Over the years, my job has taken me to many places, allowing me to meet some wonderful people doing great things in brilliant ways. But a recent visit with Cathy and Larry Moore must be near the top of my favorites.

This retired couple, from Pleasureville,  has taken the word “teamwork” and elevated it to new levels in their efforts to serve God and raise daylilies.

Both had careers in state government. Larry, a Vietnam vet, is 82 and said he didn’t mind if I said that. He has reached the point in life, for more than one reason, that he needs a bit of help getting around. His cane helps, but his true dependence is on Cathy, who never seems to be too far from his side.

Cathy, on the other hand, gets around well, and, by the way, I did not ask her how old she is. But through a series of medical events, she has lost most of her eyesight. Larry helps her to see what she cannot. 

But despite their disabilities, their ability to serve their church has never wavered. They’re usually the first ones there on Sunday mornings in addition to the trips they make through the week to do a variety of church-related chores.

Cathy also plays the piano at every Sunday service. While she can't really see the music and words in the hymnal any longer, she certainly knows them from memory and never ceases to amaze everyone with her musical ability. I should also mention she plays the autoharp and guitar, as well.   

What one of them can’t do individually from a physical sense, the other one can, and they seem to work in tandem in all that they do.

Now, to the daylilies. The Moore’s 16-acre farm is a tract of land once owned by Squire Boone. It is adorned with tall trees, plentiful streams, and a huge patch of daylilies that light up the sky. 

The daylily garden is something Cathy has planted, grown, and nurtured for many years. She knows every variety, but because of her loss of sight, she can now only make out the colors.

Larry still takes care of most of the mowing and yard work needed to keep their farm in shape for visitors, while Cathy tries to keep the deer away. It seems daylilies are a favorite food of the local deer population.

She is always so happy for summer to arrive, knowing that her labor in creating this vast array of floral delights comes to life once again, every year.

This couple exudes the meaning of "team" in that they have not let disabilities or the slowing with age keep them from working together in their activities at church, at home, or in all they do.

When I asked Cathy the secret to doing so much with her limited eyesight, she said she plays her music from listening and memory, and sees her garden of brilliant daylilies with her heart.

Imagine how much more we could see if only we all looked more often through our hearts, as we travel down the backroads.

Tim Thornberry, Editor
Kentucky Farm Bureau News