James & Abby McCoy Family

Mom and Dad...Dad and Mom,

It feels silly to try to write what I think and feel about you two as individuals, as a couple, and as my parents. I don't have the words, but it feels like gratitude--a whole lifetime of gratitude and an understanding of what is expected of me as I try to pay it all forward. (It's exhausting! You've set the bar pretty high.)  I've known my whole life that I am blessed with THE best parents, but as I have tried to navigate adulthood and parenting my own children I find myself constantly in awe of you both. Maybe you can chalk it up to me being a sixth kid and you having lots of experience under your belts, but I really thought all of this would be so much easier because you made it look effortless! 

I am grateful for your selflessness, first and foremost. This is the thing about parenthood that humbles me and stretches me every day, and I am  indebted to both of you for what you have sacrificed for your family, for MY little family. We don't deserve any of it, but there you've have been, time and time again, eager to be generous with all that you have--big things and small. I will never be able to say thank you enough times. 

I am grateful that because of my parents, I know what being Christlike means. I know what it looks like and how it makes people feel to be treated with unconditional love. I have felt forgiveness and acceptance when I didn't think I deserved it, and because of your response to my mistakes and others', I have a better understanding of the atonement and the unconditional love of my Savior. Aside from my own mess-ups (nobody wants to talk about those), I am thinking about an incident where two boys drove a car into your kitchen in October of 1994. No one would have faulted you for being upset, but NO ONE from that night will ever forget the example of Christlike love and forgiveness you set, and I suspect that act has impacted a lot of lives, in addition to my own. I have told my kids that story many times and feel so proud every time of the kind of people I have for parents.

I am grateful for your testimonies and your obedience.  I know it doesn't automatically take away trials or concerns, but I know who is in charge, I know to follow God and His prophets, and I have felt for myself the lessening weight of burdens as I have kept covenants. I have also received tangible blessings as a direct result of your sacrifices and service for the kingdom of God. I feel grateful for your examples and tireless service.

I am so happy you both have made the choices you have throughout your lives. I'm so happy you chose each other and formed such an amazing team. Your marriage is as wonderful an example as your parenting. I appreciate the way you treat each other, and I appreciate how equally yoked you have always been in our family. You are a match truly made in Heaven! 

I love you both. Thank you for being good and funny and for being a safe happy place I always want to come to. Thank you for all you do and have done for me. 

Happy 50 years of marriage!

Love, 

Abby

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Happy 50th wedding anniversary!!!  I am very grateful for your examples of Christlike love for your neighbor and willingness to follow His example in all things.

You have raised an extraordinary daughter and I am ever grateful to have her a part of my life. 

Your continued kindness, generosity, compassion, to and care for my family has meant so very much.

May you be blessed for your neverending love and service.  Happy anniversary.

James McCoy     

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Congratulations! I love you and am grateful for all of the good choices you've made and for the example you've set for your family and grandkids.
Love, Caleb James McCoy

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Thank you both for being such a good example.  You are always so kind, and your testimonies have strengthened me and my family.
Love, Stella Rose McCoy

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I love you! You are good people in my life.  Congratulations on 50 years!

Love, Mile Robert McCoy

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Congratulations! I love you guys

Love, Poppy Jean McCoy