Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial

Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. As a symbol of the civil rights movement, MLK Jr is a significant historical figure. But what does MLK Jr have to do with my family? Nothing in any direct ancestral sense. But what King stood for–the equality of all human beings no matter their differences–is a message that my search for my roots has brought home for me. This is an indirect, subtle thing. There’s virtually no racial diversity in my tree regarding my direct ancestors. But I’ve discovered many subtle differences… political, geographical, and even religious. Too often, we let differences separate us. Today, let us remember that differences can unite and strengthen us. Embracing diversity–both within my family and beyond–is something I celebrate both today and every other day of the year.

What kind of diversity have you found in your family tree?

I took the above photo in DC shortly after the new MLK Jr memorial was opened in 2011.

Happy Birthday, Mom

Happy Birthday, Mom
Rhonda Jordan (right) and Debbie Epperson (daughter of pastor at East Armuchee) celebrate Rhonda’s birthday.

Earlier this year I celebrated my Dad’s birthday and then my sister’s. Today it’s Mom’s turn!

This photo is from my mom’s 4th or 5th birthday. She’s sitting at her child-size table on her front porch in East Armuchee. My mom is on the right; the other girl in the photo (just out of reach of the camera) is her friend Debbie Epperson.

I love this photo because I grew up with this same set of table and chairs, handed down to my sister and me. Though I don’t think my sister and I ever played with knives as a kid. Look at the blade in my mom’s hand! But with that adorable smile, ruffled shirt, and polka dot skirt she couldn’t do any harm, right? Why do I envision scenes from a B-grade horror movie?

But I digress… today is Mom’s special day. Those of you who have read the Jordan’s Journey book may recall the dedication… to Mom. Her love of tracing the family tree is a big part of what set me on this path. The Jordan’s Journey project wouldn’t exist without her.

The truth is that I’ve always been a mama’s boy. Growing up, Mom was always a friend, and I’m thankful that she is today as well. Thank you, Mom, for all that you do. I love you.

Happy Birthday, Sis

Julie's 5th birthday

This is my sister devouring human body parts just moments after she was turned into a zombie… oh no, wait… that was the B-grade horror movie I watched last night. Why did it seem so real?

Anyway, this is, in fact, my sister on her 5th birthday, rather engrossed in licking the icing off the doll cake topper. Grandmother made the cake (just like she did for Dad when he was growing up).

So, happy birthday, sis! Hope you’re having a good one. Remember to relax, breathe, and (zombie or not) try not to eat your cake topper. I love you.

Happy Birthday, Dad

Mike’s 14th birthday, 1962. The cake was made by his mother, Dot Scoggins.


Today is my dad’s birthday. This photo was taken on his 14th birthday. His mother always made a cake to celebrate the special day–something she even did for us grandchildren. Also of note is the framed quilted wall hanging behind Dad. This is one of at least three such hangings made by my grandmother. Like many of the women in my family, she was a proficient craft artist and worked in many mediums over the years.

Dad, a huge thanks goes out to you for all your help along Jordan’s Journey. It would not have been possible without you. I love you, and happy birthday!