Bringing people together

I remember you in the photo, standing tall against the Cliffs of Moher on the west coast of Ireland. Your left shoulder in the direction of America but you looking east. I also remember you when you answered the door to a nervous Irishman, your welcoming smile disarming my worries. Though it was only momentary when you introduced me to your “big” brothers, I will never forget your openness, your understanding and your insight. You brought people together. And you still are…

For this I am truly thankful. You will always live in my thoughts and dreams.

We are blessed to have known you and although I only knew you for a short time you will always be my brother, and I yours.

Don.

We do not forget

Dearest Malik family,

We do not forget you and your sorrow. We yearn for justice to be served. The hole in our hearts will never close, but we take refuge in our special angel watching over us. Perhaps Tombol can now put everything into perspective, while we, such mere and lowly mortals are left to carry on as best we can. Tombol lives in spirit, time is relative and soon we will be with him and all who have left this life for the next. Although Tombol left this world way too soon, it is so obvious from this blog that perhaps he had filled his purpose early in life. He left such a profound effect on people, quite unusual for a young man of just 23. I am touched by the words of his loving family. Not many families can say they have experienced such love within a family. I think of you everyday dear family, and my political family here in Spain and my friends ask about you and Anthony and the whole fugitive situation on a regular basis. You are most loved and thought of and I just wanted to write again to remind you of that.

With love and respect,
Annie Popelka
Madrid, Spain

Deepest Sympathies

Dear Malik Family,

I haven't been very good at keeping up on information from Hyde Park lately, and the terrible news about Tombol just made it out to me today. For the past 3 hours I've been sitting in the library in a state of shock, remembering Tombol and reading the testimonials from the many, many people that loved him and whose lives he touched.

I knew Tombol's older siblings better than I knew him. I chiefly remember Tombol as the baby of the family, still too young to join the big kids as we raced about, playing tag behind the apartment on Drexel or on the U of C campus.

When I ran into Shiera and Samil at a New Year's Eve party many years later, Shiera told me that I wouldn't believe it if I saw how big Tombol had become. Now I'm saddened to think that I'll never get to meet the wonderful young man he grew up to be. From reading the many entries in the blog, he was a wonderful young man indeed, and someone I would have been lucky to know better.

Sati, Shiera, Samil and Karen, my thoughts are with you during this sad time. I wish you much peace.

Ben Newton
Madison, WI

To the Malik family

I must be honest, when I first heard on the news the incident that happened July 9, I didn't pay much attention. So much crime occurs that you tend to become numb to it all. But when I saw pictures of your family's anguish during the protest demostration at UIC , I felt great sorrow. It was obvious that you loved Tombol dearly. And yet again I quickly put the images of your grief in the back of my mind.

But then I learned from a news article that your family was from Hyde Park and sudden I found myself more interested than ever. You see, I also grew up in Hyde Park and though I don't ever recall meeting Tombol or the Malik family I somehow feel connected to your grief. For the past two weeks I have googled Tombol's name in order to get more details of his tragic death. The sheer brutality of the crime angers me and it is only deepened by the numerous accounts I have read on this blog attesting to Tombol's good character . In reviewing the pictures of Tombol with his family, especially those of he and his brothers as children, it is obvious that he was dearly loved. He appeared to be such a genuine little boy who, from all accounts, maintained that trait in adulthood. I'm so very sorry for your family's loss and pray that the men responsible for his death are held accountable. I have no siblings of my own, but if I did I wish they were like Tombol and his brothers and sister. You all seem like such a loving family. I plan to follow the criminal investigation of this awful crime and will always have Tombol and your family in my prayers.

God bless,

K.G.

My deepest sympathy

Dear The Malik Family,

Tombol was a blessing from God. His warm heart and gentle spirit was unlike any I have ever encountered. I know Tombol is with God and his love and kindness is shining down on the world. He will always be remembered. May God provide you with love and strength.

Respectfully,

Shadia Sadaqa

Ray School 1997

Littlest Brother

Littlest Brother,

You were the best part of me--the gentle, caring, accepting side. The memories we shared were so deep and so many. We could sit and swap jokes and amusing stories for hours. You, Samil, and I had a special code when we were together that only we could decipher. Whenever we got together it was like we had never left each others' side. I will miss that sacred fraternity we had. Of the three of us you were the most pure, always seeing the best in people, always quick to smile. When I heard that you were in the morgue that fateful morning I cried and cried. I tried to protect you from all the evil in the world but I could never succeed. Throughout the years, no matter how much I tried to harden your heart it would always resist, remaining as soft as when you were a newborn. You were an angel and the devil took you from me that morning because you were too good for this world. I will always miss your gentle spirit.


Love for eternity,

Sati

To Family Malik

It is amazing how a friend's loss touches those who never knew Tombol. What I did know is that his sister thought very much of all her brothers, especially Tombol. I wish the Malik family solace in their grief, light in their depression and love in their time of need.

In losing someone so young, it brings to mind Horatio's words in Hamlet (act 5, scene 2)

Now cracks a noble heart. Good night sweet prince:
And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!

Our thoughts are with Shiera and her family,
David

Tombol

I think about you everyday.
I know living is so hard right now.

Taking care of yourselves is the most important thing you can do.
This note is from someone who wishes she knew Tombol.
He made the world a better place.

Linda

Tombol

I met Tombol a small handful of times through a mutual friend (Kelly Hartford) and like so many others have already written, his light was captivating. I learned of Tombols tragedy at a time I, myself was going through a "tragic" moment. I only wish I could have been present for the vigils but my thoughts and prayers were with him as I pleaded for my own heartache. Only now have I come back to earth from my own lifes drama that I am able to write to this beautiful family, which reminds me so much of mine, and try to "hold a hand". May God bless us all. My prayers are with you.

Mayra Neria

My Dear Friend Tombol

To The Malik Family…

I met your beautiful Tombol in the Spring of 2003. I was blessed enough to be in the same political science class at Harold Washington College. We gravitated towards each other in the way that kindred spirits tend to do. After a few class meetings, we were sitting next to each other; smiling and laughing as if we had known each other forever. Tombol had a presence – a warm, compassionate, gentle presence - that made you feel like you could be yourself and he would accept you just as you were.

We had to take part in community service for our service learning portion of the class. I spoke to the class one day about the needs of abused/neglected children in our community – and Tombol jumped on my bandwagon. We signed up to volunteer together with CASA of Cook County, to advocate for children who have no voice of their own. We attended training in March 2003 – I'd pick him up and we'd drive in together. I marveled at how such a young man could be so dedicated to helping other people. Besides the training days, he promised to dedicate (at least) the next 18 months of his life to being an advocate for abused/neglected children. The day we were sworn in, we were both so excited. We had hoped to volunteer together (on one case).

Tombol was a very special person and friend. Anyone who I ever introduced him to was instantly taken with him. He was truly beautiful, inside and out. We spent many hours on the phone. Sometimes we'd "talk" about absolutely nothing until every phone battery had been run down. And other times we'd have these deeply moving discussions about how we wanted to change the world. I would give anything to pick up the phone and hear his voice again. Or to call him "Fievel" (and apparently, after reading this incredibly moving blog, I wasn't the only one!)

One of the biggest regrets in my life is that we lost touch over these past few years. Our lives brought us in different directions, and we were both so busy… phone numbers change, you transfer schools, you move… but you know your paths will cross again one day so you don't sweat it. Then one day you find out that someone that meant so much to you has been permanently taken from your life. I am so very sorry for your loss. I share in your sorrow. If I can be of any assistance to your family, please let me know. I pray for your hearts to be healed and for justice. I thank you for raising such a caring, phenomenal human being. Although I am deeply saddened, I am also joyful that I had the pleasure of calling him "friend".

Sincerely,
Danelle Altman

Deepest Regrets

Hello,

I did not know Tombol but I did attend Kenwood Academy during the time he was there. We had 1st period computer class together with Mr. Lilly. Although I was just in 7th grade at the time, the moment I saw his face in the paper I knew exactly who he was. Our class was sort of a hostile one so no one really spoke to each other but the
times I did hear him speak, he had such a peaceful like voice, it made me forget how much I hated the class. Words cannot express how sorry I feel for your family and they cannot express how much anger I feel whenever I read more about the case. But please take comfort in the fact that your son had such a helpful soul that he would try to assist a stranger off the street. I dont know many if any people in Chicago that would do that. My deepest sympathy go out to you and everyone who knew your son. And just think of his passing as God selecting his best early so they can help him reign. And rest assured that Chicago mourns with you over this senseless case.

God Bless

Monique King
Kenwood Academy c/o 04

My Condolences

Samil,

My name is Rick Herrera and I am a friend of Alan. We have met twice- once at Zentra and the last time at Alan and Sadie's where we played cards.I know we don't really know each other but I wanted to extend to you and your family my sympathy and the hope for justice to be served. The offender that has skipped his court appearances can't run for long and I know he will be caught eventually. Again, I am so, so sorry for your family's loss and I wish you all the best.

Much Sadness,

Rick Herrera

To the Family and Friends of Tombol

This past week has been one that no mother or father, sister or brother, no friends should have to endure. As I have read through the outpouring of love for Tombol and listened to the griefstricken voice of my daughter, I have realized what a gift the world has lost with Tombol's passing. I only met him once briefly at F212 while visiting my daughter, Lana, but the light, and joy and serenity that surrounded him could not be missed. He greeted me as if he had known me all his life and I felt the same. It is rare that a spirit as shining as Tombol's comes into one's life, no matter how fleeting. It is a tragedy beyond comprehension that he is no longer with us in this world. But a grace and beauty such as Tombol possesses will never be lost to those of us so fortunate as to have been in his company.

My love and thoughts are with you all.

Blessed be,
Lana's Mom

To my dearest Tombol

Ok, here I go... it's has been 26 days since Tombol's murder and each day that I wake up in the morning, I still feel like it has all been a horrible and disgusting nightmare. Recently, I feel that I am more capable to go to work and run my daily errands, but it just isn't the same anymore without Tombol's presence (on earth). Everywhere I go in the city reminds me of Tombol. I am so grateful that Anthony is in one piece and a live; maybe that is why it has been so difficult for me to write and email this blog entry. I still want to believe it has been a dream and that Tombol is only on a long vacation...

When I see Anthony in so much pain, and anger and sadness, it destroys me. Tombol and him were inseparable! Dating Anthony wasn't easy because the handsome "Tombol" came with the package! Where ever Anthony is, Tombol was right there by his side. From that moment on, I had the pleasure to meet such a beautiful, compassionate,
intelligent, opinionated and hilarious human being that I called my friend and my family. And I have enjoyed and cherished every fond memory of Tombol. I first met Tombol when Anthony and him took the blue line to surprise me at my dormitory when I started at UIC. Tombol, you were a pure gentlmen. When I first met you, you made me feel so at ease and safe. You always made sure I was doing ok and that Anthony was treating me well. Now, who is going to check up on me and give me that security that you have provided so willingly. Only you understood how I felt when Anth and I had disputes because you knew Anthony the best. Only you made it a point to make me realize that I deserve the best. You made it a point to always check up on your friends and make sure that they are doing well.

I am heart broken as my eyes are filled with tears each night thinking about all the memories we have had as a little family here in the city of chicago. I remember Wednesday nights were always a blast when we would start out at Pizano's for pizza and we would all sit at "our" round table and you guys would crack mama jokes. And boy did you have an appetite! Then the night would always end by heading to Nick's for a few games of pool. Whenever Tombol and I played as partners, we would never lose a game! Oh, how I miss those nights...

To my dearest Tombol, you have left quite an impression of yourself throughout the heart of Chicago and Chicago's extended family and friends. I promise I will never forget you Tombol. Your spirits, your voice, your laugh-- I can still feel and hear it so clearly. I never imagined myself saying good bye to you so soon. Life is unfair. One day we will meet again, where ever that place may be. Thank you for being in my life, and thank you for showing me how great life can be. If I cannot see you ever again on Earth, will you please come visit me in my dreams? I miss you dearly.

Lisa Lui aka Leeser

My heartfelt condolences

Dear Malik family,

I never had the fortune of meeting tombol, but like so many others have really been moved by the coverage of this tragic situation. From his beautiful smile in all the photos and the love and admiration articulated in all the messages, i can see what a gentle and caring soul he was, and just how many lives he was able to touch.

I wanted to share the following quote with you from Kahlil Gibran: "When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight."

May the spirit of the great "tomboloni" be carried on forever by his family and loved ones through their strength, memories, laughter, and harmony.

You all continue to be in my thoughts and prayers...

Rakhi Patel

I’m lost in thoughts and feelings, in memories, in anger, disappointment, regret…

My name is Christian Hodgson, or Hodg, I met Tombol in the spring of 1998 when he came to Germany the first time, taking part in an exchange program between schools from Chicago and Hamburg. We enjoyed two great weeks together, and became friends. It is difficult to stay in touch over the distance, but somehow we managed, and when I came to Chicago for the first time half a year later we continued our conversations for example about an open-house-exchange system for travelers and other interesting stuff. He was so full of ideas, curious in very different fields, and always questioning everything. I was back during the summer of 2000, and I remember he tried to show me the famous Chicago Blues Scene. But I was still underage, and we didn’t get into any places… Finally we found something where the bouncer was not paying attention, sneaked in, enjoyed the band and ordered a drink. I just had a sip, when someone found us, and we got thrown out. It were those moments when one admired his ability to make the best of any situation, always looking at things positively, radiating a very unique, calm energy. The last time I saw him was during the summer of 2004. The night before I had to leave, we went for a long walk after some party, and ended up at the lake, enjoying a Cuban cigar, watching the sunrise. Cuba was one of his dreams, as Brazil was one of mine. There was a lot to learn with and from him, and he could have given so much more…

We spoke around Christmas, but then lost touch. I feel very, very sorry for that. I was and still am in shock about what happened. Why don’t we appreciate people until they are gone? The thought of not being able to speak and laugh with him is very painful. He enriched so many lives, and he was sooo not done yet.

I wish I could be there for the Malik family now. I wish I could have been there for Tombol.

Just sometimes a smile crosses through my tears. It is an honor to have known such an exceptional person. He would be the best to comfort us. It’s up to us to carry on his spirit.

Much love from Serbia,
Hodg / Christian

To my baby brother...

There are no words to describe the incredible pain I feel. You were my little brother, best friend, and confidant. I will never forget our trips to comic book stores and our late nights of baseball card trading as kids. And as we grew older, our talks about our lives and our future. It breaks my heart that your future on this earth was so brutally taken from you.

Your incredible compassion for others and your ability to be so accepting of people (even when others were not) have and will always amaze me. Your positive outlook on the world and your confidence in the good of humanity at such a young age is a testament to your enduring love and maturity.

From the moment I held you as an infant to your growth into a beautiful and talented young man, my admiration and adoration for you has and will never change. My love for you is never ending just as I know your spirit will NEVER EVER die. I love you baby.

Samil

What to say?

Well I don't really know how the fact that one of my favorite people from high school was brutally murdered pass over my radar but I must say that upon seeing the article in the red eye this morning my eyes filled with tears and I could not stop crying. For six stops past where I was meant to get off I sat and wept for Tombol.
I kept saying in my head what was the motive? You know when people die everyone wants to say how great they are and make the person to be, someone with great flaws but in my 5 years of knowing him, of bumping into him, of walking along the lake with him in Hyde Park, of helping him figure out how time worked in AP Euro. I smile when I think of Tombol and I never think that I will ever do anything besides that...physical looks aside (I nicknamed him Supermodel), he was one of the most beatiful young men that I ever encountered. My deepest regrets to those who lost such an amazing kid, and to those who will never be graced with his laughter and smiles. As he would say "Carpe Diem."

Aaron Bowen

Tombol

Malik family-

I am deeply saddened by your tragic loss. Please accept my sincerest condolences, and know you are in the prayers of many.

Rahul Pandhi

A Letter to Tombol

Dear Tombol,

I wake up every morning in disbelief that you are gone and i will not be able to see your smiling face again. I think that is why it has taken me so long to write something on your blog, because i still don't want to believe what has happened to you. Since the day that I found out what happened to you my heart and eyes have not stopped crying. I remember the first time i met you I thought you were the most amazing dancer and we danced the whole night together! That was about two years ago. This past year i was able to know you better as a friend. You were part of my chicago family, and I called you my brother. You would always come to my place to have dinner and play video games with Anthony. I was so amazed by your intelligence, your ability to make friends with anyone, your ability to be so loved by everyone, and your appetite! I will miss our wednesday nights at pizano's with you and the guys doing your "wise guy" talk at our circle table in the corner. I will also miss your hugs that you gave me when I just needed a hug, having a dance partner when no one was willing to dance, and the laughs that we shared together. I will always keep you in my heart and I always share great stories about you to everyone I meet. You were a great guy and you are one of those people that have made a big impact on my life. I am bleseed to have known you, and I hope you will save a dance for me up in heaven.

LOVE ALWAYS

your friend,

Kristina Granados
Los Angeles, CA

P.S. to the Malik family, Anthony, and friends I am truly sorry for your
breaking hearts.

Tombol

Tombol...

When I heard the news...I immediately cried. I am in shock that you were the victim of something of this nature. You were truly an amazing person. You touched my life for a brief period but you will be forever missed. I remember all the times we had fun. Thank you for the laughs. If angels are a real, I know you're one. Rest in peace. I hope you're watching over your family and are guiding them through this rough time.

Vrutti

Malik Family: Condolences

My heart literally aches regarding this tragedy. Tombol will always be the intelligent, sensitive young man with the sweet smile in my history class at Kenwood Academy. Please accept my deep condolences.

Bonnie F. Tarta

My Dearest Tombol

To the Malik Family,

In times like these, it is hard to find the right words to say, but I will try my best to speak from my heart.

Tombol Sharafuddin Malik has left an everlasting impression on my life, and for two reasons. First, for his hand in molding me into the person I have become, and secondly for showing me what true love is (for these things, Tombol, I am
so grateful and I thank you). Tombol has done so many great things and has affected so many lives in such positive ways. He was beautiful in every sense of the word and
through those who care for him and love him, his beauty will forever be.

Malik family, you are in my prayers and in my heart always. Please, take care of yourselves and know that I am here if you ever need me for any reason.

Love Always and God Bless You,
Stephanie Jackson

Samil and Family

Dear Samil and Family,

I am so sorry about this tragedy you and your family are going through now. I live only a mile away from there and to hear that it was your brother made me quite angry. I will always remember you making sure everyone was having a good time or was doing okay if we ever went out down at U of I. To hear that was what your brother was doing really hit home with me. My deepest sympathies and regards to you and your family Samil.

Hardy

Tombol

Samil,

As everyone else, i was deeply shocked and saddened when i heard what happened to Tombol. I haven't seen or talked to you in probably a decade...i'm not sure you even remember me. i'm an old friend from kenwood and i think we lost touch over something really stupid...my fault no doubt. anyway, i have not forgotten you and i just wanted to you to know that i have vivid pleasant memories of Tombol when i knew him as a little guy...our younger siblings were the same age. i took heart in seeing his adult pictures on your family blog. i pray that time does its work in healing your wounds of loss and that justice be served. i'm thinking of you and your family.

take care,
yamani (formerly johnson-taylor)

My best friend Tombol Malik

Tombol was one of my best friends and one of the greatest teachers that I ever had. Since he was murdered I have reflected on the profound impact that he had on my life. Tombol taught me so much about life, friendship, trust, truth, everything, that I know I am an extremely different person from knowing him. Tombol was amazing; it was so fun to be with him because he would make the most out of any situation. If we were going clubbing or just chilling playing video games he would never complain and make sure to have a blast. It was so easy to be around Tombol, I never had to worry about how he would get along with people. Tombol had that special intelligence that allowed him to be comfortable with any type of person. What was even more amazing was everyone else was always comfortable around him. I never introduced Tombol to anyone who did not immediately like him and feel at ease when they were with him. But Tombol was much more than a fun guy to be around; we often debated the ways of the world, politics, power, religion, class, race, nationality, love, relationships, morals, everything. It was refreshing to be around someone who was eager to challenge themselves and discuss their views and ways of thinking in an effort to learn and teach. We learned so much from each other. The mind can do strange things and in one of my deepest moments of pain, anger, suffering, and struggle since this happened, I thought to myself, I need to speak with Tombol, he will have something to say that will help me. I quickly realized it was him that we were mourning and this helped me to understand how important of a man that we lost. Tombol Malik is dead in the physical sense. But he will forever be alive in me and in everyone that he met and knew. Everyone that I meet will then be eternally affected by me, and as Tombol is a part of me, they will be affected by Tombol, and then so on and so forth. I promise that I will strive to uphold the morals, convictions, and compassion that Tombol had and take his characteristics into my life, and this is how Tombol’s spirit will never die.

Benjamin Drake