Postings begin light and playful with anecdotes known only to the writers, but quickly become heavy with sadness and finality.
“In a million years I never thought that I would never again see your smiling face. . .”
Thefacebook.com, a Web site used by thousands of students across the country for planning parties, joking and keeping in touch between semesters, serves as a memorial message board for friends of two University students.
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Imran Khan and Muhammad Ebadullah Hasan died with friend Tariq Fischer July 13 in an automobile accident on Interstate 20.
Hasan’s profile lists his clubs as “Fencing (not for wimps)” and “OFPM (Organization for people against milk).”
His favorite quote: “NO MILK!”
Khan listed some of his favorite movies: “Wayne’s World,” “Top Gun” and “Zoolander.”
In the “about me” section Hasan wrote, “I forgot a lot about me.”
Khan wrote, “I like too many things to list.”
A look at these profiles shows two young men with a healthy sense of humor involved with many friends and activities.
It also shows scores of people who deeply miss them both.
Postings tell short stories of what kind of people Hasan and Khan were.
Khan never refusing to give someone a ride.
Hasan helping students with schoolwork and keeping things fun in Russell Hall as a resident assistant.
Memories shared of times growing up, in high school and during the recent school year.
Khan playing with LEGOs, Nintendo and riding dirtbikes with friends.
Hasan wearing SpongeBob SquarePants boxers in photos and studying chemistry late at night in the Student Learning Center.
Students seem to feel a connection; they write to Khan and Hasan, not about them.
All postings express the personal loss the writer felt but also a sense of faith that the men are watching over them, reading what is written.
Thefacebook, once a tool of light-hearted fun and communication for Hasan and Khan, now serves as an electronic memorial to them.