She Was the One

StoryCorps has won a 71st Annual George Foster Peabody Award for our September 11 audio and animated shorts.
When Richie Pecorella met Karen Juday, she captured his heart and changed his life. They were engaged and living together in Brooklyn when Karen was killed in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, where she worked as an administrative assistant. Here, Richie remembers Karen, his love and inspiration.
Directed by: The Rauch Brothers
Art Direction: The Rauch Brothers & Bill Wray
Animation: Tim Rauch
Producers: Mike Rauch, Lizzie Jacobs & Isaac Kestenbaum
Audio Produced by: Katie Simon & Michael Garofalo
Supervising Sound Recordist: Laura Spero
Music: Fredrik
Label: The Kora Records
Publisher: House of Hassle
Funding provided by:
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting
National Endowment for the Arts
In partnership with POV.
Please tell us about your StoryCorps viewing experience: bit.ly/2wfDpHf

[@wukanimation]

"I will see you again. I will do enough good to make it up there." Here's hoping you did. RIP to both of you.

[@threemileallan]

Joe A. damn he died?

[@DeTAYL.]

threemileallan He passed away in February last year.

[@ludwigthestrange]

Amen to that. Amen.

[@Skets.x.Czesko]

Joe A. U R a good man I hope u make it to heaven as well

[@kursk_kuku141]

Joe A. May gods rest his soul. He deserves to be up there. He and Karen did meet again.

[@broadwaymelody33]

He just passed away recently. I think he did enough good to make it up there.

[@harmonicajay91]

+broadwaymelody33 Really? Aww. Well, at least he and Karen are together again.

[@5kpk193]

oof

[@staticshotaop561]

The Blue Haired Lawyer what do you mean ? I'm

[@ImNigglou]

YodaWithASoda fuck u hell is bad

[@JackCallSports]

YodaWithASoda You’re kidding right Fucking dumbass

[@ProjectXA3]

"I will do enough good to make it up there." There's tears in my eyes.

[@Ali123456owl]

+ProjectXA3 ;'(

[@broadwaymelody33]

He passed away a few days ago. I think he's up there with her now, and so happy.

[@ProjectXA3]

broadwaymelody33 Thanks for the update. Glad he's back with her now.

[@christiannataylor2735]

yeah so genuine it hurts my heart so much

[@overagedvscogirl9104]

Did he pass from old age?

[@GerblerM]

Fuck me... I come back every so often to watch this video again, and the line "I will do enough good to make it up there" devastates me every time.

[@chadywood]

Same here, its the one line in this that really hits me deep.

[@ashleyfallingbroke7045]

Same

[@alexfogg236]

Dhobbs , it does the same thing to me.

[@jumeme378]

Yeah...

[@Therealscalene]

He made it up there. 😌

[@TerryMun]

Richard was one the first who braved his emotions to tell his story after the 9/11 attacks, and with his willingness to come forward, he spurred many others to share their narratives on the day that changed not only America, but the world. Richard passed suddenly on Feb 10, 2016 :( I am sure, Richard, for all the contributions you have done, you've accumulated more than enough good to be up there with her. RIP.

[@sharksNstuff2029]

That's so sad to hear, but at the same time I'm happy he can be at peace with her now. I know that not everyone believes in an afterlife but I choose to believe in one and in one that Richard met Karen again. RIP

[@KenshinHimura-eb9bv]

Terry Mun howd Richard die and what was his contributions

[@joshuastarkloff9602]

I hope he did enough good to see his wife again.

[@whynot7829]

Terry Mun hes finally with her

[@Briselance]

😢What did he die from, please?

[@AngelKay7]

I was sorry to hear of Richie's passing earlier this year, but I'm not sad for him. He and Karen are together again.

[@nukeflower.1759]

I feel sad for him when he saw the World Trade Center got hit

[@darthlemon]

AngelKay7 how do you know he died?

[@AGPArchivist]

I'm not religious in any way, but I know in my heart that Richard and Karen are somehow together again...

[@nitroxide17]

I don't know why... but I miss them both.

[@AGPArchivist]

nitroxide91 We're humans. We're naturally a very social species.

[@mrswishadank2329]

KelpyGVEVO “people need other people”

[@crcoghill]

I'm agnostic myself and i agree. They're happy together again~🤧

[@michaeldiebold8847]

Yes you are. And that's ok.

[@didjargo]

"I miss her eyes" I choked up on that line.

[@crimsondynamo615]

It’s the littlest things about a person that someone can fall in love with and keep with them forever.

[@ItsNicola]

This broke my heart... Always tell the people you love you love them. Everyday

[@limestorm8015]

“I can see the twin towers” NO I SEE WHERE THIS IS GOING NO NO NO NO NO

[@labbanana3127]

Same

[@toastandbutter7367]

Same...

[@bullshark7659]

I mean...it said so in the beginning of the vid that she died during 9/11

[@JoeMama-lh5vr]

Liam Storm I said in the beginning tho

[@sovietblobfish2330]

AHALU AKBAR

[@Pootypatooty]

How to make someone bawl in 3 minutes or less

[@TraustiGeir]

Very accurate.

[@thaliaramos4997]

All the “Karens” need your take an example from the best Karen and sweetest one of all time

[@Verytired32]

You’r right

[@levi3732]

Ikr?!

[@tobiah4972]

Looking for this comment Lol.

[@mistymarshall5438]

Stop it with the "Karen" business. It's misogynistic.

[@offbaby3811]

@@mistymarshall5438 no way u really said that..

[@mackenziehamilton6164]

I just remembered my mother showing me this video a few years back because I had no idea it existed. Karen was my great aunt, and I was too young to remember her if I did meet her. I don’t remember Uncle Richie very much since we never took trips to New York after, but I know he never stopped for her. He was a sweet man from the stories I’ve heard from my parents, and I’m so thankful knowing they are together again.

[@caleb271]

im glad they are together again

[@worblergworbler]

so sorry for your & your family's loss. your great aunt was a brave woman who took control over her fear and she did not let the terrorists win by making her own choice. i will pray for her and it brings me a little peace knowing her and richie are together again.

[@brodyc4114]

Every few months I see myself coming back to this video, by this point I expect it but still every time I hear "I will do enough good to make it up there." it chokes me up. After hearing he died earlier this year I truly hope he did enough good.

[@tdproductions343]

"I will do enough good to make it up there." I heard he passed away a few years ago. I'm glad they're together again. RIP Karen and Richard Pecorella

[@thema1998]

Today was the *23* year anniversary of when Richie lost Karen! He died nearly a decade ago. May they both continue to rest in peace! 😞

[@timberwolf5883]

Poor guy! R.I.P Richard At least he's in heaven with his wife

[@dorisware6128]

How Did He Died

[@Silkunii]

@@dorisware6128 probably from natural causes..

[@WingsaberE3]

“I will do enough good to make it up there” the weight in that you hear he doesn’t care about anything else in heaven except her, and hits hard.

[@Blane647]

Lost it. When he explained how terrified and trembled he was, I just lost it. The ending made it worse. This is very sad. Hope he is strong. My heart goes out to you my man.

[@cardioversion777]

Haven't watched Storycorps videos in a long time and it's nice watching them again, always a tearjerker.

[@Justin-kz1mv]

Those onion-cutting ninjas are back at it again...

[@beamerball666]

Justin Jones I know they're the worst kind of ninjas man

[@marssmoraless]

True ;-;

[@chubchub1307]

😢

[@discworldfan]

argh... so much onion here.

[@TheRealCCall]

The onions. Oh my eyes. Why do I have water in my eyes. Dad: Why are being so damn loud upstairs.

[@TraningSword]

I'm not crying. you're crying *sobs*

[@D_LGND]

Nah

[@ShammyWoWLoL]

This isn't about the war, this isn't about the conspiracy. This is about the innocent lives that were lost and the hero's who saved alot of innocent lives guys. Go somewhere else with your war/conspiracy debates. We're here to mourn the innocent who were killed, and remember the hero's who responded to the call and went in.

[@hadeelalsalman248]

9 years past I hope you are doing ok 💖

[@littlebro6027]

God same I'm fucking crying that line just that fucking line "I'll do enough good to make it up there"

[@SanFranLOVER1972]

"I will do enough good to make it up there." That one sentence broke my heart.

[@SerenityFeueropal]

I'm not crying, your crying!

[@junthemaledicted]

Serenity Feueropal you're*

[@missairenteria1576]

@@junthemaledicted nobody likes a grammar nazi so SCRAM!

[@ariachermansky7836]

I am.

[@D_LGND]

Nah

[@armandoxx]

Why would someone downvote this?

[@ethanstang9941]

People act negatively sometimes, depending on reasons that are unknown to us, that is why we have to be the best we can be to those around us.

[@noomre9105]

They probably don't dislike it, but they also just don't want to see more content like this. Or it's just bots.

[@Pennyismybestie]

Someone who needs a ass kicking

[@ClassicOshaViolation]

@@Pennyismybestie Damn right.

[@kittycat5972]

Someone who doesn’t like Karen’s, no exceptions.

[@KAT7833]

Nobody dares to make a Karen joke.

[@D_LGND]

They still do for some reason

[@ivancorredera4241]

What a powerful story.

[@nothingsintheflowerz1740]

Omg...tears came from the beginning...I can't...

[@RyanD808]

Watch this every year. Always moving . What a sad day

[@LowellLucasJr.]

My prayers are that you're with your beloved again for you have lived a life of honoring her and keeping her spirit alive.

[@iscatonrecords4712]

September 11th, 2023 here. NEVER FORGET. 💔

[@penn_got_4]

Enough to make a grown man cry Rest In Peace 🙏

[@XTSwxgged]

i cant stop thinking about how sad 9/11 was. Its so sad to hear that you're loved ones or mates passed or killed. I cant stop thinking of how i would react if this happened to me or my girlfriend and me. I wouldnt forgive myself. how i could of saved her some way. so much on my mind now, i have to go to sleep now.

[@theyummyham6837]

Sleep well, and take life one day at a time.

[@snessi_land]

Honestly, while it sucks that this poor man died, I’ honestly more happy, because even though he left a powerful imprint on our hearts, atleast he’s finally united with the love of his life. Rest in Peace.

[@icalexander]

That's a hell of man right there. I sincerely hope that he sees his love again. He seems like one heck of a good guy

[@aliasmjm]

"I will do enough good to make it up to you" ... Beautiful. Karen's legend lives.

[@RainStreet28]

I remember this. I'm sorry for your lost, pal. 😔

[@srsgas1]

Well, I was going to say that I'm sure that she is looking down on him from heaven, protecting him. But now I see all these comments saying that he is no longer on this earth either. So, I'll just say, Now they are together forever. And their love with never be broken

[@yeehaw2930]

super Mario and princess Peach

[@meow-kay2998]

that's sweet

[@themannamesteve5075]

Faith marios origins

[@mousepat9371]

@@themannamesteve5075 im not supposed to laugh but i have to admit. That was good

[@cultbaby3380]

He finally found his princess in the castle on the clouds.

[@olexrash4574]

thanks for making me laugh, mate. i needed it :(

[@carol-jeanteuffel8395]

Dear Richie, Thank you for bravely sharing Karen with us. You are precious!

[@AManWith_NoName]

I've been shot, punched, kicked, bucked, ran over, shot again, and tackled by and ex Patriots OT the guarded to bradys blind side, through all of that pain never did I shed a tear, but as soon as this man said " I will do enough good to make it up there" a tear ran down my face...

[@sheev2829]

What

[@ethanstang9941]

You've been through alot, how are you holding up.

[@bonfist1252]

ppl sometimes forget that everyone can meet THE ONE, and its something so hard to forget

[@angelakimes7278]

My daughter just showed this to me this morning. I was sad to learn that Richard passed away. I wanted to tell him what a true testament of love for his wife is the way it should be. It touched my heart how he respected Karen and saw the future in her sparkly eyes. I hope that family members are able to see the messages here about how Richard and Karen's love touched people who desires that kind of love and respect in their lives and how their love lives on in others each and every day! Rest in Peace Richard and Karen, Together Forever💕💖💗💝💞💕

[@thisisryanblood]

"I will do enough good to make it up to you." How beautiful.

[@Skets.x.Czesko]

In loving memory of the countless lives lost on September 11,2001

[@zacharyhurwitz1789]

Made me cry.... made God bless you and your wife in Heaven

[@R32D2VW]

Very powerful. I've viewed this a few times. Makes me appreciate all that I have!

[@bartekus]

Very beautiful and moving Richard! God bless you and I hope you'll be successful no mater what you decide to do next!

[@PhantasiaPhe]

The only Karen we stan! In all seriousness though I hope they're both happy in paradise

[@Maya-tr2qo]

“I will see you again. I will do enough good to get up there.” Touched my heart. ❤️

[@benji-to4mg]

I always cry while watching this

[@noonefromnowhere7945]

Sarah CP just that last bit hurts so much lol

[@j.d.1592]

Together again for eternity God Bless you both! You made it up there!

[@TraustiGeir]

While this story broke me, I count a few joyful tears among the sad ones. That they were so fortunate to meet and enjoy such a happy relationship is a blessing, Richard vowed to meet Karen again after all. That's special, very special.

[@jamesklark6562]

That last line really hits.

[@theconductoresplin8092]

Oh my ... I dont think many women realize this but they are huge in the lives of men What may seem as a kind gesture could be life-changing to a man This really hammers home that point

[@n0y3s01]

It's very rare to find love like that, and now it's cemented forever with the tragedy that took place 21 years ago

[@ninjerman21124]

even to this day i love these videos

[@lmklover2024]

Rip this happy couple I know that they are both happy up in heaven together

[@devilsculprit6193]

If that’s not dedication I don’t know what is!!

[@evabryner6261]

"I will do enough good to make it up to you." that line makes me cry every time.

[@karibucountry1981]

Only 1 mill views. That’s kinda heart breaking. More people need to see this

[@barneyjuniorYT]

I really hope Richard is with Karen as we speak, she didnt deserve to die so young. I hope they both rest in peace.

[@tdproductions343]

The only Karen in the world with patience and kindness.

[@zombiepi]

She sounded like a truly beautiful woman, inside and out. I am greatly saddened by your loss but I am confident that she is waiting for you in Heaven.

[@chopper35s]

i saw this on imgur and i was not prepared for the emotion in his voice when i watched the video.

[@brayanthefleur4137]

oh my gosh i’m in tears. “ i will make enough good to make it up there”

[@Kitkattt3095]

For anyone wondering about the song it’s called omberg by fredrik

[@senorGuevara2]

Richie Pecorella - Thank you for sharing your story with us. To lose the love of your life - I have no words for it, but you have my sympathies. The one positive note that I could leave with you Pecorella is that you had beautiful moments together, and did not leave on any unkind words. May God watch over you - and thank you for sharing.

[@Kiddofication]

The second I read “world trade center” I just yelled “noooo”

[@DavidRussell323]

"I will do enough good to make it up there" omfg these feelings. That is the most beautiful sentiment I think I've ever heard

[@2cool4sans37]

I think he is in karen’s Arms again.

[@Belovedzsiren]

Thank you so much Mr. Percorella for sharing you story about Karen. It was a beautiful story and I touched that you shared it. God Bless you and her. * Please excuse any negative comments on here I think people forget this is YOUR story about YOUR loved one. *

[@westphxdog]

This shows you not all Karen’s are mean.

[@brokemyknee9097]

This video makes me cry every time I watch it

[@Blistio11]

Stop making me cry, dammit!

[@RandomTrinidadian]

This story actually made me choke Up. 😪

[@nomadic4377]

One of the good Karen’s congrats

[@pablocruz5613]

No words, only tears Hope their together

[@hillaryteapartyy]

I have absolutely no personal connection to 9/11 yet my heart still aches for the lives we lost that day. I was 10. I don't want to make this about me at all, because this breaks my heart. but what broke my heart the most was when my father, a man who was a tough, 6'3 guy cry out to my mom, "oh my God Bridgette, they were leaping out of the towers". I was so young, so of course I didn't comprehend it. But even now, at 25 years old I still can't comprehend it. This just makes my heart break into a million pieces. I've heard interviews from him before, and his strength truly does amaze me. Having closure and learning exactly how his poor fiance was killed gave him peace and closure. Rest easy. Never forgotten.

[@hillaryteapartyy]

And remember -- no matter what you believe regarding 9/11, whether if its an inside job, or 19 hijackers: almost 3,000 people died that day. The loss of life is incomprehensible. Do your research respectfully. Some of the victim's loved ones demand answers, while others are content with the answers given to us. I research 9/11 for a very important reason: thousands of people were murdered and I want to know who executed them.

[@Necropool]

i got chills when he said "i will see you again" what a great story

[@Jollygreenjackaz]

The only Karen we can respect

[@jediaray8847]

I have to come back here, every year on this day

[@Phoenix-nc1hy]

RIP Karen Sue Juday ☹️

[@foxylover4045]

I pray to her and i just cry

[@WitchettyMan]

"She just taught me patience, I had very little patience." "She toned me down. She showed me to be nicer to people, give it a second thought before you start yelling." Her name was Karen, but she couldn't be more unKaren-like...

[@JaqV1100]

"I will see you again. I will do enough good to make it up there." I have faith you will.

[@Deaniac25]

I have never been one to cry at movies/tv shows/media, but "I will do enough good to make it up there" got me preeeeeetty close.

[@-anonymoose-8070]

138 heartless people on the internet

[@ghosters1072]

It's not every day I hear something so genuinely beautiful and badass as this man saying he will "do enough good" to make it to the heavenly plane where his love resides.

[@ChefBoston]

Karen’s are awful.. But this one This one chose the light side

[@PatRick-mq6ss]

it's not for you to decide who is awful or who's not

[@thatdripsterguy]

Pat Rick it’s a joke lmao

[@TheRealCCall]

One of the few Karens who were just named wrongly.

[@katiearbuckle9017]

@@TheRealCCall Or vice versa not all of the bad ones are actually named Karen, I know of one named Joanne.

[@ericjamesmalot7403]

@@PatRick-mq6ss Then who will?

[@itsyaboiwafflezz3210]

No I'm not crying, my eyes are just sweating

[@finestle2613]

they remind me of mario and peach for some reason

[@TraustiGeir]

Well, Richard was an Italian descendant after all. ;)

[@coolcat6341]

The only man I loved made my eyes sparkly,,,, with tears and sadness he left me for a rich young girl,, cruel life.

[@d1zzyval]

"Not all karen's are bad."

[@leighferdgames1593]

Can you not make a joke on a serious video

[@pixelatedbishop]

Roblox profile picture. 9 years old.

[@22Tesla]

I love all these stories, you get a window into a person's life, the good and the bad.

[@alwayssonnie]

Richie Pecorella died February 10, 2016

[@grapiebee]

What a lucky lady, to be loved so deeply by someone

[@yepnah1984]

The only Karen I respect