Rory Feek & Joey Feek Celebrate Life & Love Amid Cancer: Grammy Nod, Daughter’s 2nd Birthday & State Award

Joey Feek and Rory Feek have turned February into a month to celebrate their joy in life and love for each other amid the heartbreak of the country singer’s losing battle with terminal cancer. Most recently, the Grammy-nominated country duo celebrated Valentine’s Day together and then cherished their happiness in watching the Grammy celebration together (they lost, but graciously stated that the honor of being nominated was sufficient). And Joey achieved a special goal by participating at the birthday party for their daughter Indiana (nicknamed Indy), who turned 2, reported People.

“There have been big parties for little people and small losses with great lessons…and we even had a romantic night filled with more love for each other than we even thought was possible,” Rory reflected. “But mostly, this has been a week filled with thankfulness.”

Documenting their journey with photos on social media and a blog, Feek has revealed some of the most intimate and heartbreaking moments in his marriage, reported Us Weekly.

“The morning after the award show, Joey looked into my eyes and said, ‘I’m sorry we didn’t win us a Grammy,'” revealed Rory. “I smiled and said, ‘That’s OK.’ Then jokingly, I added, ‘… there’s always next year.’ She smiled back at me and said, ‘yes … next year.’ And then she talked about how if we were to ever be nominated again, that I have to promise her that I would go. And I told her that I would.”

After a loving Valentine’s Day together, the birthday celebration for their daughter Indy reigned as a significant milestone for Joey, who has been in hospice care since November. Feek learned that she had cervical cancer in 2014 and since choosing to enter hospice, had prayed to live long enough to celebrate their daughter’s birthday.

“Joey barely slept the night before Indiana’s birthday. She was too excited,” Rory shared. “She didn’t fall asleep until about 5 am, around the time that Indy and I woke up. When Joey woke up, a little before noon, I came in to see her… and tears were flowing down her face. Again, I put my arms around her and asked, ‘Why are you crying honey?’… ‘We made it…,’ she softly answered. ‘We made it.’ And once again, my tears mixed with hers.”

For Joey and Feek, the pleasure of Indiana’s birthday came from the simple joys, reported ET.

Aware that his wife is increasingly frail, Feek carefully made sure that the birthday bash was held in the same room as Joey’s bed so that she could cherish the joys.

“For the most part, Indiana’s big day was nothing but joy and more joy. She has a way of bringing even the most painful parts of life back into perspective. All day long (and for days before that) the mailman and the UPS and FedEx drivers kept knocking on the door – delivering more and more presents from strangers, family and friends.”

Despite the fact that Joey is declining in her physical health, Feek is determined to hold onto his faith and remain grateful.

“Thank you Lord that we were able to all be together for this special day, for this special week,” wrote Rory. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

The Feek duo also received a very special recognition in the form of an award from the state of Indiana, reported the Boot.

Joey’s dad Jack Martin accepted the Sagamore of the Wabash award in their place from Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Melanie Wright (D-Yorktown). It is recognized as the state of Indiana’s highest distinction.

“Important Hoosier values, such as loving others, serving one’s country, following one’s dreams and showcasing grace and joy during difficult times, have all been exhibited by Joey and Rory,” proclaimed Borders. “I would like everyone to keep [Joey Feek] and her family in your thoughts and prayers.”

[Image via This Life I Live]