Comments on: Remembering Melissa Riggio

By: Sheila Beckett

Sheila Beckett — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:18:36 +0000

I’m the grandmother of Charlotte who is 6 years old, and a child with Down Syndrome. Charlotte is so precious to me and I only discovered Melissa’s words on the web site this morning. It was only later in the day, when I went back on site to read the words of her song, did I realise she had died. I am so very, very sorry. Her words were an inspiration to me; I even thought, when I saw her picture, that Charlotte looks a little like her and I felt uplifted by Melissa’s views of life – I thought maybe things wouldn’t be too bad for my Charlotte after all.

Thank you, Melissa, for helping me this morning.

God bless you – and your family

Sheila Beckett

By: Ruth Hodge

Ruth Hodge — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:59:33 +0000

I am a parent with a child who has Down syndrome. I have purchased several books from Barnes and Noble on this topic. Thanks for all your efforts for special needs materials. I am so sorry for the loss of your precious daughter.

By: Marianne LoDuca

Marianne LoDuca — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 12:24:08 +0000

Dear Laura:

Francesca and I heard about Melissa’s death, and my heartfelt condolences go to you and your family. We are so sorry for your loss. I read about all her accomplishments. She was a very special girl. We remember her as a little girl, what a lovable and adorable child she was.
Our thoughts are with you, Laura, Christina and your husband.

Marianne and Francesca LoDuca

By: anne guthrie

anne guthrie — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:21:30 +0000

I was saddened to hear of Melissa’s death. Her birth and her family’s experience at that time brought about the creation of the Special Needs section at all B&N stores which was a gift to all families- including mine and the families of all the siblings I have known over my professional life. Her parents went on to become dedicated advocates, and obviously Melissa herself blossomed and lived a life that was full and contributed to all her knew her- and many who, like me, never had the good fortune to meet her. My thoughts go out to all the Riggio family. As someone else who experienced the sudden loss of a sibling with disabilities, I well know the hole it can leave in a family’s fabric. Time will heal, and the memories will glow on. Be well.

By: heather austin

heather austin — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 03:15:02 +0000

I am very grateful for a chance to have known of Melissa. She is an inspiration as I raise my little girl Nadia, who has Down Syndrome. We will keep Melissa’s memory alive, and she will continue to influence and inspire us. We are grateful to God that he sent her and her love!