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Michele Lanza Obituary
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Sheila Price Floyd
September 13, 2021
Crying for my friend today. I miss you so much Michele. The time we spent in NOVA, working together at RRI. You bringing me to Staten Island and taking the Ferry to the City. 20 Years,,, I will never forget you. Love to your precious son and Family.
BRUCE GEIDEL
September 13, 2021
She was a very nice lady and a loving mother. I am sure Nicholas misses her very much.
BURCE GEIDEL
September 12, 2021
I am very sorry that a young child like Nicholas had to go through all this. How is Nicholas doing now? I remember that Nicholas was only 7 at the time.
Jerry Lanza
September 11, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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April 26, 2017
Happy birthday in heaven RIP
Nanette Boggs
September 11, 2014
On this day, I honor your memory, Michele. I think of you often and miss our telephone conversations. I know you are looking down on all the people whose hearts you touched during your short time on earth. Thank you for touching my heart. I miss you!
S J. Friscia III
April 28, 2014
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
Sam Kirton
September 11, 2011
Michele you are never forgotten. It seems like so much more should be written but it is still hard after 10 years except to say you were taken too soon and those you touched will never forget you!
Sam ...
Serena Gaiatto
September 11, 2011
God bless you and Nick.
R.I.P.
Serena Gaiatto
CJ Long
September 8, 2011
Nick, some of the most memorable moments of my life were just talking to you. We discussed your mom and everything that happened that fateful day. I'm so glad you found God and that he has helped you through everything in your life. And your mom would be so proud of you.
Geraldine Halderman
September 6, 2010
Michele Bernadette Lanza, this year at the September 11, 2010 ceremonies I will be honored to read your name. God bless you and your family. We share the same sorrow.
Jim
September 12, 2009
I am blessed to know Nick as one of his mentor's in our church. He has grown into a fine young teenager. Nick your mother would be very proud that you are serving the Lord. My prayers go out to you and your family for comfort during this difficult time of each year. May you keep her loving memory alive in you as you strive to move onward. Above all, keep the love of the Great Comforter within you. And remember, "focus".
Eileen
September 11, 2009
To the Lanza Family, Today is the eighth anniversary of 9/11. Soon after the tragedy I saw your story on HBO,and I want you to know that I will never forget all of you.Michele and Nicholas will be with me forever. I hope you have found some healing, and peace of mind.
paula carruth
September 30, 2008
To Nicholas and the Lanza family. May God bless you and keep you. Today I saw the documentary on Michele and Nicholas I cried and was so touched. My name is Paula Carruth MY daughter was a Marine She proudly gave her life so freedom can be for the rest of us. I hope that Jesus will comfort her Parents and sisters. I know Casey and Michele are together with our father now looking over their families waiting till we see them again. I will always remember Michele and Nicholas. Casey will always be remembered the three of them for their sacrifices. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!! With All My LOVE
MY DAUGHTER GAVE HER LIFE FOR OUR FREEDOM AS A U S MARINE LAND OF THE FREE BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE
September 11, 2008
I had a friend that lost their life in the WTC on that day, and saw later on the movie about Nicolas, my heart ached for your family and today, you all are being remembered by my family here in North Carolina. I am so sorry for your loss-
Rina Rabinowitz
January 3, 2008
I was reading all the names of our lost loved ones and I came across Michele. I was a childhood friend of all the Chamberlain children. My maiden name is Giordano. We grew up in West Brighton Projects. I lived on the 2nd floor and the Chamberlains lived on the 5th floor.
I am so sorry for your loss, for I feel the same loss. My sister, Denise L. Benedetto also passed in the 911 attacks.
Rest in Peace my dear Friend. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
**Al, Susan and Cynthia ....please feel free to contact me back**
December 19, 2007
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
Michelle Ellias
October 7, 2007
God Bless You all. I hope Nicholas is doing well and the family finds peace through Jesus Christ Our Lord. This is the second time I've seen this movie. Michele sounds like she was a wonderful person.
Michael Burke
September 17, 2007
To the family of Michele Lanza: you have my deepest sympathy. While channel surfing the other day, I came across the HBO movie about this families struggle with the 9/11 tragedy. My heart broke. After watching the movie I went for a long 6 mile run and cried and cried thinking of Michele's long-lasting loss on her folks, son, husband, sisters, etc. I pray that the grace of God and warm memeories of Michele have comforted you these past 6 years.
Ramona Schroeder
September 15, 2007
Today, I saw your littler boy Nicholas, on HBO,I was cryng,for him and your family it was so sad for a little boy to find out that mommie is not coming home, We had a do the same to our grandchildren.I know how hard it was. Our only girl also die that day, she work for Cantor & Fitzgerald her name was Lorraine Antigua from Middletown New Jersey.Her son Aaron was 13, & her daugther Caitlin was 10.It never easy to tell your children,. They doing well now.To you family and your little boy,they wiil be in my prayers.Michele, rest in peace you beautiful child, God Bless you.
September 12, 2007
Six Years have passed and it all seems so surreal at times.
May You Rest In Peace!
D Jones
September 12, 2007
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
s mathews
September 11, 2007
may god watch over Nicholas because we know you are.
Stephanie W
September 11, 2007
This morning, the 6th anniversary of 9/11 and Michelle's death, I came across Telling Nicholas on HBO. I never knew Michelle, but felt compelled to sign her book this morning. My prayers go out to her loving family and hope they have found a way to fight through their pain. God Bless
DENISE LANZA
September 11, 2007
I never knew you but through our last name i feel connected. god bless you in heaven and to the family im sorry for your loss.
P Tabbernor
December 2, 2006
In memory....
Kristine
November 7, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Rachael S
September 11, 2006
To Michle's Family:
I saw the story "Telling Nicholas" on HBO not too long ago. It was a touching story. I hope the pain has eased a bit and you all are in my thoughts and prayers, especially Nicholas.
R Hernandez
September 10, 2006
I read your name on the first anniversary of 9/11 in San Diego, CA. I will never forget your name and story. God Bless you and your Family and Son.
Amy Williams
September 7, 2006
Rest in peace dear Michelle.
Michelle & Matt Kingham
July 24, 2006
Michele,
Words can't describe how terribly you are missed even to this day, your friendship with me and my family left everlasting memories in our hearts. I can still remember our talks, our times together at work and outside of work. You were a brave, beautiful, strong women, with a heart of gold that still lives on in our hearts....
We will always think of you and will meet you again in heaven...
God Bless You and Your Family, We are Thinking of You....
Thomas Walker
February 28, 2006
God Bless You Always
November 23, 2005
Happy Thanksgiving in Heaven!
Tom Filingeri
September 12, 2005
It's been 4 years since I met Michelle the weekend before 9/11 at a birthaday party, I still think about, she was such a sweet woman, even though I had first met her that day, she's had a lasting impression on me.
I will never forget her, God bless her and her family.
Cheryl Maglio
September 11, 2005
Michele:
It's been 4 long years since you have been gone. I know you would be proud of your little boy now he is such a little man know and so much like you we are very lucky to have you live in him. I miss you and love you very much
Cheryl
February 5, 2005
Rest In Peace Dear Soul.
Trina
September 13, 2004
Dear Nicholas and Family,
Words can't express the saddness that was brought into your life 3 years ago on September 11, 2001 when your loved one was taken away. Yet there is light at the other side, and Michelle is ever present in your hearts and in everyone who has lost a loved one. Your family gives people strength and we pray for courage, and happiness as Nicholas' life and other family members who lost a loved one that day live on.
With all my prayers,
Trina H.
Sam Kirton
September 11, 2004
Three years later we will never forget.
Thanks for smiling down on us today Michele.
Sam sends....
Grace Crowley
December 26, 2003
Merry Christmas in Heaven.
December 9, 2003
To Michele's loved ones:
The love you have for Michele
will keep her spirit close to
you all forever!
May the Lord Bless and keep
you all in his care during
this Holiday Season and always!
October 14, 2003
I am with you always!
_________________________
Please don't be sad!
I have only slipped away
into the next room.
Whatever we were to each other,
that we are still.
Call me by my old familiar name,
speak to me in the easy way you always did.
Laugh as we always laughed
at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be the household word it always was.
Let it be spoken without effort.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was;
there is absolutely unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of your mind
because I am out of your sight?
I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner.
All is well.
Nothing is past; nothing is lost.
One brief moment and all will be as it was before; only better, infinitely happier, and forever; we will be one together with the Lord!
Michele and Nicholas (WTC)
Pamela ONeil
September 11, 2003
Michele,
It is hard to believe that 2 years have passed. You are in my thoughts and prayers every day, as is your family and of course, Nicholas.
I want to thank your family. They gave the world a gift. It is one I will always cherish.
I never knew you, but feel as if I have lost a dear friend. One only has to look at a photograph to see the love you have for Nicholas and they joy he brought to your life.
I pray that Nicholas is safe and happy, for I know that is what you would want for him. I know you are watching over him, and that someday he will realize that you were always with him.
Nicholas, be happy. Know you are loved by so many, though this could never replace your mother's love. She will always be a part of you.
Be at peace Michele, and May God Bless us all.
C. Fonseca
September 11, 2003
Dear Nicholas and Family, seeing the Documentary last nigh was heartwrenching, I cried for you and your family, but I could honestly say to you Nicholas you are a brave little boy! And that shows what kind of mother you had! the dedication and devotion she had for you and most importantly the love that is shared through your mothers family, gave you strengh!! I hope that God keeps you safe always, and I pray that he gives you the strengh to go on and forgive, for your mother is in a better place that there is not hatred but only love!
I hope that your grandparents are surviving this ordeal and that they know in their heart that she is in a peaceful place. May God bless you all..
cf
Amanda Lizarraga
September 11, 2003
The story of Michele touched my life after watching the HBO special "Telling Nicholas". Today marks the 2nd anniversay, but it still feels so fresh with all this news coverage. All though I did not know anyone in New York, everytime I watch footage of 9/11, it brings me to tears. My heart literally hurts knowing so many lives were lost. May god bless you and your family. You have a brave little boy in Nicholas and for that you should be proud of. Michele's legacy will live on in him. You may have lost life, but you've gained an angel.
Jessica
September 11, 2003
Dear Lanza Family,
As you remember the life Michele lived please take with you the fact that she touched people after she was taken from the world. Telling Nicolas was the most heartbreaking documentary I have ever seen. Nicolas is lucky to have grandparents,aunts, and cousins who love him as much as you do. I hope he knows that his mother is proud of him.
God Bless You.
Cheryl Maglio
September 11, 2003
Dear Michele:
It has been two long years since god choose to take you. He not only took you from your family but he took my very best friend. You not only were my friend but you were my sister, always there for me in my time of need.
If I could turn back time I would tell you to stay in Virgina instead of coming home.
For that I am deeply sorry. I would rather you be four hours away instead of a life time away.
I will love and miss you forever.
Cheryl, Peter, Cathrine and Amanda
sharon maurer
September 10, 2003
My prayers are with the family of Michelle at this time. I just watched to story on hbo, telling Nicholas and i cried throughout the whole program. What the family and friends went through is just one story of how lives were affected by this. Its always going to be such an overwhelming tragedy. But all we can do is keep them all in our prayers and find strength in each other. Again my heart goes out to the family and all families. God Bless sharon
Maryann Dickinson
September 9, 2003
Dear Michele:
YOU WILL LIVE FOREVER
IN THE HEARTS OF THOSE WHO LOVE YOU!
May your precious soul rest
in peace!
To Michele's family & Friends:
My prayers will be with you
on 9/11 - May the Lord give
you the Peace and Strength you
need to sustain you on that day
and always!
GOD BLESS & BE WELL!
Grace Crowley
August 13, 2003
John Brown and I visited the street corner now bearing your name. We left some flowers and said a prayer. Rest in peace.
June 6, 2003
I AM FREE!
**********
Don't grieve for me,
for now I'm free.
I'm following the path
God has laid you see.
I took His hand when
I heard Him call.
I turned my back
and left it all.
I could not stay another
day, To laugh, to love,
to work, or play.
Tasks left undone must
stay that way.
I found that peace at
the close of day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joys.
A friendship shared, a laugh,
a kiss, Oh yes, these things
I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow.
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much.
My Son, Good friends,
my mother's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed
all too brief.
Don't lengthen it now with
undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and peace
to thee.
God wanted me now; he set me free!
Sent With Much Love!
March 13, 2003
Dear Michele,
Wishing you a Happy
St. Patrick's Day in Heaven!
I'm sure you will be
celebrating with your
loved ones who have
passed, as you look
upon your wonderful
legacy here on Earth!
Our thoughts are always
with you, and you will
remain FOREVER in the hearts
of your Family and Friends!
Rest In Peace!
Roseann Fornito
February 27, 2003
Dear Nicholas and the Lanza family: Today, I was thinking about all the lives lost since today is the day that they decided on what to put at the sight. I wondered how Nicholas was doing and the rest of his family.I wanted to tell Nicholas that he is not alone, all New York and the rest of the country still feels your pain. Remember that you are never alone, and when you feel that way, talk to your mom. She will always be there whenever you feel noone else is. She can be that breaze in the air or that butterfly which flys around your head, she is always with you. So I hope after a year has passed that your life is getting on, you are growing up with love and strength. May God Bless You and help you everyday.
Grace Crowley
December 27, 2002
To the Chamberlain Family
I went to McKee High School with Michele. She was a very kind and caring person. I have not forgotten the sacrifice she made. May she rest peace. God Bless America.
Maryann Dickinson
November 22, 2002
To the Family & Friends of Michele.
I'm sure you all are greatful to
have shared in Michele's life.
I pray that someday your happiness,
as you remember your special times
together, will far out weigh the
grief you are feeling now!
May God give you Strength & Peace
during this Holiday Season & Always!
God Bless & Be Well!
Brian Hartigan
September 16, 2002
My thoughts and prayers go out for all of you
Victoria
September 11, 2002
To the Lanza family:
My heart ached as I watched your story the other night. I too lost a FNDY cousin, so I know some of your pain. Cindy, be strong for your children...Ethel, know that your daughter will always be with you....Nicholas, your mommy will always be around watching you grow, talk to her, she can hear. I wish you all the best in the long road to recovery ahead. GOD BLESS!!
B ALLEGRETTI
September 11, 2002
After watching the HBO Telling Nicholas, I could not stop my tears, I have to say what a brave little man Nicholas you are, your Mom will never be fogotten, my heart goes out to you and your family, and specially your grand-mother, who lost her daughter, I know God gives all of you the strength to go on each day.
frank lanza
September 10, 2002
Watched your heartfelt story on HBO last night and I just wanted to send my condolences to the whole family on this tough day. Hope Michele's boy is doing fine.
MIGDALIA MIRANDA
September 10, 2002
My heart went out to Timmy, I am very sorry that so many innocent people lost their lives leaving little ones behind, having lived in Willowbrook for 11 years, we decided to leave NY after 9/11/01.
Lonny Schonfeld
September 10, 2002
After watching the HBO story, Telling Nicholas, ALL of my anger returned. This country will honor your memory by doing the right thing and taking care of business.
God Bless your family.
Andrew Paish
September 10, 2002
I sat and watched your horror unfold last night, during the HBO documentary. I am sending you my prayers and hopes for a future full of happiness and strength to you all.
Kelly
September 10, 2002
I, too, saw your documentary. I am so sorry. God Bless your family and God Bless America. I will be praying for you.
September 10, 2002
I saw your story on HBO also & it was so sad. My heart goes out to your whole family. Me & my husband cried as we watch your story. We are so sorry for your family. Just want you to know that your family is in our prayers. Hope that Nicholas is doing good & Cindy & Ethel also.
Maryann Dickinson
September 10, 2002
Dear Michele:
I don't know you personally, but I
saw your story on HBO. You have a very lovely family and my prayers
are with them. May God Bless your
son and the rest of your family, and give them the peace in knowing
that you are in a truly beautiful place with God.
Rest in Peace Michele!
Maryann Dickinson
Kevin Lester
September 10, 2002
Dearest Lanza family, I saw the HBO special on your family.I feel that I know you and Nicholas.I can't help but break down every time I watch.I feel that I have lost someone special.My prayers and tears go out to your family for the rest of my days. Nicholas has entrenched himself in the fiber of my being. Your story brought me and my twin brother's 4 yr. old son so much closer together. I couldn't bear it if I could never see him again.To Nicholas,you may have lost your mommy's physical being but as long as you keep her in you mind and your heart everyday,you will never be without her.She will always protect her liitle boy.Again, you will always be in my prayers and my thoughts eternally. God be with YOU always.
Donnamarie M
September 10, 2002
Dear precious Nicholas and the Lanza family, There are never any words strongh enough to eradicate the deep pain your family is experiencing. Perhaps knowing you are in the hearts of so many will aid in your time of need. I just saw your story on HBO this evening and was so overwhelmed with grief and pain. Nicholas, "Little Man" you are a giant! I will never forget you or your family. I will always remember you in my prayers. Your mom Michele is your angel and will be in all yours hearts and Nicholas she will be with you every moment of your life guiding you, loving you and always being proud. I know God will be with each and everyone of you always. Wishing you love and strength. God Bless, your faceless friend! Nicholas, I hope you will be happy in your new life with your daddy!
Donnamarie M, New York
Patricia Miera
September 9, 2002
May God bless your sweet little boy. I cry for him and all those other children that lost moms and dads. Thank you for sharing his story with the world. Watch over him and keep him safe. I hope his dad never lets him forget about you.
Rest in Peace and love,
Patricia Miera
Louis Dellavalle jr.
September 8, 2002
Michele i miss you so verry much & think of where we hung out & talked on the S.I. ferry .. & the day i met your son nicholas the day i a seen it happen was the day i thought & hoped you were ok .. i waited a few days before i could call but i kno\ew when i watched them go down from the roof of my building i would have no luck? but atleast i paid my last respect to you & your family .. i'll never for get that birthday week you had.. that moved me so verry much cause you told me about that on the boat .. well...me & my children said a prayer for you & your son . nicholas.. love you ,and alway's thinking of you .. truly ..
Louis dellavalle jr
Q(NY)
July 20, 2002
Hello, I hope Nicholas and your family are doing well. Nicholas story really touched me, it's so sad to know that this adorable little boy will not be able to be with his mother. Why is there so much hatred in the world? It's so hard to comprehend how some people can not value life. Life is so precious. I pray that your family is well & that you watch over them. God Bless, RIP! :(
Karen
June 18, 2002
Michele:
Rest in Peace with the Angels. Let Nicholas know you're OK.
Joe Meyer
May 30, 2002
Lanza Family,
First and foremost I pray for you everyday. Thank you for allowing the world to see what it is like to have lost someone in these events. I experienced it first hand as well being in Hoboken, but nothing like your family.
I watch that movie to help me cry and grieve, and since 9/11 happened right in front of me, I hadn't been able to cry. Thank you for your openess and allowing me to cry. To Michelle's parents, be strong, and you are angels already.
Sincerely,
Joe Meyer
Tom F
May 29, 2002
I met Michelle for the first and last time on the weekend before before 9/11 at Lenore's son's birthday party, and when I think back to that day I realize how much of an angel she looked like, even though I'd just met her.
When Lenore told me what happened I was so devastated, I still think about her.
Today I passed by a memorial at Union square station and I saw a memorial dedicated to the 9/11 victims.
The strangest thing happened, as I went by I picked a name at random and low and behold, it was Michelle's name.
I will miss her very much.
As far as Nicholas is concerned, It was so sad to see him react to hsi father telling him that his mother passed away, my heart goes out to him and his Family.
God bless you Nicholas and his Family.
Christopher Dahlstrand
May 28, 2002
Michele, you would be proud of your Little Man. May peace be with you and your family forever and ever.
Quita
May 24, 2002
Dear Nicholas,
I thought of you today. I have a post it note stuck on my wall to remind to to watch HBO's special this coming sunday & I thought of you. I had a really hard time trying not to cry. I hope all is well. I hope your family here in New York are doing well also. You will always be in my prayers. Take care! :(
Wanda Ammons
May 24, 2002
Dearest Nicholas...Sweetheart my heart aches for you and your father.
As I sat and watched your daddy tell
you that your mommie wasn't coming home I broke down in tears.I am not the type of person to cry when I watch something even if it's based on true stories BUT...yours had me in tears.
I am happy that you had Mrs.Gilda there for you.Sweetie your are now her legacy.You are a part of her she carried you within her tummie.
You are the one person who she sang too (I'm sure) while she was carrying you under her heart!She felt you move within her.I know mommie isn't here for you in person but believe me she is in spirit.You have your granny(her mommie) and grandpaw there to comfort you as well as daddy and your aunts.I wished I could have held you and said,It's gonna be ok.You feel as if it will never be ok cause you miss your mommie and you know what?It's ok to feel that way because you are sad and mad at the same time.Asking questions WHY?NO one knows why.We just know we are all sad about what happened on that day of 9/11.You and your family will NEVER be forgotten.May God Bless and watch over you INFINTY.Take Care sweetie.
kristi wilson
May 21, 2002
WOW! It is still so hard to believe what happened on 9/11. This is a slap in the face with reality. Thanks to all of Michelle Lanza's family for letting America get a feel for what you are experiencing (even though I can't even fathom the pain you all have undergone). My heart hurts for everyone who had a loss. This story has changed my life in such a drastic way that I cannot thank you enough for sharing it with me. GOD BLESS YOU SWEET SWEET NICHOLAS! You are an angel.
Tom Lynch
May 18, 2002
Nicholas;
You're a "Big Man" to all of us. Your mommy is so proud of you! America has a hero in you.
To the Lanza family;
God Bless you all. You touched so many lives. We all appreciate your self-less act of allowing this film during your most difficult times.
I pray that you are all well, in body and in spirit. You have such a wonderful family.
I lost my sister to cancer two years ago. She was 35. I can feel your sorrowful pain. However your sudden shock of this barbaric act is one that I never will know. I commend the makers of this film. As a result of this documentary, you have countless numbers of people praying for your family, and Michele. I wish you all peace, just as Michele now has. You WILL see Michele again...and will once again see her beautiful smile.
Pam Mozzillo
May 17, 2002
Dear Nicholas and the Lanza family,
I just watched your special on HBO and I cannot stop crying. My heart goes out to all of you. My brother Chris was one of the firemen we lost on Sept. 11, and just like Michele, he was never found either. I am fully aware of the pain you are feeling, and I honestly know that most words cannot heal your wounds.
The one thing I can assure you of, is that just like my brother, Michele is in heaven right now, watching and protecting all of us. Nicholas, on t.v. you said you wished your mommy could see you grow up. I promise you that she WILL see you grow up. She is always there with you-you just can't see her. Your mommy is your very own guardian angel just like my brother is mine. Talk to her, and pray to her, because I know she can hear you. Your family loves you, and will always be there for you.
I hope you are enjoying Virginia, and I hope there are a lot of dollar stores for you down there! Maybe one day in the future, you will visit New York and tell me all about your mommy and what a great person she was.
My prayers are with you all.
lg
May 17, 2002
God Bless the Lanza family and every family, and friend who lost loved ones 9/11. The HBO Special reminds everyone of not only a specific life lost, but of how that life being lost causes rippling effects around the world they had lived.
For a while it hurts to remember but for Michele's Family (and myself) I pray the pain gets duller with time and to remember:
Memories grow fond
they never stray
to brng us peace with yesterday
Kara Wilkinson
May 17, 2002
To Nicholas and the Lanza Family -
I cannot even express to you the sadness I feel when looking back on this tragic day. I am still angry, and this story helped remind me of it. My fiance was in NY on the day of the attacks, only a few blocks from the Trade Center. Never again do I want to feel the fear that enveloped me that day...wondering and praying that he was okay. Thank God he returned home safely. To this day, he cannot watch any of the disturbing footage. I'm proud to say though that he did watch your story. Thank you for helping him open his eyes to the tragedy behind the horrific events, the people left behind. The strength it took for your family to share such a personal story is truly remarkable. While many stories have been told over the course of these past eight months, none of them hit me nearly as hard as yours.
Nicholas...be strong little man. Your are a beautiful human being and you make us (as a nation) proud. Your mother may not be with you (physically) any more, but she will forever live in your heart, the hearts of your family and this great country.
God Bless all of you and may each and every day be a better one as you go forward knowing there many angels above looking down on you.
Lisa Sherman
May 16, 2002
To Michele's family, Living in Las Vegas we have been somewhat removed from the horror of what happened on 9/11. Even though I watched events on T.V., etc. I did not get a feel for what truly happened, what every family was going through until I watched the HBO special. You all are very brave for allowing such a personal, difficult, and emotional time to be shared my strangers. As a mother, I cannot imagine losing my child (who is 2). I also cannot imagine having my son grow up without me. I try not to question God when terrible things happen, so I have to conclude that he needed a whole lot of Angels that day. He took the very best even though it would be hard for those left behind. Nicholas has the best guardian angel ever know. I will always remember you all in my heart and in my prayers... May you keep Michele's spirit alive and treasure your wonderful memories of her.
Brenda Beck
May 16, 2002
I watched the documentary about Michele B. Lanza and never cried so much tonight to know that that little boy Nicholas and her family lost someone so special. Michele was such a great person and a very special mom. It would be hard to give up hope for someone like her. I cried so hard when Nicholas' dad had to tell him that his mom was dead. He was such a brave little boy. Michele will be so greatly missed. Nicholas lost his best friend but he gained a Guardian Angel to watch over and love him the same, she is still there and will always take care of him. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
Jaime Szymanski
May 15, 2002
I wanted you to know that I have been deeply touched by your families story. I saw your documentary just hours ago, and I want you to know that I have cried for your loss. I am so sorry that your family has had to endure such pain. You are all in my prayers and I hope that everyone of you maintain strength.
May God Bless You Always..
Jaime L.Szymanski
Ody Rotunno
May 15, 2002
I don't think I've ever cried so hard as when that little boy was hugging his daddy after the news was broken to him. I have a five-year old son and it made me realize how much my little boy needs me.
I'm still crying over Nicholas. I wish there was a way we could get an update on him. God Bless You All.
Todd Dobereiner
May 14, 2002
WHAT AN AMAZING LITTLE BOY.
Thank you for letting me into your lives for those ten days. My prayers are with you all. Nicholas is a very smart and strong little boy.
P.S If someone in the family could please update me on how Nicholas is doing it would be greatly appreciated
Q
May 14, 2002
Dear Lanza Family,
It's so hard to imagine the pain you felt. I watched the HBO special "Telling Nicholas" on Mother's day. I have watched mostly all the specials that have been aired on TV regarding 9/11 but this was the most touching and heartbreaking story i watched. I had a really hard time sleeping that night I just kept picturing little Nicholas's face, he's such a beautiful little boy! I was crying so hard when he turned to his Daddy to hug him while he cried after he told him his Mommy was not coming back. It also made me feel angry again! Thank you for sharing your story you were all very brave to do this documentry. I hope you are all doing well, I hope Nicholas is happy with his father and I hope Cindy is feeling better. I'm sooo sorry for your loss, when I would see Nicholas's Grandparents start to get upset I felt like jumping into the TV to give them a hug. I know that sounds very stupid but I just wanted to give you all a hug, I'm so sorry for your loss. God Bless you all, I pray we all find peace someday. Take care! We are all praying for all of you, I may not know each name of each victim but I pray for everyone & their loved ones left behind. God Bless!
Mark Sapara
May 14, 2002
Last night, I was flipping through channels on TV and came upon the HBO documentary about this family's tragedy.
While I pride myself in being able to express myself well in words, I don't think I could piece together a string of comments that could properly express how it made me feel. Those 9 days in the lives of these people, culminating in revealing to little Nicholas what had happened to his mother, puts a real face to the horror of that day. I have watched from the periphery the mourning process for the family of a dear friend of mine whose two daughters died that day--and have grieved in my own personal world each day since 9/11.
But, the story of Nicholas and Michele is one that touches the core of any person who's in touch with his or her humanity--for anyone who has ever felt love, devotion, pride, connection--or even a small sense of the monumental power of the human experience.
I cried for this family as if it were my own--and in the overall meaning of being part of a larger society, it WAS my own...these are our neighbors, friends, co-workers, passers-by...and they let us into their lives during their most difficult moments.
If I could infuse myself with any one superhuman power, it would be to bring back all the Micheles of 9/11 to their rightful place with their loved ones.
I hope that this family recognizes the support, warmth, and moments of grief felt for Michele, a person who was someone's mother, friend, daughter, sister--and it is felt by people who never knew her--but whose story has brought our world a little bit closer to hers.
Beverly Huff
May 14, 2002
To the family and friends of Michelle B. Lanza:
Please accept this humbly heartfelt sorrow that we the American people feel for you now 8 months after the most tragic terrorist action in history.
I have only been as most Americans, on the other side of your tragedy looking in thru the eyes of television and thru James Ronald Whitney. Thank you for allowing him to come into the midst of your tradegy. We have seen as most the tears and stories of some that have had their loved ones taken away as a result of this crime to mankind. Never have we been able to see it from front to end. This in itself had to be so hard but you lost your daughter, mother, sister, and friend and allowed us to feel it from you.
I know that Nicholas is safe with his father and that in time, he will heal to a point. Please know that your story has changed alot of lives and we all will be praying for you, your lose, and Nicholas.
Thank you for giving us this side so we may never forget what she and many others did for their lives that day!
All my love and Prayers,
Beverly
Janis Lynch
May 13, 2002
I want to Thank Michele's family for sharing their story in the documentary on HBO. I lost my sister (Patricia Massari)also. My Heart goes to Nicholas and the whole family. Watching it brought me back to that horrible first week. YOU WILL ALL BE IN MY HEART AND PRAYERS. God Bless you all.
With Love
Janis
Virginia DeBartolo
May 13, 2002
GOD BLESS NICHOLAS, HE IS A BEAUTIFUL LITTLE BOY
VIRGINIA DEBARTOLO
May 13, 2002
GOD BLESS NICHOLAS
Maryellen Teaman
May 13, 2002
My heart broke for your little boy as I watched the show on HBO last night. Nicholas is such a sweet, special child. I wanted to hold him and tell him everything was going to be ok. I am so sorry for him and for your family. You must have been a wonderful mom. He will be in my prayers everyday. May you rest in peace.
Christophe
May 13, 2002
My thoughts are with you. I wish the best for Nicholas who is a smart little man. Thank you for sharing those painful moments with us. Documentaries like this one makes sure that we will never forget your sorrow.
Love.
Christophe
Anita Smith
May 13, 2002
All of the goodness of a loving mother that was Michele Lanza lives on in her darling son, Nicholas. Such a love transcends this life and conquers loss.
Kathryn Barlanti
May 13, 2002
To Michele's Family and to a wondeful brave young man , Nicholas. Our prayers are with you and just know that Michelle is with God. Thank You for sharing a very difficult time in your family's life. Nicholas your mother will always be with you in your heart and she'll always be watching over you. God Bless You all.
Stacy Ezell
May 13, 2002
To the family of Michele,
I did not see your show on HBO, however I did see a segment on another show. I watched as Nicholas was told that his mother would not be coming home. This tore me up. I could not imagine how hard it is for your family and for sweet Nicholas to have to endure this pain. My heart goes out to you all.
M Drehwing
May 13, 2002
What an amazing, beautiful and spirited young boy. God bless you
"little man!"
Marie Giannini
May 13, 2002
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER.
Kathleen Barna
May 13, 2002
To Michelle's Family,
I too was very overwhelmed after watching the HBO special last night concerning your family's loss of Michelle. My heart ached for each of you and especially for Nicholas. Waking up this morning I hugged my 2 small children alittle longer and made sure I told them I loved them very much. I hope that one day you all will find peace and that Nicholas will grow up knowing his mom loved him with everything she was. He is a very special and smart little boy. God Bless you all.
Kathleen
Kim Werner
May 13, 2002
Dear Family of Michele Lanza, and especially Nicholas:
You are truly brave to have shared your suffering those first 10 days. God bless and keep you safe as you heal from our great loss.
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