Dedicated to Roger Todd Miller and Bill J. Miller.
This Monument was Donated by Jack and Gloria Miller.
Bronze Statue of "Our Boys" with their Radio Flyer Wagon "The Miller Express"
Sculpted by Stan Watts.
After losing both of their sons, Jack and Gloria Miller wanted desperately
to do something positive with their grief; some type of memorial. Jack
thought a park bench would be ideal and they shared this idea with family
members. As a result one family member contacted Stanley J, Watts,
world-renowned sculptor. Stan immediately called and visited the Miller's
as he had already been dreaming about a sculpture of two young boys
and a red wagon.
In 2005, their oldest son, Roger, whom they called Todd, died at age 37
from brain cancer. His brother Bill, a special needs child, died six months
later at age 28.
"Our Boys" features Bill and Todd at a very happy time in the Miller
family. Bill loved "Superman" and is wearing his favorite t-shirt and a
superhero cape. Todd, a die-hard Elvis Presley fan, is wearing an "Elvis"
T-shirt. Bill is riding in the "Miller Express" and they are playing and
laughing together; simply enjoying life as children. The sculpture was
named before the Millers ever met Stan Watts. As Gloria tells the story,
Jack wanted a personalized plate for his new car and coined the phrase
"Our Boys" in memory of his sons.
Jack loved the idea of a sculpture as long as it didn't end up on his front
porch! The Millers wanted to share their sons with the community. They looked at many sites and after visiting McKay-Dee Hospital, they knew that the Hospital's patio was the perfect location for their boys. They now look forward to many days on the patio with their family and friends, enjoying the healing environment of McKay-Dee while reminiscingand basking in the memory of Bill and Todd.
The Millers know that Bill and Todd will bring a sense o peace and joy to all. They hope that "Our Boys" bring comfort to those who are grieving, a smile to those reminiscing, and hope to those who are looking forward to the bright future while raising their children.
