In a Time of Thankfulness...

It's been years since we've spoken out loud. Yet the holidays always
find me talking to you. And now, as I try to type, I feel my thoughts
going all over the place. I thank you for always listening to me even
when I dont know the words that I want to say.

I remember you as a scrawny baseball player on the HPK White Sox team
(I think you were 9 at the time). I remember you at Ray and Kenwood.
I remember friendly interactions between your group of friends and my
group of friends. Always a sweet kid. Always a gentleman. So much
has happened in this world and I believe your magnetic personality and
passionate beliefs have helped to make so much of the good happen. I
thank you for all that you've done and all that you continue to do by
inspiring and being a driving force for so many.

A couple of weeks ago I worked at an event that promoted community
healing, especially for the families who have lost loved ones to
violence and as we did the praise circle we yelled out the names of
the lost ones, I yelled your name and prayed for justice. Thank you
for being my strength as an organizer and an individual.

During the holidays, I always find myself reminiscing about my family;
thinking about people who are or were in my life and where they are
now; praying for more years of happiness with those I love; most of
all I think about the importance of telling people I love them. It is
a cliche to give more during the holidays but I believe it's one of
those actions that we can never give too much of. So, even though
I've missed the actual day of your birth, many occasions to talk with
you in person, an never got a chance to get to know your family - I
love you and your family. What you all have taught me is invaluable.
I am thankful for your brilliant presence although too short and I am
thankful for your family molding you into an astounding and loving
man.

Happy Turkey's to YOU Tombol!

Love Liz Wilkinson

Obama

Dear Tombol,

I wish you were here today to attend the event in Grant Park for Obama! I know how excited you would be! The significance of today is overwhelming. My thoughts are both with you as they will be forever and for Obama on this very decisive and historic day.

Sincerely,
Niki Tsuruta

Tombol

Dear Tombol,

Seems like yesterday we were both laughing away. Thinking about you today.

Love always,

Aliya

To Me

I talked to you today about my travels to Italy and England! We talked about hanging out within the next day or two to talk further about what had been some of the most exciting times of my life. I knew you wanted to hear all about the trip! Your face would light up whenever you heard stories of someone's travels. It was as if you were putting yourself in that same moment, experiencing what the other experienced on their journey in foreign terrain. I will definitely tell you all about it this weekend when I see you! I'm going to see you this weekend...

--
Stephanie R. Jackson

Happy Belated Birthday

Don't know why, but today I thought of Tombol and his family so I decided to go to this blog.

I never met Tombol or the Malik family but I have posted here in the past to send my condolences. I understand that April 3rd would have been Tombol's 26th birthday. His death at such a young age is so jarring. I can't even imagine what his family is going through.

My condolences again, and happy belated birthday Tombol.

K.G.

Happy Birthday to You

Dear Tombol,

A friend of mine bought me a digital picture frame last year. I immediately loaded it with pictures of those who are close to me. I mean, I am living in Switzerland… can you believe it?! So, I need some remnants from home every now and then. Anyway, that picture of us, the one from the opening with Lana… well, I had to put it in there. I have the frame next to the place I get dressed every morning. The pictures change every 10 seconds, and sometimes I get to catch a glimpse of you before I head to class. I always smile. Yesterday was your 26th birthday, and I thought of you and wondered what you were doing. I miss you. I think about you often… and I will always keep your picture loaded in my picture frame; today, tomorrow, always. Love, aliya.

Happy Birthday T-Bone

While this comes a couple days late, I just wanted you to know that you have not been forgotten (you never are) and I hope that you had a happy, happy, birthday up there, partying with all the other angels. =) We truly do miss you down here though! Hugs and kisses...

Love eternally,
Miriam Y.

Happy Birthday to Beloved Tombol

Our Dearest Tombol,

Our family thought lovingly of you on your 26th birthday, which just passed by 15 minutes. We just had to pause and reflect on how precious you are to so many who will always keep you in their hearts and minds with love!!!!!!!!!

The Jackson Family

You Are Missed

Tombol, not a day goes by that I don't think about you. You are truly missed. Happy Birthday.

Love,
Eileen

HAPPY 26TH BIRTHDAY MY TOMBOL

Good Morning My Tombol (I told you that you would always be My Tombol even though I know I have to share you with everyone who loves you ;)! HAPPY 26TH BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

Not having you to talk to, to hug, to laugh with, to be with is still so very difficult for me to deal with. I once asked your brother how he deals with you not being here and I knew I could only get one answer..."I don't have a choice". I guess I was looking for another way not to believe any of what had happened to you, My Tombol. You are supposed to be here with us...you are supposed to be here.

Tombol I love you so very much and I just wish I could tell you to your beautiful face. Sometimes I pray to be able to see you just one more time, but I have to be patient until my time here on earth is done. Honestly I find myself searching for pieces of you through your family from their smiles, their laughs and their mannerisms to the shape of their fingers, because I know you live in them always. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about you and I just can't wait until the day I see you again.

My Tombol I Love You Forever. HAPPY 26TH BIRTHDAY TO YOU!