Comments on: Melissa Riggio dies at 20; Inspired changes in bookselling, publishing

By: Phoenix Fox Family

Phoenix Fox Family — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 03:20:47 +0000

The Ring, incredible song, please let me buy it through the NDSS to help raise money for such an important foundation. The Person, Melissa, what a courageous and brave young woman you have been. You have graced this planet with your existence and you have left it better than the way you found it.

It is the special, dare I say different, children who are the ones who end up changing the world. Everyone else seems to just talk about it. You can be alive for a hundred years and never do anything or you can be alive for twenty and etch your name permanently into society. I choose the latter.

Thank you, Riggio family, for everything you have brought us. You are truly blessed.

By: Jackie Lewis

Jackie Lewis — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 01:24:07 +0000

I have worked with many Down syndrome individuals, many like Melissa. I know there are so many of them who wish they could share their thoughts just like she has done through words and song. I know she will truly be missed. God’s speed to her and her family.

By: Lynn Schmidt

Lynn Schmidt — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 04:08:23 +0000

My deepest sympathies to Melissa’s family. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.

By: velvet tauras

velvet tauras — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 04:05:44 +0000

Dear Riggio family,

I am forever touched by your incredible daughter, Melissa. I’m grateful and thankful she had such a beautiful understanding of how great pure love is. Your beautiful Melissa shares my birthday, March 25th … and she shares a piece of my heart because I’m the mother of two sets of twins with a child with Down syndrome in each set.

I love your daughter’s courageous spirit. She truly is the greatest, most powerful gift God has given to your family and ours. I pray for comfort, for much love & peace. Thank you for sharing her with us.

By: Robbin Lyons

Robbin Lyons — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:51:20 +0000

I work every day to help families of individuals with Down syndrome, who find themselves battling this terrible dual diagnoses of cancer. Most cases have happier outcomes, but Melissa’s death reminds us of the real danger that this disease presents and the need for our community to support families dealing with this challenge. My prayers go out to Melissa’s family. She was an inspiring gifted individual and our world was a better place with her in it.

By: The Andy Anderson family

The Andy Anderson family — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:24:41 +0000

To the Riggios: I just learned of the loss of your beautiful daughter, Melissa. As I read her story and her lovely poem, life and many talents, I was inspired by what a talented person your daughter was.

We too have a son with Down syndrome, and we are blessed to still have him at age 36. Your daughter, like our son, is leaving an awesome testimony of the beautiful people God has sent to bless our lives.

I am so happy to learn through reading about your daughter about a section in Barnes and Noble about our precious “special needs” loved ones.

Thank you for sharing your daughter’s wonderful story. Her story will go out to others I know to be a blessing to them as well.

Our hearts truly go out to you for we know your loss is great. May the Lord bless and comfort your hearts as only He can do.

I too look forward to meeting your Melissa in Glory! Love in Jesus, Andy, Trish & Andy II in IN

By: Sherry

Sherry — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 11:52:57 +0000

Melissa’s life touched so many. I remember looking at her picture and listening to her song when my little girl, Sandia, was about one. Sandia also has Down syndrome. Melissa gave me hope. She made me smile. Her song made me smile and cry. It is tragic to lose such a brilliant soul. Her influence will remain. I hope Sandia will listen to her songs and be inspired one day. Thank you, thank you, thank you. She lives on.

By: chris and brenda

chris and brenda — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 22:29:19 +0000

My wife and I have a grandson named Alex who has Down syndrome. He is God’s gift to our whole family. With that said, God sent Melissa to help you out but needed her back with him because as you know she was a true angel. We are sorry for your loss and the world will miss Melissa. Hold on for you will see her again, with her big smile.

By: Jennifer Gleabes

Jennifer Gleabes — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:51:06 +0000

To the Riggio family: I am so sorry for your loss. Actually it is all of our loss as well. Melissa was an inspiring young lady. God needed his angel to come home and help him in Heaven. She left her mark. God Bless.

By: Julie Borkowski

Julie Borkowski — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:08:58 +0000

I plan to leave flowers at our Barnes and Noble in town. I think it would be a lovely tribute. Here is my message to Melissa:

Melissa, you are a wonderful inspiration to us all, Down syndrome or no Down sydrome. You spoke in your song “The Ring” about being a broken angel, but truthfully we are the ones who are broken. You were sent to teach us how to be whole. You have touched many lives and Heaven decided they needed you back. You will be missed, but I cannot wait to meet you in Heaven one day.