As Kathy and I began the journey of raising our family, we became consumed with the daily challenges and tasks it requires. I also had a career to build to fuel our plans and efforts. I continued going to school evenings and she was the one managing the house, the kids and me. Each of us had our roles but it was doing it together that became our reward and goal. Our communication and love grew during these years. As the children moved on we had more time to share. Out of that time grew seedlings of future dreams to explore our love even more. I sit in that garden alone now watching it to continue to grow and still needing nurturing but my days are wanning and that rythym of love that Kathy and I shared together has been interrupted. She was the greatest part of building this garden we both embraced working on it together and sharing even the simple things, the touch of our hands, a wink and a smile and most that laugh she would give when she was pleased. Our memories, her children, grandchildren and our friends are her legacy of love to us all. Our garden will continue to grow as long as we keep and hold her memory. Katherine I will remember you for eternity.  J

Kathy and I started our journey knowing family would be what hold our life together besides our love for each other. Sharon started us with the realization of the new responsibilities that went with caring for a new person in our lives. Stephen followed a few years later and we were on our way. Those joyous days are precious memories to me now. In 1970 Michael Robert joined the clan. He survived the new love of his brother and sister and of course was the baby of the family, and still is. Kathy and I chose one goal for raising these beautiful children, we would help them find their own happiness. Each of them did and we are so proud of them and their legacies to their families and so many others. That alone should be a satisfying accomplishment but it is now in this incredible time of grief for me that I truly realize the value of family and friends in the support to me and the memory of Kathy.

In February of 1963 Gerald Blackburn and Katherine Miller met on a weekend trip with the CYO group at Lake Gregory. This was the begining of a year long courtship and bonding of two special souls. Jerry was an engineer on rocket ride to an aerospace career, Kathy was working as a biller for a glass company. They soon realized their stars and dreams were bringing their visions together. By Christmas of 1963 Jerry had proposed marriage Kathy accepted on February 8th 1964 they were wed. They honeymooned in Carmel and by November the family was launched with the birth of Sharon Marie.

On April 19, 1942 Katherine Margaret Miller was born to John and Grace Miller in Huntington Park California. She was the first daughter and would be joined later by a sister Margaret. Kathy was a social person and always made friends easily. Kathy was a model catholic school girl. As a child of the past she was blessed with parents who nurtured in her the impressive qualities of motherhood and family.