(November 2, 2009) -- Within hours of a horrifying event that touched people in Long Beach and beyond, a Wilson High School student created a place in cyberspace where people could remember his fellow classmate, Melody Ross, fatally shot just outside the ELB campus following its Oct. 30 "homecoming" football game.
Created by Dylan Vassberg (Wilson High class of 2011), the Facebook page -- "RIP Melody Ross" -- has drawn responses from students, alumni, parents and total strangers, who convey heartfelt thoughts to Melody, condolences to her family...and communicate with each other.
RIP Melody Ross on Facebook.com
The page, available to those who use the social networking website, is described as "remembering our fellow classmate Melody Ross." It had nearly 2,000 members as of predawn Monday Nov. 2 with messages continuing to grow...including many from adults.
Mr. Vassberg launched the page with his own thoughts, transcribed below as they appear online:
i never got to know melody as a true friend. even though we had a class last year together. it just makes me realize how precious life is. i saw her the other day. not knowing it would be the last time i saw her face. just for a moment. and now shes gone.
i just cant stand to think that all of this happend for nothing, but a bunch of gang bangers. all they did was cause pain.
what if it was me. or you. or anyone else. the truth is it could of been anybody standing where she was last night. it could of been anyones last night, last night. life should be treasured for every second we're breathing because it can be taken away at any moment. we dont really realize this untill a tragety happens like this. it shouldnt have to take someone's life to make us think about this.
my deepest condolences go out to her family. i know that she is now in a better place. she was a great person, who was always smiling. and she will always be remembered.
RIP Melody Ross
-dylan vassberg
Below are some recent online texts:
Dear Melody :)
I love you so muchhhh. You were the first person I met at Wilson b4 school even started ! We met @ Freshmen orintation & were in the same small group. We were the only girls :) & right next to me is you ,in the yearbook :) I'm so glad because I don't anybody else by me but you next to me :)the impact you had on everybody at the school is amazing, the impact you had on your family, is amazing and The impact you made to the world was amazing. My prayers and thoughts are with the Ross family I can't even imagine what you are going through [heart sign]
it happened right as i walked by rip melody.
Melody...the front door to my house is about 100 yards from where you were shot...this has impacted me heavily...my little daughter was fast asleep, safe in her bed when i heard the shots...little did i know at that time that, you, someone else's daughter would be taken from your parents that night. I didn't know you, but I struggle to explain your death to my daughter, just a third grader and a future Wilson student. You, my dear, are in a much better place, but your family is in a living hell... I can't help but think about what an impact you would have had on the world with that beautiful spirit and smile of yours.
