Pieces Falling

Biographies & Memoirs

synopsis

Synopsis

As a wife and mom, church volunteer, and small business owner, Ann Van Hine prided herself on being in control of her life. Until 9/11. Pieces Falling is Ann's story of navigating the very personal loss of her husband, Bruce-a New York City firefighter who died on 9/11- amid the very public tragedy that shocked the world. Her poignant reflections help answer the questions: • How do you cope when life lies in pieces around you? • How do you begin to rebuild in the face of all that has been lost? • How do you commemorate the past while creating space for your future? Ann's journey parallels the evolution of Ground Zero from a place of death and destruction to the moving Memorial Plaza today-and is a beautiful testament to the resilience of a woman, a family, and a nation.

bio

Author Biography

Ann Clark Van Hine, aka Miss Ann, was born in Oxford, England but grew up in Oklahoma, Utah, Arizona, and New Jersey. Bruce's appointment to the FDNY relocated her to Orange County, NY. In 2018 she moved to Brooklyn, NY and recently moved to PA to be close to the littles aka her grandkids. Ann is the mom of two grown daughters, the widow of a FDNY firefighter, a retired small business owner, former docent with 9/11 Tribute Museum, published writer, Children’s Ministries volunteer and a breast cancer survivor. Since September 11, 2001, Ann has had numerous opportunities to share the story of God’s presence and peace as she navigated “a personal loss in the midst of a national tragedy.” She has shared her story all over the USA and internationally in Ireland, Belgium, England, and Japan.

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Author Insight

Trees

At this time of year as the leaves fill the blank branches of the trees, I am reminded of Bruce's favorite poem Trees by Joyce Kilmer. To be honest it was probably the only poem he had ever read but as an arborist it definitely rang true with him. He actually memorized it. Trees in general and especially the trees at the Memorial bring a smile to my face and memories of Bruce to my mind. "I think that I shall never see A poem lovely as a tree. A tree whose hungry mouth is prest Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast; A tree that looks at God all day, And lifts her leafy arms to pray; A tree that may in Summer wear A nest of robins in her hair; Upon whose bosom snow has lain; Who intimately lives with rain. Poems are made by fools like me, But only God can make a tree."

Book Excerpt

Pieces Falling

That same week I received an email from a filmmaker looking to interview family members about the trees. Scott Elliott had been filming the trees since the inception of the memorial.

His project sounded interesting, so I responded, letting Scott know that Bruce had not only been one of the 343 firefighters killed in the line of duty, but that he had been an arborist on the side. I also let Scott know I volunteered with Tribute.

Scott and I emailed back and forth. He decided he would join one of my tours to see if it was something that might work for the film. Eventually he sought permission from Tribute to film the tour. After the tour he interviewed me.

One day I joked with Scott that my interview would probably end up on the cutting room floor.

He shook his head. “There’s no way you’ll end up on the cutting room floor. You’re the heart of this story.”

The Trees, a feature-length documentary, was released at the tenth anniversary. Photos of Bruce as an arborist, shots from my tour, and my reflections about the trees were included.

I have always approached the various opportunities I have been given as chances to tell my story. It is okay if nothing more comes of it.

I just have to do the part that is in front of me at that time and leave the rest to whatever God has in mind.

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Ann Van Hine

Pieces Falling

Synopsis

Author Biography

Author Insight

Trees

Book Excerpt

Pieces Falling

Comment on this Bubble