Jocelyn and Jordan

Derwin, aka "hugga" aka "yard-boy" is Jordan's cousin. The two became inseparable during their high school years after they attended an annual teen dance called the "Red, Black and Green Ball." The two hung out every weekend even if it was just sitting in a Denny's restaurant booth with other friends ordering toast and water. The two continued to hang out when they both relocated to Southern California for school. Fun story: Both Derwin and Jordan drove "buckets" during high school. One day when Derwin attempted to give Jordan's car a jump, his car ended up rolling down an incline, forcing Derwin to run, jump inside the car and stop it before it hit a parked car.

I have known Melanie since my first visit to California which was 3 years ago. Supposedly she did not know that I existed in Jordan’s life (actually for some reason not many believed him since I never came to visit). This girl is a blast to hang out with. Favorite outing: getting free diddy reese cookies.

One of three of my favorite cousins. As you can see her name starts with an S. Shareen and Shaina are sisters, and Shawn is the oldest brother (who is one of the groomsmen). She is currently in PT school and will be graduating in 2017. Cute story, with Shaina growing up she was always the quiet one but when it came to barbie dolls and you didn't share trust me you didn't want to get involved. And that's how I'll always remember of what happened to my Skipper doll (she decapitated it).

One of three favorite cousins. Known her since she came out of the womb and been watching her grow up into this beautiful, hardworking, intelligent woman. She has a knack with baking amazing cupcakes which we are all hoping she will open up a bakery for. Trust me her baking skills are out of this world. Shareen is currently in nursing school and will be graduating in 2015. Funny story, Shareen was part of the decapitation of my Skipper doll.

I’ve known Asima since my first day of residency as well. Asima has a knack for cooking awesome biriyani and chai for me--which I always bother her about at work. She is one of the few people that keeps me sane when it comes to work. Funny story: Asima made some halwa for her birthday dinner. Of course I can butcher many words when it comes to indian food. And now to this day, I call this dessert: Halwa Jalwa.

Sri is my baby/best friend since college. She is the youngest one in our group (Kappa Jakka Nu Sigma). To this day, I still treat her as the baby though she hates it (but really inside she loves it). Funny story, though she was the baby in the group, she was our mom when it came to cooking.

Emy is my homegirl from medical school. We have been through thick and thin while being on the island for 16 months. During that time frame we had each other to stay sane. Emy, we will always have our Statia memories (hint hint: smoke alley and STATIA 5!). Cute story, Emy was always the one who supported my horrible acting in our Statia 5 videos, where as the guys always gave me a hard time. Thanks for your support girl!

I’ve known Geness since my first day of residency. From then we became very close friends. We even took an amazing trip together to Buenos Aires, Argentina. She is a major foodie and always enjoys planning activities with our group of friends. Cute story: We introduced Geness to her first hostel in Argentina. Girl was so nervous but she survived. Very proud moment.

I’ve known Krupa since my first day of residency. Krupa may look and seem like a tiny person but once you get to know, you will know don't mess with her. Funny and cute: taking Krupa bowling for her birthday. Somehow the ball went backwards instead of going towards the pins. At least it didn't hit her hubby. Shows how aggressive she can be.

Shril aka "Shril-will-tell" aka "Dr. Kumar" met Jordan their first year in medical school. The two hung out after they found out their common interests in California weather, USC Football, and In-n-Out restaurant. Fun Story: When Jordan and Shril did their medical school's talent show, Shrill could do the best impressions of one of their professors, Dr. Kumar. He would have the entire class dying laughing when he entered the room and pretended to be the legendary anatomy professor.

Rick and Jordan met in medical school. The two became friends instantly over their interest in hip-hop (Jay-Z) and creating movies and performances for the school's talent show. Fun Story: When Rick, Jordan, and Jocelyn we're practicing for their Sankofa talent show, Rick was suppose to have Jocelyn jump into his arms and walk her off the stage. He kept mentioning he was bound to drop her because no one could have a perfect record in performing the move and eventually he would drop her. As you can imaging during one rehearsal, he broke his perfect record!

Jordan met Clay through Jocelyn, who knew him from their days at MSU. The two spent many nights hanging out in Chicago and even traveled to India. Fun Story: Jordan introduced Clay to the legendary game of Bar Golf on his birthday that he plays annually each year. The year they first placed, Clay thought it would be a fun idea to put Jordan in the shower fully clothed when he was knocked out. Luckily Jocelyn stopped him!

Shain and Jordan met their Freshman year at USC, where they lived in the same dorm. The two bonded over their struggles to get through the science courses in college, but celebrated their victories at college parties, tailgates, and an epic summer abroad semester in Madrid, Spain. Fun story: The two went to Vegas their senior year in high school, on the trip they brought back a legendary dance they would bust out literally all over the world called "hittin the Vegas", be sure to check it out at the reception!

Shawn is Jocelyn's cousin and first met Jordan via Skype. Jocelyn and Jordan would hang out with Shawn and his sisters when they would visit them in college. Fun Story: Jordan and Jocelyn surprised Shawn and his sisters on their 21st birthday....we should leave the story at that.

Jide aka "JJ" met Jordan Freshman year in college at USC. The two lived in the same dorm and were both in the science filed. JJ and Jordan were notorious for going to parties on Frat Row and crashing as many events as possible: Fun Story: Jordan and JJ took a road trip to San Francisco for USC's annual "Weekender" football game. When they got to JJ's friend's Frat house where they were gonna crash for the weekend, JJ automatically called dibs on the couch. Little did he know, the couch was half his size; needless to stay he had the most uncomfortable sleep!

Nolan and Jordan have been friends since Kindergarten when they bonded over burning their legs on the hot metal tricycles during recess (those toys should have been illegal!). Fun story: Nolan and Jordan attended a hockey game in elementary school where Nolan got stuck in his seat. In his attempt to get out, Nolan spilled popcorn on the lady in front of us (she was not happy)

Andrew and Jordan have known each other since the preschool days at Northwest Church. They attended K-12 together and continued to remain close during their years in Southern California for school. Fun Story: Andrew was once smuggled into Mexico during a church missionary trip. While Jordan and the rest of the group went through customs inside, Andrew was forced to hide under blankets in the back seat because he forgot his birth certificate!

Jordan and Bradley met during Middle School through an organization named Jack and Jill. The two participated in the organizations many evens including holiday parties, fundraises, and of course the epic summer teen conferences. Fun story: Jordan and Bradley played golf for many years. One time the two of them decided to get Bradleys cell phone and blast the music of E-40 while driving the golf cart. It was all fun and games until they almost tipped the cart driving awkwardly on a hill!

Marilyn and I have known each other since we were small kids. From CCD to going to the same high school, we had our ups and downs but we overcame them. Marilyn works in the PICU in Chicago. She loves having a good time and from what it seems like whenever I talk to her, she has a love for running (just like Jordan).

Elizabeth is 5 years old and started Kindergarten this year. She loves "Hello Kitty", "The Princess and the Frog", and doing ballet! Elizabeth is happy to have Jocelyn as a new big sister!

Aidan is 12 years old. He is a sixth grader who is involved in track and biking. He loves to play guitar and he loves to bother his older brother at every possibility.

Known to all as Chinnamma, Jocelyn's mom always encouraged her to be whatever she wanted to be and to continuously work hard for what she wanted in life. If it wasn't for her mom, Jocelyn probably never would have learned to dance Bharatnatayam. That little push is what got Jocelyn to enjoy dancing as a hobby.

Jocelyn has always been "daddy's little girl". That's why it's going to be hard to give Jocelyn away. But just like Jocelyn's mom, he always encouraged her to believe in herself and to do what she needs to do in order to get to where she wanted to be.

Known to others as "Mrs. Ora", Jordan's mom has always taken pride in her efforts to expose her son to the opportunities in the world. This included putting Jordan in ballet, ballroom, piano, karate, sending him on trips to Mexico, living abroad programs in Europe, and being the example of what it means to live life without reservations or hesitations.

Jordan's dad was a strong support in his life and taught him how to be behave as a gentleman. To this day, Jordan still recites his fathers many sayings including "being different makes the difference". Marvin's eclectic taste in lifestyle is something we see in Jordan's embracement of cultures around the world.

We miss you and think about you everyday. We know you will be watching from above. Love you!

Marvin Troy Howard
6/29/1944 - 12/7/2008