A Dream

Dear Tombol,

I woke up crying in the middle of the night with you on my mind. It was kind of weird...out of no where...flashbacks of good times when we were growing up...and then fast forward to the that awful day. In some way, I hope that is a sign that things will get moving on your case. I miss you greatly...everyone does...and we want to see justice brought to you soon. We all know what a good person you were and you deserve nothing less. One does not need to go to a physical reminder, to pay respects, but the next time I am home, I want to - just to feel closer to you for a moment. I know where you are and I will plan to stop by and say "hi". =)

Love you always,
Miriam

Tombol

My name is Nate Granatir. I went to Ray (back then, "Nat" Granatir) and Kenwood with Tombol. Although I had been following everything since it happened, I hadn't written anything, I didn't know what to say. I still don't know what to say, or how to respond, but I wanted to share a few thoughts. I hadn't seen Tombol much since Ray, it was limited to running into each other every now and then in Hyde Park, usually around Caffe Florian, and saying hello, catching up a bit. I think in the past year, in the back of my mind I've still sort of expected to see him, and
have to keep reminding myself that I won't.

I always thought Tombol's most noticeable, and endearing quality was his sense of humor. My earliest memory from Ray School - at least I think this is accurate - is sitting in Mrs. Frasier's Kindergarten class in a circle while she was reading something to us. I was sitting next to Tombol in the back. I have no recollection of what he was saying to me, nor do I have any idea what a six year old could say that would be so funny, but I remember struggling to hold back the laughter so that the teacher wouldn't spot us goofing off. That pattern continued. I remember birthday parties over the next several years, and I always knew that I'd be having fun and laughing if I was around him. Of course now I can remember very few details of these times, and soon after that period we sort of parted ways. Its a shame that I missed out on a lot of laughter.

The horrible atrocities committed both by the two individuals and the "justice" system are deeply saddening. My heart goes out to Tombol, his family, friends, and all of those here who remember him.

Nate Granatir
Kenwood c/o 2000
nate@semperfire.net

Condolences

Dearest Malik Family,
The first thing that I must say is that Tombol was one of the most beautiful spirits I have ever met! You instilled in him the most amazingly endearing qualities that I have yet to see repeated in another male individual! Those fortunate enough to know Tombol will whole-heartedly agree with this! Kudos to you for raising one of the most resplendant young men I had ever met!
I have known Tombol since our days at Ray School and Kenwood, and even then he was mature beyond his years. Although young, Tombol never, and I mean NEVER, spoke negatively about anyone around us, even though that seemed to be the thing to do in most adolescent and teenage environments. He was a glowing individual who saw the good in everyone and that has always been what I admired most about him! Such a soul touches every life they encounter, which would inevitably make him a politician like no other! A man who was destined to change the world around him; to make everyone see the beauty that is life! It is a serious crime against humanity what has happened to your family and those responsible shall pay dearly for every piece of it!
When I was told of his death I was, without a doubt, in utter disbelief. I couldn't bring myself to imagine the type of individual it would take to do something so horrible to a young man as gleaming as Tombol. Furthermore, I couldn't wrap my mind around the idea of never being able to see him again and joke about the good ole times when all we had to worry about was homework and lunch money; never be able to share ideas about life and love and, especially, politics; never be able to share the most awesome feeling that was a White Sox World Series Championship! Tragedy involving youth is so hard to deal with, especially when it is something so atrocious, just rest assured that no bad deed goes unpunished and your family WILL be victorious.
I have been following the news stories about Tombol's perpetrators and I am so thoroughly DISGUSTED with the so-called legal system we have here in America! In any other civilized country a crime as brutal, hateful and heinous as this would have, at the very least, gone without bond especially given the financial capabilities of the families of these horrible individuals. As far as I am concerned the legal system has a LOT of making up to do to your family and I chant (as I am a buddhist) all the time for his extradition and for your, long overdue, justice! As a buddhist, I am taught to let situations like these lie in the hands of the greater energy of the universe, because no negative deed goes without an equally severe repercussion. That is why I do my best to put as much positive energy out as possible, on behalf of your family, in hopes that it will help this case.
I recently learned of this blog spot, and finally mustered the strength to sit down and write something to the family of a young man I was lucky to call a friend. Through tears and lingering pain I have managed to string a series of words together that I hope will bring you all some comfort and joy knowing of yet another life that your son has touched in a special way. Rest assured, that an energy like Tombol's will live forever in the hearts of those he touched, in the love of his family members, and all around you as that wonderful feeling that you get everytime a memory of him pops into your mind. My deepest condolences and most sincere sympathy for all of you. Stay strong, as there is no room for weakness in the fight for justice!

Sincerely, Adrienne M. Irmer
Kenwood Academy C/O 2000

Thinking of You

Hi Tombol,

Well, it's been quite some time since I've written on this blog, but that does not mean there's a day that has gone by where you didn't cross my mind at some point or another. It's 2am Florida time and I'm sitting here listening to Blank and Jones - music I'm sure your brother intoduced you to and you liked...the kind that puts your thoughts into gear. As you know (because I know you see all from above), Edward is getting married in July. I am coming home for it, but a week early because I want to be there to celebrate you on July 9th and I know your spirit will be there as well. I 'm looking forward to spending that day "with you" and your family. A week later, we will all be celebrating my brother's marriage and I know you will be there enjoying it too. Hope all is well on your side and we'll be "connecting" again soon. Love you and miss you so much.

Miriam Y.

Tombol

Dude ... just wanted you to know that aliya and I had this crazy 2 hour lunch the other day and people must have thought we were completely nuts, because we were one minute laughing hysterically and the next minute crying thinking and talking about you. I asked her about celebrating her birthday and she doesn't want to but i told her you would be pissed if we didn't, so we will be doing something low key.

Wishing you were here more and more every day. I thought it was supposed to get easier ... not so much. Just can't stop thinking about you these days and wondering what it would be like if you were here.

You should be here.

Lana

Haffar Video

Dear family,

I was a friend of Tombol's and was there for everything last summer. Since then I have moved to LA, but have been trying to keep up with whatever is being done in order to get Haffar back in the courts. Things should have never gone the way they did, let alone a bail posted for his release. But, I have to take this extremely random video of Syrian night-life as a sign of karma on behalf of Haffar. It may take a lot of work to get him back, but I truly believe justice will be made.

There are too many loved ones for Tombol who would never let his death be dismissed, as you very well know, and we will all be there for support and encouragement. This video is a giant step forward to getting him back here, and I just wish you all the very best in succeeding.

I miss him very much, and his bravery is with all of us...


~Anna~

Tombol

Tombol,

I am thinking of you and miss you very much. Your pictures are still up in my backroom. I don't know what else to say, except, I miss you.

~aliya

Malik Family

Malik Family:

Lately I have thought a lot about death. As the most recent friend of mine to die, my experiences with Tombol come to mind immediately. At first glance, it seems that Tombol was here and now he is not here. His body is no longer here with me or you, but instead buried in a cemetary. But when I remember Tombol, I don't remember a body. Being in His presence, his limbs and hair were of no concern. I remember a personality, a fiery compassion, a friend. I did not know Tombol as a mask of skin or a set of organs. Tombol was not just some meaty lump of flesh. Wondering what is in His coffin, I find that it is only a set of tissue. With this half-empty coffin, now I can only wonder where Tombol really is.

How can we say that Tombol is dead? I visit this compilation of memories and see that Tombol has never left me. If Tombol had somehow left us, I would not be writing this and you would not be reading this. If Tombol was gone, how could we speak of Him? The human body was only one form of His being. Now he is rooted more firmly in our thoughts. His body may not be seen or heard, but neither is the body of undeniable love. No longer known as a body, Tombol is now free to live forever. Each memory of Tombol is Tombol. He is here with us right now, as our own minds.

With the utmost respect in this time of sorrow, I cannot miss Tombol. I cannot miss Tombol because he is right here, in this very moment. I can only miss His body that was moved towards the Earth on which my body lives. Burning a sheet of paper, I am left with ashes. Tombol too has changed his appearance, but like a sheet of paper can never be destroyed. This is not wishful thinking; I see Tombol in front of me right now. Rejoicing in His physical life, Tombol is more alive than ever. To say that Tombol has ceased may be a misunderstanding. To say that Tombol is gone may perhaps mean that we did not see who Tombol really was; perhaps we called him a body. His family and friends know Tombol intimately; this is self-validating proof of his presence. Again, I share unequivocable respect and support for other friends and relatives of Tombol Malik, and mean no dishonor to his physical legacy. But I do offer the experience of Tombol's immortality; he will forever be my companion.

Depending on perspective, this may be a time of sorrow or of celebration, of cessation or of freedom. We are capable of missing Tombol and smiling with him at the same time. He would want us all to miss him with a smile.

Respectfully,

-BR


P.S. Enjoy the computer games. ;-)

Unsettling...

First and foremost happy birthday to Tombol.

Dear Malik family,

Throughout this past year i have checked in periodically on your website to see the status of the court hearings. This last time i was happy to hear that muaz haffar was found, but as i read further, i could not believe my eyes. I went to the website and saw this monster dancing, enjoying life while thousands of miles away another life was taken because of his actions. I was delighted that he was found but sickened that he is enjoying himself dancing with an unsuspecting girl who doesn't realize that she's dancing with a murderer! I don't know by what miracle you all found that website and his location, but i will say that GOD does act in mysterious ways! I also wanted to say that it is beyond my understanding of how his family could live without a conscience for the past year knowing that they helped him to get away with murder and that someone's child, brother, loved one is gone because of the actions of their son. GOD has a plan for muaz haffar and in time His plan will surface. God bless your family and you all are in my prayers.

Sincerely,

Rhonda Wormack-Khan

"My children teach me everything i need to know about life, and they have made me a better person"

-rhonda RN, BSN

My Friend

Happy belated Birthday Babe! I think about you everyday...every single day. It's so funny how time flies, Tombol. It's been almost a year since you died and every memory of you is so fresh on my mind. Sometimes, I wish it was a terrible joke or dream and that you would still be here. However, I have to face everyday that you are no longer here...my best friend that I spent countless hrs with on the phone, cracking corny jokes(so corny), and secretly having a crush on you:)(who didn't?) I have cried and laughed so much thinking about the stuff we used to do. I've been talking to God a lot about you. And God told me to praise Him for allowing me to have you in my life for the eight years that I did. And that's exactly what I did. I thanked him for the lives you touched while being alive and through your death. I
think about your family and I pray for them. I wanted to write something to you yesterday, but it was too painful. I know it hasn't been easy for the people that love you, babe. It's been really hard for me. I really just... needed you to know how much you meant to me and how deeply I love you. But im sure you've always known.


KIARA

Remembering Tombol

Dear Malik Family,

My heart has just found the strength to express my deep sadness and pain over the tragic and untimely loss of one of the most charismatic, beautiful, endearing and respectful young men I have ever met. I had the honor of meeting Tombol through my daughter, Stephanie Jackson, who shared a deep, mutual profound love with Tombol, beginning in a piano class at Kenwood Academy. When Stephanie came home "bubbling over" about a special young man she had met, and begging me to meet him, I could hardly wait to see who had caught her attention. What a joy when he was introduced to me at a Kenwood piano recital (where he was an usher). My first thought was how stunningly handsome and at ease he was. From then on, I occasionally drove him and Stephanie on errands or to meet for dates, shared several family dinners with him at Florian, tried to rent a car for them on their prom night (lost my drivers license that day and couldn't rent the car!), and enjoyed his presence at my home when he came to visit Stephanie. The respect he showed us as her parents was remarkable and unique for one his age. I did not realize how deeply they cared for each other until I read a poem and a letter written by Tombol to Stephanie expressing her special place in his heart and hoping that their future together would one day be their present (written when they were still dating). Upon reading this, I have wept over what might have been, but was so cruelly and brutally taken by one of Satan's own and his accomplice. Stephanie spoke with him by phone to plan a weekend lunch together two days before his life was taken. Stephanie felt his spirit depart this world that fateful morning. She tenderly protects her many momentoes of their relationship together and is putting together a memory book, which includes the tragic news articles and updates as they are reported. Perhaps, my tears and contemplation of the tragedy led to a dream I had about Tombol a couple of weeks ago that I would like to share with you, his beloved family. In my dream, I was walking in a crowd on my way to a restaurant. As I was walking, I saw a young man walking toward me, shimmering from head to toe, bathed in a golden light. It was Tombol. When I saw him, I started weeping. He took my hand and asked me why I was weeping. I told him I was weeping because he was so beautiful and I wished he could stay. He asked how my family was and that he would see me later at the restaurant. Overjoyed to see him, I was eating my meal when he passed by the window and waved at me. I waved back and then awoke from this dream with a smile. All I could think of was that HE IS FINE AND WANTS US ALL TO KNOW THIS. So, my dearest Malik family, our eternal thanks to you for blessing our lives with such a remarkable young man as our Tombol. His glorious spirit will forever shine within us until we meet again.
Happy Birthday, Tombol!

God Keep You in His Sustaining Grace and Mercy,

Sherry Jackson and Family

Happy B-Day

Yo, Happy B-Day kid. I wish we could have chilled or talked about how wack hip hop is right now or how the Sox will do this year( their pitching is still top notch, plus we got Jim Thome now). Anyway, much love to Sati, Samil, Shiera, Ms. Malik...be strong. We miss you man.

One Love,

Anthony Roberts

Today

Dear Shiera, Sati, Samil, Karen and Sharafuddin,

This is just a note to say that you and Tombol are in my thoughts so much. I will never, ever forget Tombol--his bright eyed curiosity and floppy good nature as a child, his pointy elbows holding up a bat, his diligent message taking whenever his sister's friends would call . . and fast forward to last April, when he took us all out dancing. . . when he was showing off (in his non-showoffy kind of way) what an interesting, intelligent, thoughtful adult he had snuck into being. Shiera, Sati, Samil--I try to keep that night seared in my mind. I was euphoric coming home, feeling so lucky to have you all as part of my past. It never crossed my mind that I would never see you all together again, that the future would be so different, that I would never again experience the joy of hearing Tombol talk about his new plans and interests, that he would never again be able to make me feel like a big sister. I grieve for the loss of future memories. I will never, ever forget Tombol.

Love,

Gin

Happy Birthday Tombol

Tombol-

I met you on your 23rd birthday. I remember what you were wearing (khaki shirt, tie, infamous military cap :) This weekend we celebrated your life. Samil and I talked about one of the last times we were out with you and we smiled and laughed ... we were able to remember you the way you would want us to on your birthday ... with huge smiles on our faces. We raised our glasses to your memory and the life you led while you were here. Even though today has been so hard for everyone who loved you, I'm sure you know now how celebrated your life is on this day.

We love you and miss you every day.
Happy Birthday!

Lana

PS. thanks for helping me out on that ridiculous flight last Friday .... I know you were there :)

Happy Birthday Tombie :)

I miss you so much and in a way that words cannot explain. Every memory of you is still so close to the surface, and there is not a minute in a day that I dont miss our friendship. My one wish is that you could come back, but I find peace in knowing that you are now probably traveling the world 3 times over...one of your greatest pleasures in life. I didn't know what I would be like on this day, but the ironic thing is I did not go to sleep last night at all, I tried but was not successful, consequently I have been tired and fatigue all day not really able to "feel" anything. I think that happened for a reason...dealing with this situation is the hardest thing I've ever had to do. Happy Birthday again sweetlove, you are forever in my thoughts and I will love you forever.

LaToya Jones

Happy B-Day

I didn't know you personally, but I grew up in Hyde Park so call me sentimental but I was hurt and angry when I heard of what happened to you. Happy Birthday Tombol. I just happened to be on the internet today when I decided to google your name. My prayers are with you and your entire family.

God bless,

K.G.

Happy Birthday Tombol

Tombol,

I just wanted to say Happy Birthday to you! Me, Ebone, and Brooke bought you a birthday cake and ice cream, and sung "Happy Birthday" to you. We drank champaigne and listened to Mass Hysteria and Common. Tombol, I miss you more than words can express. Any other year I would have called you at midnight to tell you Happy Birthday, but this year I just celebrated your life. I love you so much!

Stephanie

Happy Birthday

Happy birthday Tombol. I miss you so so much. Today has been so painful for me. A lot more than I thought it would be. I'm just sitting here crying, my heart breaking, wishing that you were with me on this day. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you. I love you so much.

Samil

Blessing

I'm from the Chicago area, but do not know your family personally. I am following this investigation closely, and I can only pray that God brings justice to a mourning family. I can see that Tombol has touched so many people, even in death, and he will never be forgotten. I almost burst out in tears when I read "And I just think of his passing as God selecting his best early so they can help him reign" from Monique King. How true that is, and I hope it is a small comfort to your family and everyone close to Tombol. I pray that God blesses your family in your continued mourning, and I will continue to pray that justice will be served, and soon. I'm sure Tombol is watching from his place in heaven. He will always be missed.

Christine Cruz

I Miss You Tombol

DEAR TOMBOL,

EVEN THOUGH YOU ARE NO LONGER WITH US, YOU STILL HAVE THE ABILITY TO BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER. I HOPE YOU CAN SEE US AND KNOW THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE WHO LOVE AND MISS YOU SO MUCH! I THINK ABOUT YOUR SNEEKY SMILE AND YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR AND IT HURTS KNOWING YOU WON'T TELL ME ANOTHER SILLY STORY OR BAD JOKE. YOU WERE SO SMART AND I SAW SO MUCH IN YOU. IT HAD BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE I'D LOOKED AT YOUR PICTURES. THEY'VE BROUGHT BACK ALOT OF GOOD MEMORIES OF YOUR HAPPINESS AND YOUTH. LOOKING AT THEM IS STILL HARD BUT I KNOW WE WILL SEE EACH OTHER AGAIN SOMEDAY. YOUR FAMILY IS FOREVER IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TOMBOL.

LOVE ALWAYS,
VANESSA TRINIDAD

WE WILL NEVER FORGET WHAT HAS BEEN DONE TO TOMBOL! THE 2 MURDERERS WILL GET JUSTICE ONE WAY OR ANOTHER!

ANONYMOUS

Condolences

To the Malik family,

I am a friend of Sheira from Ireland and would like to offer my sincere condolences on the loss of Tombol. Although I never met Tombol I feel deep shock and pain that he could be taken away from a loving family so tragically. I hope that love for him and the quest for justice can give you all the strength to carry on. My strongest support to you in the difficult months of the trial ahead.

With deepest sympathy and support,

Vanessa Liston

To The Malik Family

Hello, my name is Dario Raijman. I hope you remember me. Tombol and I were good friends back in the 7th grade, when I left back to Israel. I learned of his death only now since I wasn't in touch with Tombol or with Anthony. I am in complete shock. I have always remembered Tombol as one of the nicest people I met and when I think back to my friendship with him I can only remember how big his sense of humor was and how we used to have so much fun together. I will miss him.

My love to all of you,

Dario Raijman

My letter to Tombol

Tombol-

I think I look at this website like every day, trying to hear other people share their stories about you. I've been real hesitant about actually writing something to you on here because I feel like I talk to you in my prayers anyway, but I think it's about time I actually put my thoughts down permanently. I remember the first time I met you. I remember totally GOOGLE-ING your name that night when I got home=). I remember the look on your face when I told you I wanted to name my son Malik and you told me that was your last name. I remember teasing you about protesting the war. I remember talking to you about your political beliefs, all of which revolved around having character and respect for all people. I remember calling you at like 11:53 pm the night before your 21st birthday because I was so anxious to wish you a Happy Birthday. I remember you completely shocking me by being willing to take a train to Ohio just to hang out with me for a couple days. I remember telling you so many of my secrets. I remember reading your palms. I remember looking at your sketchbook. I remember arguing with you about the most dumbest things, and I remember just holding your hand and watching tv in complete silence. Most of all, I remember you, and nobody can ever take that away from me. I KNOW I WILL SEE YOU AGAIN.

Marian