Waleed J. Iskandar
(By Juliet Oman Bobak)

~    None of us will ever have a friend quite like him   ~


     I first learned of Waleed's death months after the September 11 tragedy, and instantly felt a gaping hole in my heart. Images of his smile, his humorous laugh, his silly facial expressions immediately rushed to my mind as my eyes filled with tears. It had been years since I last saw Waleed, but he never left my mind. I absolutely adored him.

     I knew Waleed after he graduated from Stanford, when he first began work with the Monitor Group as an associate consultant. He was still half man, half boy, in an oversized suit with a warm and friendly smile. Monitor had just opened their new office in Santa Monica, which had only 11 employees at the time. We were all fairly close, but Waleed was my pal.

     I was instantly drawn to Waleed and looked forward to seeing him each day. His life fascinated me. He had been so many places and done so many things. I had a hard time believing he had only been in the United States for a few short years. I remember teasing him about his "Malibu accent." Somehow he had managed to pick up perfect California slang while at Stanford. It was hard to believe he had ever lived anywhere else.

     At work, we would spend a bit too much of our time joking and chatting about anything that came to mind. His mere presence brought a smile to my face. He was very open, easy to converse with, and always managed to make me laugh. He listened to what I had to say with interest, and spoke with sincerity and a maturity beyond his years.

     My mind is swimming with images of Waleed, but it is hard to capture his essence with words. He was different from the others his age, more compassionate, wonderfully animated. I laugh when I remember his enthusiasm whenever he was about to embark on something new. I remember his delight as we drove around Santa Monica destination-free to celebrate his new Toyota 4 Runner. I remember his excitement to rent a house in the Marina with friends, and his pride when he showed it off. I remember his love of rock music, and I can still see him dancing to the music at the "Who" concert. I remember his making faces and joking around a crowded table at "My Father's Office," and singing the words to his favorite songs while listening to very loud music.

     Some of my fondest memories of Waleed come from him standing by my desk, chatting about whatever was on his mind. I truly enjoyed his company. He would mention his family, brother and sister often, and pure joy would radiate from his face whenever he spoke of his new nephew. When I began dating my husband, Martin once asked, "Who is the guy always up at your desk?" That "guy" was my dear friend, Waleed. I am so sorry they never got to know one another.

     Sadly, our lives separated shortly after that time. I left Monitor Company to start a new life, and Waleed left for Boston to attend business school and to see the world. I remember feeling sad when I knew he would be leaving LA. We lost touch over the years, but I never forgot him.

     I'm not sure if Waleed ever knew how much I cherished his friendship. It isn't enough to say he was special. He was the younger brother I had always wanted, someone who helped me see what is truly important in life. I have often been reminded of him over the years. I knew that somewhere in this world, Waleed was doing great things. I wondered if his age or the intensity of his business had changed him at all. I have found much comfort in the reflections of his recent friends, describing his many adventures and the spirit that personifies my memory of Waleed. None of us will ever have a friend quite like him.

     I am thankful to God for allowing me the opportunity to share a brief but beautiful moment in Waleed's life. I know that he is on another splendid journey in a much better place. I also know we will all see him again, someday.


(Juliet Oman Bobak)

Read what Juliet Bobak wrote as a tribute for Waleed in American Memorials

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