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 you know, is struggling  with suicidal thoughts PLEASE reach out:
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