My husband bought this for me while I was in the hospital with our first and (so far) only child. I've always wanted a Willow Tree figure. I had to be induced and the medicine made me really sleepy, so I slept. When I woke he had this by my bed. He remembered the one I wanted so much. Every time I look at it it makes me think of the day of my son's birth and what a special day it was.

Submitted by Ashley in Florida, USA, January 2012

My husband and I are currently expecting our second child - our first son. When I was pregnant with our first child - our daughter - two Christmases ago, my husband bought me the "Cherish" figure. This Christmas, he bought me this beautiful piece. It is a precious addition to my growing collection, and I look forward to collecting many more pieces soon.

Submitted by Emily in Alabama, December 2011

My daughter in law's sister and her husband have been trying for two years to become parents. Finally after many invitro sessions they just had twins. I was so very happy to find the grouping "New Dad" and "Angel of mine" to buy for them.

Submitted by Patricia in Quebec Canada, December 2011

In 2003 my beatiful son was born. We found out at nine months old that he had a very rare chromosome abnormality, that he would have extreme difficulty with his "trunk strength." Walking for him was extremely hard to learn. When he started taking his 1st steps unaided except for his walker, my mother-in-law sent this to me. He literally walked away from his walker at 32 months old. It is a reminder to me that there is always someone there to help you when you need it, even if you can't see them.

Submitted by Angela in nc, October 2011

Three months ago my little angel was taken from me.  She died of sids at four months old. I still can't believe she's gone. It hurts every day, but looking at this figurine makes me think of her and the happy times that i got to share with her and how i held her in my arms. This figurine represents a happy memory for me and i'm glad that i found it. i know she's in heaven waiting for me and one day i'll be there with her. Until that day i'll have all the memories of me holding my little angel.

Submitted by Taryn in ca, September 2011

This was given to me from my mum for my baby shower. We had been trying for 5 years to give my daughter a sibling. Unfortunately it was a long & heart breaking road, as we lost 4 babies, but finally our luck had changed and we now have another beautiful little girl. It suits even better as her middle name is "Angel".

Submitted by Colette in Queensland, September 2011

I am 22 years old and was was pregnant for the first time. My fiance and I were so excited because we thought we couldn't get pregnant, or at least that we were going to have trouble conceiving. God had created this little miracle and we tried our best to take care of it as we were learning what to do and what not to do. I got my first sonogram when I was about eight weeks along. The doctor told me that the sack had not attached correctly. I was going through my first miscarriage. I didn't know how to take the news, let alone make myself realize that I wasn't going to have my first child. My fiance` stood next to me as I mourned for our little munchkin, rubbing my back, staying strong as I cried.
My aunt had gone through a miscarriage after her first daughter. She gave me the "Angel of Mine."  At first it represented the fact that I would never be able to hold my child, but then after thinking about it, I realized that my little munchkin is with God, safe and happy. Whenever I go from this world, no matter how many kids I have from this day on, that little baby will be waiting for me to hold it in the exact way that the "Angel of Mine" shows.
This Willow Tree means a lot to me, and I feel like it brought closure in a time in my life when I really had no idea how to handle losing my baby. Thank you very much for creating this beautiful sculpture. God Bless.

Submitted by Megan in Missouri, May 2011

Last year when my third child was born my Father-in-Law gave me Angel of Mine. This baby's birth was a miracle; he was the only child I didn't need help to conceive. His conception came right after my step-Father-in-Law passed away, when we were in the middle of a lot of stress. My son is truly a blessing and a miracle. His birth allowed me to have a year off work, and I was able during that time to care for my Mother-in-Law who was diagnosed with cancer. Once we were told that there was nothing more they could do for her, she wanted to come home. I was able to care for her during her final five months. Without my son I would have never been able to do that. Angel of Mine is a reminder of what a blessing he is in our lives.

Submitted by Ania in Ontario, Canada, March 2011

My mum gave us this one as our first anniversary present, and ever since she has given us another with every change in our life. With our first child she gave us the New Dad; With the birth of our eldest daughter she gave us Quietly, and then she gave us Home.  When our second baby girl was born four weeks early she brought me Angel of Mine.  I now have three happy and healthy children. My mother continues to buy your beautiful figures for me.  I am getting quite a collection which fills every corner of my house.  I love them! Thank you so much for making such lovely heart warming pieces. I have given my husband and children gifts of Willow Tree,  for them to take away with them when they leave home

Submitted by Caroline in UK, February 2011

I was so excited when I found the invitation to share my story included with my two new 2011 Willow Tree Figurines!

In 2004 I was 23, very recently engaged, and three months pregnant with my very first baby, when my Mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreas Cancer. She was given 6-9 months to live. My fiance' and I left our new apartment, and I went on a leave from my job to move back in with my mom so I could take care of her full-time. It wasn't long before Hospice had to come in to help me out, as her cancer was progressing so quickly, and was very painful. My Motherand her Hospice nurse became fast friends. One day, the Hospice nurse brought my Mom a gift, the"From the Heart" Willow Tree Plaque. I had never seen any Willow Tree pieces before, but I instantly loved it. My mom told me that when she passed, I should take it with me, and I did. It held such a special place in my heart, not only because it was something special to my mom, but also because it came from a special nurse that made my mother's last few months easier.

In 2005, just 3 months after my mother's passing, I became pregnant with my second baby. While unplanned, we were still very excited to celebrate life in the mix of death consuming us. My oldest sister gifted me the "Angel of Mine" figurine to celebrate my new pregnancy. Sadly, unexpectedly, at 12 weeks along, we lost the baby. This Willow Tree was the only thing I had in rememberance of the baby we would never meet. It too, became such a special piece to me!

My very first two Willow Trees came to me by the two losses that have forever changed me. I hold the people lost, and the pieces gifted, closely in my heart!

I now have 35 Willow Tree items that sit in my living room in a chiro cabinet.

Thank you for allowing me to share.
Constance

Submitted by Constance in MI, February 2011

I'm so relieved to be reading other people's posts about losing a baby. Although some of them are really sad, it makes me feel like I'm not the only person out there who wants to remember a little lost angel. A lot of people think I'm weird for getting a "shrine" to my unborn baby, but I think it's important that they are not forgotten and that they have a place in our hearts. I never got to hold my baby as I suffered a miscarriage at four months, right after my first scan, when I first started to get excited, I suffered from terrible excessive morning sickness, so as you can imagine, I wasn't very enthusiastic. I'm now a few weeks pregnant with my second. Please keep your fingers crossed for me!

Submitted by Rael in United Kingdom, February 2011

My husband bought this sculpture for me for Mothers' day here in Norway, that being yesterday, 13 February. We have had two sons in 22 months, and my days are full of diapers and everything that follows--so I am often tired. When I saw this sculpture I fell in love.  I can not really get to understand how it's possible to make a sculpture that gives so much feeling. It's just fantastic. I know that this sculpture will not be the only one in this house. It's something special!

Submitted by Else in Norway, February 2011

Today I bought "Angel of Mine." I love the tiny baby snuggling into the mother's shoulder.

Almost two months ago, we lost our little baby daughter, Beatrix Elizabeth. She lived for almost two hours after she was born.

We knew that her time here on earth was going to be short--she had a fatal birth defect that was diagnosed at 16 weeks. We chose to continue honoring the life that she had here, and carried her to term.

She was so very beautiful when she was born. I held her and loved her so very much.

This angel is so simple, and so meaningful. My 7 year old son and I went to our local flower shop, which carries Willow Tree angels, to find the perfect one to sit on the table with our "Baby Bea's" photo. We looked for a long time, debating which was the perfect one. When I saw Angel of Mine, I knew it was the one.

We own other Willow Tree angels- they are so beautiful! Thank you for sharing your talent.

Submitted by Sarah in NY, February 2011

My Mother-in-law bought me my first figurine after I had my daughter.  Two years ago we had a massive house fire; thankfully, my daughter and I escaped. The house and almost everything inside was a total loss. Rummaging through the rubble, I found my Willow Tree piece.  I cherish it to this day,  and now I am collecting more peices for our new house and new beginning!!!

Submitted by Alisha in WA, February 2011

This piece really means a lot to me. My daughter passed away right after I gave birth to her, about a year ago. I deeply miss her every day of my life. This Christmas, my husband gave me this figurine and I broke into tears as soon as I saw it. Susan has astoundingly captured the love between a mother and a daughter. My little baby girl is definately an 'Angel of Mine'.

Submitted by Jodi in Ontario, Canada, December 2010

I lost my son in full term labour last year. He is my third son. I had previously bought a willow tree model called Quietly as it looks like a mum and two boys. I wanted to mark my third son's life with a Willow Tree model also. When I saw this in the shop it reminded me of those precious hours I had holding him, before I had to leave him. It now sits on my mantle with the other model.  And now, I have bought Angel of Mine to mark the safe arrival of my fourth son.

Submitted by Alicia in Lincolnshire, December 2010

My mum bought me this figure for my youngest daughter's Christening. It captures exactly how much I love her and as she grows will remind me how it felt to hold her when she was tiny.

Submitted by Maureen in England, September 2010

My dear friend sent me this after I lost a baby as a result of an ectopic pregnancy. The card read, "For the babies you hold in your arms as well as those you hold in your heart." I have three children I hold in my heart and five I hold in my arms. This figurine is on my window sill over the kitchen sink with my St. Gerard prayer card (patron saint of expectant mothers). I am on my way to buy two for other mothers who have recently lost babies in pregnancy. What a beautiful way to remember our children; living and in heaven. Thank you.

Submitted by Christine in Virginia, July 2010

I was given my first figurine, Angel of Mine, for my birthday, right after my son was born. I love it because even though it has no face, you can still see affection and love. Since then I have recieved more. After my grandmother passed away, I got her the Comfort plaque. As a Christmas gift, I got Sisters by Heart and for my first wedding anniversary I recieved Promise from my husband. I continue to love these figurines. The warmth that comes from them, and the love that came from the people who gave them to me are never forgotten. I now want to get some of the family oriented ones for my husband and myself, and I continue to give them as gifts. They are a great ways to send love without words.

Submitted by Kimberley in Quebec, Canada, March 2010

This was given to me when my daughter was born three years ago. When I saw it I knew that the feeling of holding her as a tiny baby had been captured. I have just had my second baby and I still feel that this piece captures that same feeling.

Submitted by Lesley in United Kingdom, March 2010