Author: Matt Keough

Will thinks Joyce is awesome

Joyce,

Happy 40th!! You are such an awesome person, and now you also have the wisdom that age brings. One of the things that make me so proud of you is your up-beat personality. The joy that you spread as you interact with people, and your family, is infectious. People like to be around you, because you are spirit filled.

It does my heart good to see the way you and Matt are raising the boys. You are a boys Mom. (A Mom that knows how to let your sons, be boys) You allow them to explore different interests, and take risks that will help them develop into strong men. It will give them the confidence they need to succeed, and challenge themselves to be leaders.

Your volunteer work in the Church and School is something else that makes you awesome. You don’t check your Faith at the school doors, because it is part of your DNA. This example will also pay dividends for your family, and community. You know how to multi-task, and keep on keeping on.

The thing I love about most is you’re baking skills. James said it best; “yummy yummy hippo”

Betsy thinks Joyce is awesome

To my dear sweet Joyce…

The day you were born was one of the happiest days of my life.  Your dad & I had not picked out a girl’s name but as soon as I held you I knew you had to be my ‘Joyce’.  What a perfect name.  You brought such joy to our family. 

You were always a content and well behaved child (for the most part—I won’t mention your incident with the neighbors ‘big wheels or the time you & Danny helped each other out in a 5th grade Science test).  You always were eager to help both dad & me with household chores.  When you were four years old you would tell me “When I grow up I want to be your maid.”  I’m very happy that you developed higher aspirations.

Your childhood went way too fast—grade school, high school & college.  How proud I was of you and all of your accomplishments (which were many).  I also shared in your disappointments and sorrows. A life of leaning always has the good times and the bad times.  Again, how proud I am of you on how you grew and developed by being positive and not letting the heart aches get you down. Those experiences made you the generous & compassionate woman that you are.

In your wisdom, you chose a good man as your husband.  The two of you are raising four gentlemen.  Have I told you what a fantastic mother you are?  Your sons also bring a lot of joy into our lives.  They have their daddy’s good looks and their mother’s sense of adventure. They sure are blessed with good parents.

I wish you a very happy 40th birthday, my awesome girl, and God’s blessings on you all the days of your life.  Thank you for being my sweet Joyce. 

Love,

Mom

P.S.  Don’t want to depress you but when I was 40 my youngest child was 18!

Anita thinks Joyce is awesome

Joyce,
I remember meeting you in August, I believe, of 1998 at marching band practice before camp. I instantly took a liking to you! You were always happy and smiling. I remember you always making us laugh. There was never a dull moment with you. You always were going a mile a minute. I have very fond memories of hanging out all through high school and college. I’ll never forget how much you loved Sesame Street!!
I am so happy our friendship has remained, even though we don’t get to see each other very often! Thank God for Facebook!! I am very luck to have you as a friend these past 26 years and look forward to seeing you, Matt and your boys for another 26+ years! Happy Happy 40th!!
Love,
Anita