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After John Jumped: The True Story of a Family's Rise from the Ashes
When a firefighter is forced to jump from a burning building, his family’s lives are changed forever.
When Eileen Bellew’s FDNY husband, John, was forced to jump from a fourth-story window, on the infamous Black Sunday in the Bronx, Eileen became a widow at 35-years-old with four small children to raise on her own. PTSD, anxiety, and panic attacks ambushed her as she struggled through bottomless grief and the ensuing legal trials, all while trying not to let her fear do irreparable damage to her four little loves.
Eileen’s insightful, shocking, and often humorous story spans twenty years of enlightenment as she navigates her emotional roller coaster life through heartache, healing, and the surprise of finding love again. Her frank account of how she gained resilience and strength brings hope through the lessons she learned and shows how we can find positivity even in the worst tragedy.
"Eileen’s deeply honest telling of her story demonstrates how someone can suffer an extraordinary loss and then become a beacon of strength and resilience. Firefighters are called upon to be brave heroes, but Eileen shows us another kind of bravery — the quiet, enduring heroism it takes to survive and heal herself and her four young kids." - Christy Warren, ret. Berkeley Fire Captain and author of Flash A Firefighter's Journey Through PTSD
When Eileen Bellew’s FDNY husband, John, was forced to jump from a fourth-story window, on the infamous Black Sunday in the Bronx, Eileen became a widow at 35-years-old with four small children to raise on her own. PTSD, anxiety, and panic attacks ambushed her as she struggled through bottomless grief and the ensuing legal trials, all while trying not to let her fear do irreparable damage to her four little loves.
Eileen’s insightful, shocking, and often humorous story spans twenty years of enlightenment as she navigates her emotional roller coaster life through heartache, healing, and the surprise of finding love again. Her frank account of how she gained resilience and strength brings hope through the lessons she learned and shows how we can find positivity even in the worst tragedy.
"Eileen’s deeply honest telling of her story demonstrates how someone can suffer an extraordinary loss and then become a beacon of strength and resilience. Firefighters are called upon to be brave heroes, but Eileen shows us another kind of bravery — the quiet, enduring heroism it takes to survive and heal herself and her four young kids." - Christy Warren, ret. Berkeley Fire Captain and author of Flash A Firefighter's Journey Through PTSD
336 pages, Paperback
Published April 15, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 16, 2026
My emotions are all over, amazing!!
I am not the biggest reader, but I purchased the kindle version yesterday and could not put it down.
Also bought the hard copy version for my mom. I know she will enjoy it as much as I did. My dad Jack Ryan worked with John in 27 truck for a short time before he retired. Reading some of the names was a hoot.
Also, I became a widow August of 24. Reading how your mind raced and anxiety set in is so relatable. When you described laughing the first time and feeling guilty, I said out loud "I do that all the time". I am so grateful for your honesty and sharing your story. I feel a bit less crazy now.
Thank you again for sharing your story ❤️
I am not the biggest reader, but I purchased the kindle version yesterday and could not put it down.
Also bought the hard copy version for my mom. I know she will enjoy it as much as I did. My dad Jack Ryan worked with John in 27 truck for a short time before he retired. Reading some of the names was a hoot.
Also, I became a widow August of 24. Reading how your mind raced and anxiety set in is so relatable. When you described laughing the first time and feeling guilty, I said out loud "I do that all the time". I am so grateful for your honesty and sharing your story. I feel a bit less crazy now.
Thank you again for sharing your story ❤️
August 11, 2026
This book is heartbreaking story of a mother's loss and journey through life's challenges without her husband and partner. The stories provide very insightful and honest revelations of how loss, longing, memories and fortitude shaped a young family. The evidence of her strength in overcoming personal despair is revealed chapter by chapter. Her family was mangled but not broken. Bravo to her fighting spirit and devotion to her children who are more than overcomers, they are conquerors!
May 1, 2026
A very raw, honest account of life after loss and grief. The story is at times heartbreaking as well as inspiring.
Eileen Bellew provides a true portrayal of parenting after such devastation. Highly recommend the book for anyone experiencing anxiety. You will learn much from her example and honesty
Eileen Bellew provides a true portrayal of parenting after such devastation. Highly recommend the book for anyone experiencing anxiety. You will learn much from her example and honesty
March 27, 2026
SUCH an amazing memoir!!! A truly heartfelt story told with real truth, grit, and honesty. Brilliant.
April 21, 2026
Beautiful story. Beautifully written. Get your tissues ready.
May 1, 2026
Such a beautiful memoir, I couldn’t recommend it enough ❤️
May 18, 2026
So much love for the Bellews 🤍 a heartfelt memoir & beautiful tribute to John
May 18, 2026
Truly remarkable story and told with such grace and honesty.
May 25, 2026
Such an incredible story of perseverance & resiliency! Could not recommend more
July 8, 2026
A must read for better appreciation of one widow and her children's grief journey. Could not put it down.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Incredible book by the most amazing woman. Everyone needs to read this❤️
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews