Even before the heroic struggle with cancer of Joey Feek, she has already shared her deeply-rooted faith in songs. This was one seal in her life that didn’t change when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer in May 2014, leading to multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation. In fact, after that, Joey had gathered all her strength to focus on new music with her husband Rory Feek, just as they did after projecting to the country spotlight as singing duo Joey + Rory on CMT’s Can You Duet in 2008.
Her Garden, Still a Living Testimony of Her Love
We may not know it yet, but during Joey’s last days, she planted vegetables in her garden to keep feeding her family when she’s gone. Some may point out she did this because of her firm faith in God. Others might say it’s her love for her children. Also, others may say that the key was her husband’s committed support.
In the face of cancer, this garden initiative was their family’s way to deal with strong emotions. As part of their promise to also make sure that Joey’s remaining time on earth is happy and blessed, they grew plants in their garden. It is known as Joey’s Garden. This was done with the hope that after Joey dies, she’ll still be feeding her family. She took serious care with her little seedlings, carefully planting them in tiny eggshell pots. She tended to them with all the care she has for most of the things in her life.
“In The Garden” by Joey + Rory, My Favorite Version
Knowing that Joey put up a garden of her own, this gospel classic takes on a deeper meaning in Joey + Rory’s home movie. Rory once took to his blog a sweet video of Joey and daughter Indiana’s sunny day in one of Joey’s favorite spots at their Pottsville, Tennessee, farmhouse. It said,
“As I write this … my wife is in her garden, the baby on a blanket near her. She’s weeding her squash, and broccoli and kale, and the cucumbers that have just poked their heads up out of the soil. But she’s not just tending to her vegetables – she’s tending to her soul.”
We can say that all important things to Joey never waver; not through good times or bad times, not through tears or joy.
Now, God walks and talks with her in that beautiful garden – where we’ll all be, in His time. And the joy they share? Who would have known?
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