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

Happy Thanksgiving

Recently I had a conversation with a new friend about her Thanksgiving plans that lead to a discussion about "the old days." She mentioned that when she was first married she and her husband would eat two complete meals -one at her family's house and one at his family's house. I chuckled because I remember Bruce and I doing a similar thing. After a few years we came up with a new plan, odd numbered years at his family and even at mine. As my girls have grown, moved away and established their own families, I have adjusted accordingly. Gathering around the table together whether it is the fourth Thursday of November or any other day is a time to be grateful. And I am. Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving.

Book Excerpt

Pieces Falling

In one of our weekly phone conversations, my mother-in-law sheepishly asked, “What’s happening for Thanksgiving?”

Before answering I thought about the system Bruce and I had established years before. We typically spend odd-numbered years with the Van Hine extended family, and even numbered years with the Clarks.

2001 was an odd year.

“It’s a Van Hine year. We were planning on coming to you.”

My mother-in-law definitely had the gift of hospitality. She was a wonderful cook and hostess, and she had the amazing ability of finding those who needed a place to celebrate. Her table on holidays and many Sundays was surrounded by family, friends, and friends of friends.

I worried that there might be a houseful of people for Thanksgiving. I wasn’t sure if I was up for that. But thankfully, she only had invited three of her lady friends. And for some reason (that I can’t even articulate) they reminded me of the three fairies in Sleeping Beauty—Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather. Keeping that image in my head all day brought a smile to my face.

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Ann Van Hine

Pieces Falling

Synopsis

Author Biography

Author Insight

Happy Thanksgiving

Book Excerpt

Pieces Falling

Comment on this Bubble