermont College of Fine Arts and spends many months of the year traveling the country speaking to high school and university students, educators, and humans who care about the mental health of young people. After a decade living self-sufficiently and teaching literacy to adults in Ireland, she now lives in Pennsylvania."_____________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.PS....The FIRST SESSION of the Legacy Writing Project in 2024 has finished BUT you can get on the list for the FINAL Group of the year starting August 14 group NOW!!For a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HEREIf you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988   OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USASupport the show

Today I am down the rabbit hole to discuss the concept of a grief hangover. Yep, it's a real thing ....at least I say it is. I did not coin the phrase but i also don't recall ever hearing it before, yet a simple internet search tells me that I am not the only one who thinks it's that 'thing'. The day before, of and after a "day" (birthday, loss, day, holiday...) can be absolute hell and you may be left with a massive grief hangover if you aren't prepared. Let me offer some thoughts that may just help! (turns out, I needed the reminder too!)  Today, I have three top takeaways on this subject:First, give yourself plenty of space and Grace. You need flexibility, time for yourself.... These will all lay a foundation for the other. 2.Second have a backup plan... this will give you a safety net as well as a way out - or at least relief -when a 'hangover' happens3rd, make a plan.... Intentionality and mindfulness go a long way in the prevention. of a hangover, or perhaps keeping it at bay more than if you didn't use these toolsForethought, mindfulness and participation/planning are keys here. Take good care good you, my friend!_____________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.PS....The FIRST SESSION of the Legacy Writing Project in 2024 has finished BUT you can get on the list for the FINAL Group of the year starting August 14 group NOW!!For a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HEREIf 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 USASupport the show

Today I have Lenore Matthew, PhD, MSW, back on the podcast -- for the THIRD time! That tells you how much I value what she has to say BUT is also a testament to her own healing and growth - AND her desire to share it with those who need to hear it! Today we discuss her latest endeavor in healing - one that can bring so. much. freedom... welcome to BRAINSPOTTING!    On her website she says that she is "Melding science and spirit to welcome joy, light, and expansion" as well as "Helping creatives, high performers, healers, and lightworkers heal through trauma and step fully into their soul's purpose and full self"IF you currently are looking for healing - whether early acute grief, or later in deeper healing, I have links for you below: Lenore is findable HERE -->  FIND HER HERE - on her websiteWHAT IS BRAINSPOTTING? CLICK HERE to FIND OUTREAD ABOUT Brain/Body/Spirit Research Lab for Post-Traumatic Growth and ExpansionListen to her PREVIOUS 2 Episodes: S1 Ep 30    Are They Really Gone? Alchemy of Science and SpiritS4 Ep 11  Dr. Lenore Matthew; Melding Science & Spirit in Healing after Suicide LossThe resource page she discussed, for others (earlier) grievers is HERELen also recently honored me (& the other 2 authors) by writing the Foreword to the latest Legacy Project Vol. 4.... read it today. Available on Amazon at the LINK BELOW Find ALL Legacy BOOKS HERE Check out the LEGACY PROJECT HERETHANK YOU for listening to this episode. It means so much to me!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 HEREIf 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 USASupport the show