The Sunday before Easter, they had their final goodbye. Below is the text from an email from their neighbor, one of the many supporters of the family who fought to have Sam released back to his life in Seattle where he is a home-owner, a business man and a faithful friend to so many in the community.
Let me tell you about today, one of the saddest days of my life ~
I picked up a very nervous Mali, Nicole and Arvin at 10:30 and we headed down to Tacoma. It was tough seeing Nicole coming out of the front door with a large suitcase for her dad, and tears rolling down her face. At times the ride was very silent - something that never happens when with this family! Always lots of conversation and laughs. Arvin kept his mind occupied with his ipod, Nicole looking out the window and fighting the tears, and Mali chewing her gum very quickly.
We arrived at the deportation center at 11:30. The first guard we encountered at the door told us that nobody has their suitcases checked until 4 pm, we'd have to come back later. Mali spoke up to him and told him that ICE had called her 3 times stating that she be there by noon, and that this would include a contact visit with Sam. It took us a few minutes to convince him, and he let us through. Mali and the kids signed in to see Sam, and then were led to a room where they had to watch as officials unloaded the suitcase to document what all was inside, then repack it all. Mali had loaded it with pictures of the kids at various ages with their dad, pictures of their family. I was not allowed to go inside with the family which is what I expected. We learned that ICE had made "special arrangements" for the 12 o'clock suitcase check in and visit, and made it specific that only the 3 of them were allowed inside with Sam. Sam had asked Mali to bring him his wedding ring, which he has not been allowed to wear for the past 4 1/2 years. She was told "no" when she showed that she brought it to give to him. She asked why and was told that she'd have to take it up with ICE tomorrow morning. She asked why she couldn't speak to someone today and was told "they don't work today - it's Sunday!" At this point I was tired of his obvious loss of patience with Mali. Although my husband suggested that I keep my mouth as quiet as possible today, I couldn't help myself and told Mali in front of the guard "They are at home enjoying their families today!" At which point I also told him that as an American citizen I was ashamed and disgusted what was being done to this family and to this man, as his neighbor and friend, I've never seen anything so shameful in my life. He just stared at me, so I continued :) I stated the fact that Sam had been locked up for almost 5 years, Mali chirps in "accused of being terrorist" that he has never had one charge or shred of evidence to the fact of having done anything wrong. I also told him that it was obvious to hundreds of us that he was accused of something, and now those responsible don't have the courage to to right their wrong. At this point he looked at Mali and said "I'm so sorry." He also stated that 9-11 is to thank for all of this. Mali and I both then gave him the "we know you're only the messenger" line and he then stated that he never has any idea what the story is with any of the deportees, he is just carrying out his orders. He was much more respectful and patient however.
For the next 2 hours I sat in a nearby Starbucks and tried to read. Nicole called to say they were ready to be picked up, and when I got there it broke my heart to see the 3 of them standing on the curb. They got into the car and Mali threw her arms around my neck and began to sob - I don't know if you've ever been with a middle eastern woman when she sobs, or if you've seen it on the news, but it is a sound like no other. Arvin tells her she sounds like a ghost booing! The first ten minutes of our ride home, I listened to the 3 of them cry while I cried along with them, and Mali and I held hands. We pulled into Black Angus in Federal Way for dinner.
It was then that Mali told me about parts of their visit. I'm sure I will hear more later. For those of you who really know Mali and Sam, even in the worst of their heartbreak, they can find humor. As we sat down, Mali looked at me and said "This is our deportation dinner" and laughed. She shared that the 3 of them were put into a small room and waited for Sam. When he came in they all hugged for a long time. Sam rubbed Mali's shoulders much of the time as this is what he did at the end of each day when he was at home. He talked to the kids about how much he loved them, what good kids they are, and that they will be together again someday. He told them to listen to their mom, and to respect her always. Mali broke down when she told about watching Sam hug Nicole and Arvin and say goodbye. She said "It kills me to see the dad say goodbye to his kids". The guard came in to tell Sam the visit was over, and Sam replied "Thank you, Sir". Mali apparently lost it a bit at this time, and wasn't able to let go of Sam, crying very hard. Arvin said "Oh mom, you're doing that ghost thing!" and that brought some laughs. Sam also whispered in Mali's ear "Please try to stop crying - it is so much harder for the kids". That was the end of their visit. Sam thanked Mali for loving him so much and for all she has done to fight for his freedom.
Mali talked repeatedly in the car about what a wonderful, good man Sam is. She said she was so proud of how brave he was during their visit, and she knows that he forced himself to be positive, brave and have a happy face for the kids sake. I am sure tonight will not be an easy night for him. I know that when Mali, Nicole and Arvin got home, they were all headed to bed. I've watched them do this for the past 4 1/2 years. When they are sad about their dad, they begin to close their eyes a lot, and you know that they want to disappear from reality for a while.
Still hoping for that miracle, but with the fact that ICE is now giving it their all to get Sam out of the country, and the fact that not one of our senators or congressmen have even responded in any way, it doesn't look like it is going to happen. A good friend of Sam's is driving down in the morning to see if Sam is still there. They will not inform anyone when he's gone, and will not tell Sam or Mali where he is going or when. I spoke with an immigration attorney recently who was in fact aware of Sam's case. She said that it is very obvious that ICE really screwed up here, they know it, and want it to disappear. She also said that she wouldn't be surprised to see this in law books someday.
Thank you for being such wonderful supporters of Sam, Mali, Nicole and Arvin. When this first began, they only had their handful of middle eastern friends, all but one family has disappeared from their lives out of fear of the same thing happening to them. Mali is struggling with a lot of guilt right now, the fact that she begged Sam to come to Seattle to be near her childhood friend. She wishes they had stayed in Texas so this had never happened. She also feels horrible guilt at begging Sam to go to the Northgate Mall their 2nd day here. He wanted to stay at their friends house and watch American TV. Mali doesn't have much of a relationship with this childhood friend anymore, when questioned by the FBI, out of fear she denied remembering taking them to the mall. Mali and Sam are so thrilled with all of their "American friends". Mali's family is so amazed. Mali said Americans are thought of as being very kind. You mean the world to them, and it makes Mali feel safer, and it gives Sam some peace. I can't even begin to tell you what I've learned from knowing Sam and Mali - about faith, family, kindness and appreciation.
Please continue keeping them in your prayers.
With much love,
Joleen
