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