My 9/11 Story - 9/11 @ 20 Jeanette G. (9/11 Survivor)

[@DebraScutarizizzo]

My sister and I are from Staten Island too. She worked in a building a block over but there were no buildings between hers and the trade center. She said she watched it happen snd could feel the heat. She had no idea what was going on. I called her hysterical telling her to get out now, get out of the city! Like you they were telling them to stay put. She tried to leave and as she got to the lobby there were people covered in the dust screaming coming in off the street…. She eventually made it out. My nephew told me she walked in covered with white dust took off her shoes and said I better start dinner. She would never say anything else. I tried numerous times and she said that she remembers watching but her mind blocked out the details- the people jumping , all of it. She never did remember. She went back to work the next week. The only thing she complained about was the horrible burning/ electrical smell everyday. She died of small cell lung cancer ten years later and I’m sure it was from “9/11” . All of the women she traveled with on the ferry Also developed cancers in various forms. She was only 55. God Bless you ❤

[@jeannerountree952]

May God be with you and your family for your loss.

[@lorrainefoster1320]

I’m so sorry for your loss

[@Afterburner]

May your sister rest in peace - God Bless you and your family.

[@Brenda2Bee]

🌷With much love to you and your family ❤️

[@Rosco-P.Coldchain]

💯 percent that dust was lethal and has taken far more than 9-11 itself..I would imagine it was full of asbestos etc as it was built in the time frame when they still used the horrible stuff..

[@kari8187]

If not for the sister, this poor woman would have been another victim of these monsters. Not everyone has survival instincts, she’s lucky she had her sister to encourage her forward.

[@jayee2188]

I was thinking the same exact thing.

[@luv2luv720]

It's not just fight or flight, it's also Freeze!

[@eh1702]

But she still had some sort of instinct - to call her sister. Sometimes we ask for the advice we know deep down we’ll get.

[@Aisha_Davis]

@@eh1702 And to listen to her sister. That's gut instinct at work.

[@Aisha_Davis]

Her instinct to call her sister, listen to her and meet up with her, saved her. Beautiful, amazing story.

[@shirleyferber245]

I believe you are the best speaker I've ever heard.

[@sarahito8951]

Jeanette is such a New Yorker and I appreciate her articulate, respectful narration of her experience.

[@terryfriend16]

Total New York accent, different from Long Island, different from Upstate. I'm from Brooklyn, NY. Maaaan. It was a terrible day. FN Saudis, Egyptians...EXtreme terrorist behaviors.

[@crmay72]

@@terryfriend16 Were you in the area on 9/11? Horrible, horrible day!

[@luv2luv720]

I smiled every time she said, "My sista" 😊

[@Great-Documentaries]

The world needs you, Jeannette. I am sorry for the experience you went through on that day, but I am grateful for what you are able to do for others as a result.

[@VPharp]

She is so wonderful and an excellent speaker. What a powerful story.

[@agnieszkabledowska6710]

I was deeply touched by your confession. I come from Poland where after the Second World War there are still a lot of traumatized older people, despite the fact that it's been 75 years ago. But tragedy of WTC is still alive in some way. Let God bless you.

[@riobrasilsambashowssambist1453]

I am Polish, but born here in the US... i can't believe what Polish ppl have gone through, you must be very strong & resilient.

[@theoriginalbluey]

I'm British, but love Poland, and visited Warsaw, to all the museums, to take in history. I was moved to tears plenty of times. The footage taken by the plane up and along the river... I just could not believe the devastation. It went on forever :(

[@agnieszkabledowska6710]

@@theoriginalbluey Thank you. I am very proud of the Poles, my compatriots who fought during the II WW especially the Warsaw insurgents. We had many dark tragic pages in the book of common history.

[@agnieszkabledowska6710]

@@riobrasilsambashowssambist1453 You are Polish !! Thats great ! Do you speak polish even a little bit ? Do you vist Poland. We are very strong and brave , we had no choice.Hundreds of years of occupation have seasoned us.

[@angelfire77777]

My mother is 87 years old. She was 3 years old in Poland when WW2 started. She still has PTSD. She spent her formative years fighting for her life. Years of ongoing trauma, bombs going off, starving, under the control of Nazi soldiers, it’s had a severe impact. My heart goes out to everyone who has suffered trauma. May God bless and heal every one of you 🙏🌹💕

[@tajr.2650]

I lived in Manhattan then and it always sticks out in my mind what an absolutely gorgeous clear morning it was on 9/11. It was blue as could be. It somewhat haunts me to this day. So many people mention that when they talk about that day. We all woke up to this incredibly beautiful morning and all of our lives were completely changed by the next morning. Life is so incredibly precious. Put your phone down and enjoy being present. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@ColonizersBlow]

I think every 9/11 story I have ever heard starts that way…how beautiful it was that day. A day that *stuck out* for just how beautiful it was… They were blessed with that gorgeous morning - thinking of that, i’m not sure if that makes the tragic events that happened that day less painful for me…or more painful 😔

[@tajr.2650]

@@ColonizersBlow Apparently there is a word that pilots use to describe how clear the conditions were that morning. I just watched a video from a pilot that flew that day and he said they called it “severe clear.” Strangely, as I sat out on my fire escape that morning, thinking wow it’s so beautiful after about a few minutes something felt “off.” Almost like this weird “calm before a storm.”

[@jinnyspal]

Yes

[@motocatz87]

@@tajr.2650 I was in LA and up early watching the news and I remember being shocked that a plane hit. I kept thinking...how could this pilot not see the WTC?? The sky is so clear!! It's so crazy how you got that feeling something wasn't right. Somehow your gut told you something was about to go down.

[@jeanie8831]

Jeanette, what you do extremely well is articulate your thoughts, your story and your honesty. Yours is the most inspiring.

[@deborahs2593]

Thank you for telling us about your 9/11. I watch all of the stories, even though they aren't mine- they belong to us as Americans.

[@sylviabrennan3032]

Thank you so much for sharing your story.. Sylvia Dublin Ireland.

[@VictoriaGirlBC]

They belong to the entire world, we all felt our hearts break for all of the innocent victims of that tragic day 🇨🇦

[@alarjo5873]

@@VictoriaGirlBC so true 🇩🇪

[@tammy_vip]

They indeed belong to us all 💔🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@leanneadams2549]

80 people from different countries than the USA were murdered. So it was attacking the world 🌎 😞🥀🙏

[@Brenda2Bee]

Strange how people can go through something so traumatic and eventually over time emerge with such a peaceful, soft, and kindly appearance and demeanor, such as yourself. These testimonies really do help others. 🌷🌷💐 Thank You.

[@SkyVettel]

I want to hug Jeanette. What a beautiful and candid reflection, i'm so happy that she is able to see she has so much even through such a horrible, dark and traumatic experience. What an amazing turnaround for her. And she's 100% right, it's all about people sticking together and helping each other through love and communication.

[@fayzet3396]

God bless! Your sister was your angel, your protector who got you out. Thank you for sharing your story. I’m a NYer and I was like you not knowing what was going on that morning going to college on the train. I was on the 7th train in queens borough plaza where I saw the beautiful skyscrapers every morning and I witness the first tower falling and I was in shock. My heart goes out to everyone who lost their lives because I had visited the observatory a year earlier and to think how they had no way out. It’s mind boggling. There is more to my story but let’s just say it’s a day I will never forget. All those people there and were son vulnerable and helpless, it’s a nightmare NYC was facing! God bless and RIP to those who lost their lives.

[@ThirdOrderFranciscan3553]

Jeanette ... I was captivated from the first minute of your story all through the 24th minute. You have a pure and beautiful soul. Peace and all good to you ... and your sister, Gail. Continue to take care of yourselves and each other. Stay well and blessed.

[@denise11864]

Thank you for sharing your story. I think I’ve listened to every story available online. They are all so different, yet so very much the same. The human spirit and the will to live touch me so much. My feeling of dread as I watched it unfold on live tv doesn’t even come close to being there, so I thank you for reliving it to help us all understand. Hugs to you!

[@gailweber1104]

I feel I have to listen to each too!!! I wish I could give each one of the survivors!

[@Justicia007]

Thank you for telling your story. The sister bond is strong! So glad your sister was driven to get you out and glad that you escaped unharmed. 💗

[@andydixon2980]

Wonderful woman. I fell a bit in love with her courage, honesty, and vunerability. Stay happy Jeanette. :)

[@nickisnyder3450]

I'm a nurse who worked in a burn unit in phoenix on 911. Originally from NY. Spent nine eleven loading up the helicopter to fly to new york when the president's stopped all air travel. We thought they would need our services because we saw fires and we were the burn team. This was before the buildings fell. As it turned out we couldn't get there but they didn't need us anyway. Either you got out and were okay or you were dead by the end of the day. I will never forget watching the new york disaster response team. They executed perfectly. Medical professionals lined up on the sidewalk with their gurneys already to go.... But there were few survivors.

[@gretahorton1045]

God bless you, Jeannette! Not only have you helped yourself but you have helped many of us with your story. i am a Canadian from Ontario. And we were so affected too by the terrible trauma of that day. So glad that you were able to met the Newfoundlanders that were such heroes! So many heroes that tragic day.

[@carlapsalms2334]

Never feel guilty for surviving, you're very special and important. Everything that happened was because of the evil choices of others, it does not diminish you in any way that you didn't have children. The best tribute to those who were lost is to carry on and do meaningful things with your life.

[@lakb45]

The 9/11 Tribute Museum is a wonderful thing. We went when it was still young in 2009. The Volunteer Museum worker (the mom of someone who died on 9/11) helped me; handed me a box of Kleenex when I cried. Today is the 20th Anniversary and I feel sick to my stomach. But I’m so glad you and your sister are alive. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@amandarose7825]

Thank you for sharing your story Jeanette. Sending you big hugs and love from Toronto ❤️

[@jackieleake6548]

Wow, what a story. Thank you for your bravery, honesty and humour.

[@variousJnames]

God bless your sister for her insistence

[@niviagomez4712]

I’m glad you got out, your sister saved you 👏

[@kmc1steelers998]

The horror 😭😭 for me was holding my 5 day old baby❤ learning that my sister was NOT on the planes to fly out 😭 with work. I hollered and screamed and had to put my newborn down, when she called and said im ok Im ok . Im alive😢 🙏🏽❤️ Ty GOD TY...

[@myopinionmatters]

I wasn’t in New York for 911, but I was an EMT, and immediately after 9/11 I become a firefighter. It’s 22 years later now and I’m not a firefighter or any EMT, but 9/11 made me a better person, and made me know that I needed to do more. Every September I watch what I can to remember, while I cannot do those physical activities as much anymore, being a good person is for everyone. Thank you for sharing your story, I think your sister because you were able to share your story.❤

[@dorindas7330]

Wow. I have never heard a story from your perspective. I always focused on EMS, fire fighters, people in the towers and planes etc. I didn't consider all the people in the surrounding buildings, those that escaped and those that died. Those that got out asap and yes, survivors guilt, guilt for not doing more, helping more etc. What a great story and message! Thank you for sharing!!

[@roxannepriebe6491]

God bless. You're right...your sister is your hero! Thanks for sharing your story and telling us how this experience changed you. You are worthy to be a survivor. Your life since then has enhanced others lives. Way to go!

[@SuperRocketdog1]

My heart breaks for what you went through and everyone in New York. I have been watching the documentery programmes on tv! I live in England. God bless you and your sister. God bless the people who died and the wonderful heroes on that awful day.💔😢😢❤️❤️❤️🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@dpbarbie9560]

Im also in england its so horrible what happened. I went to new york a few years after it happened such a special amazing place hope to return one day ❤

[@ninaddemaio]

bless the heroes and those who have died. love from new jersey

[@linedancechickAG]

What a wonderful, touching memory, and what a wonderful big sister you have.

[@mrmacfilms1]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. Never forget 9/11.

[@iadesigns]

Even if it was a small plane it was still a catastrophic event causing death and panic right next door, the fact that so many just continued on working is crazy to me.

[@pandabears7530]

Yes I wouldn't even stay close to another house on fire, much less a 100 story ft building.

[@samsausagehead99]

I know! This is not hind sight. I have been in situations before and after 9/11 where I erred on the side of caution and bounced. F- a job. SO many people perished by trying to be a "good worker".

[@BuckNorisss]

Your hear me?? I would’ve been outta there immediately, like I’m sure many people were.

[@happybunny8704]

I’m sat here crying with you …sending love from the UK ❤🇬🇧

[@rebeccaatlanta1185]

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. I visited the 9/11 museum and memorial when I was last in New York and it is something that will always stick with me. Sending you love from England.

[@marymccarthy2533]

There are so many clips to click on. Not sure why I clicked on yours. But I’m sure glad I did. Thank you for sharing your story. May you continue to have a happy and fulfilling life with lots of wonderful friends and connections! 👍🙏🏻❤️🇺🇸

[@demsmustgo]

Powerful and wonderful story. It’s easy to see why you’ve made so many friends. I imagine the moment you realized that it was okay to not be okay had to be such relief and so freeing.

[@sandrajohnson9231]

Thank you for this beautiful testimony ❤

[@HannahBelleHealing]

Your story has touched me because I feel your faith 💙

[@suebennison]

Jeanette, you are one amazing woman. I applaud you. You are such a lovely soul. Thank you for sharing your story. You are totally inspirational xx

[@johannesbols57]

Thanks again for taking the time to share this. You were so wise to listen to your sister. And yes, trauma blocks out the horror of something that's happening so you survive. The brain wants you to survive, and I'm pretty sure it knows how much you can take at any given time, and shuts out what's going on to the point that you can think rationally in order to get away from what is causing the trauma.

[@MichellePsalm3418]

What an incredible woman. Your purpose for surviving came many years later and you’re worthy of being here. You’re doing God’s work by helping others now even though you weren’t helping anyone on that day. That matters and you matter. ❤

[@mothershelper1981]

Every story is unique and valuable. Thank you for telling yours.

[@ColonizersBlow]

Every single story I have heard about how people behaved on 9/11, it’s always how she describes…people helping one another, looking out for each other, no one just thinking of themselves.

[@kristinesquires9257]

I'm so glad you shared your story with us. You are so brave. I hope everything goes well for you for the rest of your life! You deserve it!

[@brendabaggett8368]

Your heart is gold...thank you for your story your so precious

[@motocatz87]

Thank you Jeanette for sharing what happened to you on 911. You and your sister are both heros because through the help of your family and faith as you mentioned, you've shown other people that it's okay to accept that you're not okay all the time. As I was listening to your story I kept thinking...a devine power intervened and showed her how to spread healing and love in ways she never imagined. This is such a powerful story and message of survival because survival never stopped on 911 it was survival of many years to come. I hope your story inspires many as it has me. Thank you and God Bless you and your family.

[@donnacollins4511]

Consider yourself hugged. And thank you for telling your story. May God continue to bless you. And if I ever get to the museum I hope you are my tour guide. ❤

[@fhaddad3]

sometimes your guardian angel is someone really close to you. Your sister saved your life

[@brenn896]

What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing. Keep going Jeanette!! I love how you have taken this tragedy and used it for so much growth and good.

[@temperhollow7716]

Ignorance is bliss. What a story! Thanks for sharing.

[@SinaYolo]

Thank you for sharing your story and keeping the memories of those who were lost that day alive! You are doing amazing work and I pray that others who survived this horrifying day can also say that they are okay by not being okay. Thank you! I‘m sending you so much love

[@janlundberg5924]

Very well said. On a much smaller scale, I did something similar. I was at home in Mass. Tuesday morning, I walked my daughter to school, got back to the house, put the t.v. on and started to watch this breaking news out of N.Y.C. All very confusing and disturbing. And rather than glue myself to the t.v. I quickly flicked it off and started to vacuum...and vacuum and vacuum. It was 2 much to process. I was 8 1/2 months pregnant, she'll b 20 years old on 9/20, and felt way too vulnerable to even begin to process what was happening. The less I knew the better I guess.. Thank u for sharing ur remarkable story.

[@donnarodriguez9509]

What a powerful story. Thank you for sharing it.

[@janefranklin8738]

Thankyou so much for talking about it, i have been on the tour- no more words needed xx

[@muzeezhodillo8613]

Thank you for sharing your story Jeanette. Your experience and reaction of being there while the tragedy was unfolding is very relatable.

[@dawnmacwhinnie2103]

What a very sweet lady. She got the entire 9/11 experience into her soul. God bless her! Numbers 6:24-26.

[@juliawilkinson]

Thanks so much for sharing your story, Jeannette! I know you’ve been told this, but it’s not your fault. I get that survivor’s guilt is real.. but yes as you are sharing your story and you worked with the museum, you are helping keep this horrific but important event in people’s memories. I hope you find peace going forward. 💕

[@eveadams2042]

Thank you for sharing your story. Sending a big hug from the UK 🇬🇧

[@hardmuscl4life]

Jeanette, thank you for sharing part of your story with us...you are awesome. Many thanks to your sister too

[@SietseBakker]

We spoke with Jeanette at the 9/11 Memorial and had a beautiful, heart-warming conversation. The beauty of it is that she tells the story as if you're the first person she's telling it to.

[@joyleenpoortier7496]

Your hero is your sister. We all need a hero. ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jagspinuzza2137]

What a good and loving sister!

[@spirit13the1st6]

SIS is the AMEN. (SUPERHERO)

[@lauriemaddux9597]

Thank you for sharing your story with us. I am so touched by all you shared.

[@jeannemurray1046]

Thanks so much. Your story is very helpful to so many people in even personal tragedies. Love you. Jean

[@johnsonjohnson4725]

You’re right - that’s what sisters do! My big sister has passed; please give your sister a great big hug for me.💗

[@mariagiarrusso-burgess7290]

You are amazingly beautiful in your delivery of your story. Anyone who you come in contact with is truly blessed.❤🌸

[@rhiannonrede]

Thank you for telling us your story. None of us are the same as before we all watched that immolation & death. It changed all of us. But only by listening & learning have we been able to live through it & past it. Thank you for YOUR service for others.

[@JRock-vf4fw]

Thank you for sharing your story, and thank you for what you’re doing. I know what you went through. I responded seconds right after the first plane hit the towers. I wanted to save everyone or as much as I could. In the end, I ended up injured. I have not gone back to the WTC because I am afraid of how I may react. I never even talked about it. I am still a police officer because this is what I love. I would do it again if I have to. As we near the 20th anniversary of 9/11, I am so full of mixed emotions. Bless you, All.

[@pamscheese4944]

Thank you for your service and sactifice J Rock! Maybe what you shared today is a starting point for sharing your story. There is a time and season for everything. God bless you!!

[@kristinamoorer1032]

WOW!!! God bless you ma'am. Thank you for opening up your heart wide open and sharing your story . ❤

[@hennagal7360]

It takes a Good heart to pass through a storm like that and still be a guiding lantern to others - thank you Jeanette 🙏💛

[@DenisetonioSantos]

Thank you for sharing your story. I cried watching this. My heart aches today like it did on the actual day. You have given me the courage to attend the 9/11 museum. God bless you and your sister.

[@DP-xt7bd]

What a beautiful testimony of strength and courage. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@jmbutler5]

such an inspiration. you have touched my heart. I will carry you with me for my time left here. thank you ❤️🙏🏻

[@DrivinAndSingin]

Thank you for sharing. I am glad you made it home safe and that you have found a way to bring some good out of it. God bless you!

[@geriaina3552]

Speaking about a tragic experience is therapy and helps with healing. Your strength to share your story is powerful. Keep doing what you're doing! Tight hugs going your way❤️🙏🏼

[@bach1369]

Jeanette, this is so beautiful. What you experienced helps others. This is what we are called to do: help others. Px.

[@johanmichael6624]

This lady is truly extraordinary ❤️🙏🏻

[@dawncolayco9340]

Wow! Another survivor said a psychologist said you will break in 1 month, 3 months or 12 years. Ok with not being ok . I am so glad for you and your experience with the 9/11 tribute museum and healing. It’s about experience and sharing lives. Power of community of humanity.

[@jeannerountree952]

I was not there, but in Wisconsin during 911. All of America was hurt that day. I am OK with not being OK with what I’ve been through just in my life and now I know how to say that. I was in Oklahoma when the Oklahoma City bombing happened in 1995. We lived about 30 minutes away. I worked with someone in the army national guard. He was called to go to Oklahoma City. I worked in the hospital and we had no idea what might happen to our hospital. Fortunately, Oklahoma City was big enough to handle the casualties. I will never forget Oklahoma City. My youngest child is named after, the baby that was cradled by the firemen. She had died. Her name was Baylee. My son was born a year later and his name is Bailey. May God rest their souls.

[@helenmary9628]

What a beautiful story, and a beautiful lady. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. You are also very well spoken. Always speaking to the point. You are going through a journey just like everyone of us here on Earth. Our journey is to love one another and help one another and find the love of God. The Lord has chosen you to tell a remarkable story. Yours was different from others. It was quite a peaceful story. Escaping peacefully, sort of oblivious to the horror around you, but escaping just the same and explaining the horrors of 9/11 to us in such a peaceful way. I'm so glad that you go around the world and help others too!!! God bless you.

[@katevines721]

Thank you for sharing your experience with us, sending love to you on the eve of the 20th anniversary, may you continue to ‘remember and keep alive’ all those that perished that day and who suffer each day on from the evil that happened … may they all find peace and comfort that the world still walks with them when we remember 9/11… love from 🇬🇧 xxx

[@donnacarr3782]

Wow, I’m at a loss for words. God Bless. Wishing you all the best 💕🌸💕🌸

[@rebeccasible6631]

Thank you for sharing your story. You have found healing by helping share about the significance of that day with others.

[@californiahiker9616]

Thank you so much for telling your story! I’m not connected to anybody in NY, and I live on the other side of the country. I remember 9/11 very well. I have listened to so many survivor stories. It’s like little mosaics that keep adding to the picture, a picture that will never be complete. But story tellers like you, Jeanette, have taught me so much about the human spirit. Stay strong and thrive!

[@zyguit]

I feel so lucky to have found this and I'm a crier also, thank you so much for telling the story.

[@NB-nh2sf]

I just can't imagine seeing a building that close of fire and going back to work? But that's how much faith ppl had in those buildings .

[@gadeagallego]

I am spanish but I feel deeply involved in what happened 9/11 My heart goes with every person that died or survied...sending all my love❤ I will always ear your stories ❤❤❤😢

[@gadeagallego]

Hear* sorry

[@thecarspins]

Fascinating story. You're truly incredible.

[@sunny4jenny]

Thank you for sharing your 9/11 story. There is power in that. Such positivity, happiness, joy and good in the world come out of such a tragic, horrific day. It’s funny (not haha funny, how things work out that way. Sending you a hug & btw you’re a great story teller. God bless.

[@Amethyst93xo]

Thank you for sharing ❤ Grateful you are still here today. i was only 8 years old on 9/11. this story touched my heart.

[@jackkoba8053]

You are so correct,, your story and those of others are so important to document,, never forget. Thanks for sharing

[@tracymcardle1236]

Thank you for telling your story its 20 years since 9/11 Im so glad you survived, god bless you🌹🙏🙏💕💕

[@iwoww562a9]

I love her smile and brightness and her amazing energy

[@DaysGabe]

❤️ as a fellow human being, thank you for this ❤️

[@hollyw7410]

People say thank you, because you telling your story. It helps others heal, it helps others express emotion they suppressed. Yes, its ok to not be ok, and its ok not always being strong. But, not being ok, is helping others. Who knows you telling your story has saved someone from their depression or hurting themselves. So, thank you for talking and sharing your story.

[@dianehoule904]

Even though its been awhile I have just watched your testemonial and I am touched and hopefully I will visit the museum soon, being in Canada we were closely affected by this terrible disaster. Thank you for sharing.

[@kathyglass2922]

God bless your sister. You are remarkable, as well.

[@martymcmannis8662]

What a beautiful lady. And her sister to. I love survival stories. God bless you both

[@MS219E]

Thank you for telling your story. Thank God for your sister, she was your saving grace. Many people were confused and did not know about what was happening. People once getting out of the building people collapsed and watch in horror. God Bless all the brave heroes that lost their lives that day.