Willow Tree by Susan Lordi

Guardian

Item SKU: 26195

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Guardian

Love and protect thee, forever

Guardian represents the overwhelming feelings of motherhood, and the desire to protect your new baby forever. The image of an infant cradled closely in her mother's arms is a symbol of the tremendous feelings of love a mother experiences when holding her new child. This figure could suggest a guardian spirit of protection. She could also be comforting to someone who has lost a child; a reminder of the love and caring a mother always feels, regardless of where her child is. I used the word 'thee' in the sentiment as an intimate way of talking to an infant. I think the word has a poetic sound and shows reverence and tenderness. It's the sort of word reserved for someone you love.

Susan Lordi

Your Stories Tell Us Your Story

I lost my second child suddenly when he was only 11 days old. We were shocked, the doctors were shocked, everyone we knew was shocked. How could this happen? The Medical Examiner said she never spent so long on a case; she knew it was a metabolic disorder (a random mutation), but she could not pinpoint which one. We were devastated. It has been a long, difficult year for my husband and me. But I knew I wanted to help other bereaved parents so I created my anonymous blog. Through the blog community I found another bereaved parent, a fellow blogger, and I fell in love with her gravatar. I showed my husband and he discovered it was a Willow Tree figure. I was so touched when he surprised me with it. It means so much to me. I find myself kissing her head when I pass it. On reflection I think I'm kissing the mother's head, my head, knowing that I am the one who needs the support. Thank you for your beautiful, comforting and touching Guardian.


Submitted by Jody in CA, April 2012

I just purchased this figurine for my sister. We have been inseperable since we were small children, and since the birth of my own two children she has loved them and treated them as if they were her own. When she got married, and moved away 1 1/2 years ago, I figured her relationship with them would change, but it hasn't. My husband and I have selected her and her husband to be legal guardians of our children in the event that something happen to us, which is a decision that took us 4 years to make. We are meeting this weekend to sign the final papers so I bought it as a small token of my appreciation for them agreeing to make this huge commitment!

Submitted by Cyndi in PA, December 2011

My first Willow Tree was New Life, the mom and dad with a newborn baby. This was given to us as a gift when our first son was born. I fell in love with the whole Willow Tree line and now collect them myself, and I also give them as gifts when friends and family reach milestones or for special occasions. Each has its own story to tell, a special meaning. The fact that faces are not drawn on the statues makes each even more unique and symbolic, allowing us to use our imagination, and make our own interpretation about the intent of any particular statue.

In 2009 I had a baby boy stillborn at full term. The statue "The Guardian" was a gift from my Mom in remembrance of my Joey because the way the mother holds her child reminded her of how I was holding my Joey on that day he was born--protecting him, surrounding him with my love physically and spiritually.

These Willow Tree products are truly priceless to me and I hope one day to have the whole collection.

Submitted by Kathryn in CT/USA, June 2011

In 2008, our very special, first grandchild, Aurora, was born still at full term. We were utterly crushed by grief. My daughter and I had already been collecting Willow Tree figurines, but now, they have become symbols of hope and encouragement. For Christmas and Mother's Day, we search for a Willow Tree angel or figurine that offers a new message of comfort to us. Susan, your artwork shows compassion and tenderness. May you be encouraged in your "mission" to help others mark special moments in their life.

Submitted by Margaret in Ontario, May 2011

I recieved this piece for my first Mother's Day. It is a beautiful representation of the love I carry for my daughter. I look forward to sending and recieving these gorgeous works of art. Such a thoughtful gift brought me to tears.  The actions of these figures have accurately portrayed the deepest loving feelings of my heart.

Submitted by Ann in IN, May 2011

I was so desperate to have a baby after losing one at 41wks and then having two more miscarriages. I bought this and 'Angel of Miracles' in the hope that I would be given the chance of motherhood and be trusted to have a baby.

Thankfully, I did. I still keep both ornaments as I remember my loses and treasure my little girl.

Submitted by Carol in MERSEYSIDE, April 2011

My son was born at 22 weeks and 4 days. He lived for 2 hours. I was given this from some ladies in my neighborhood. I love it and cherish it. Its one of the best things given to me at that time.

Submitted by Emalee in Utah , January 2011

I have been collecting willow tree figurines since 2005. I love each one for a different reason, as each holds special memories. I bought this one to remember a special but bittersweet memory in our lives. I was 24 weeks pregnant with our first child together, when I miscarried our baby boy, Dakota. I bought this figurine to place next to his urn. It was a comforting piece to me during a grieving time. Now, it helps me remember not that he is gone but that he is in a better place and forever in our hearts.

Submitted by Jessica in Colorado, January 2011

When I was 20 weeks pregnant, I was diagnosed with Stage II cancer. I was 29. I saw scores of doctors who all told me I would have to give up my baby to survive. I refused. I decided to delay treatment until he was born.

My son is healthy and strong and is now learning to walk. I am also in remission! I couldn't be more thankful that the ferocious need to protect my baby helped me make the right choice for us.

I will be displaying this in my home as a reminder to both my son and myself that I will do anything to protect him - forever.

Submitted by Jennifer in PA, January 2011

My husband started buying me Willow Tree figurines on our first anniversary, and for every meaningful event in our lives, he or our children choose a new one to commemorate it. A few years ago, after the loss of our first baby son during my pregnancy, I ached to find a way to commemorate his short time with us. I happened to be in a store that sold the Willow Tree figurines and the first one that caught my eye was "Remember." I cried as I bought it and proudly placed it with my collection. A year later, when we lost our second baby son a friend came to visit and gave me "Guardian," not knowing that I was a collector of Willow Tree. Those two statues have given me an immense gift and an awesome peace every time I walk by them. There are four beautiful statues on my shelf, marking each of my children's lives. I am so grateful to have found something so meaningful to commemorate those moments of my life.

Submitted by Jamie in Ontario Canada, January 2011

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 husband and I have struggled for several years with infertility, and when we did get pregnant, our dreams were shattered by miscarriage. Because of that, most people see us as not being parents, and for two years we have outwardly gone along with that because we didn't want to make people uncomfortable. But today we decided that remembering and loving our baby is more important. We now have this figurine on our mantel in honor of our precious baby who has already gone to Heaven.

Submitted by Karena in UT, November 2010

I purchased this Willow tree for my 13 year old daughter. She anxiously waited 10 years for sibling and when we were finally blessed with a baby girl she would hold her just like this cuddle her for hours. When I gave it to her, she cried and agreed it could not be more perfect. This piece is paired with "Promise" to symbolize my husband and I, and "Two Together" for the boy/girl twins who quickly rounded out our very full family now!! These pieces are very special to my family and I can't help but smile every time i come home and see them. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful and amazing gift!

Submitted by Amanda in California, September 2010

This precious figurine is one that I received after the loss of my 26 month old baby girl to cancer. She is always in my heart and never far from my mind. My Angel Bayon was born 1-9-07 and received her wings on 3-3-09, she was the strongest person I've ever known and will always be my HERO! Mommy misses you Peepers!

Submitted by Amy in Indiana, August 2010

I gave the Guardian to my son's godmother for Christmas. It is a perfect fit for the role of a godmother. She loved the figurine.

Submitted by Stefanie in Texas, February 2010

Christmas day 2009 I received the Guardian figurine. This was a gift to me from my mother & step father as a way to include and remember my infant son who was born sleeping 2 months ago. As a mother, I will cherish the figure because I will protect, love and honor my child forever. And the peacefulness of this figurine brings great comfort as well. I look forward to displaying it and whenever anyone asks about it, smiling for my son.I have already found additional products I plan to get as well. Thank you for creating such wonderful items. You have brought joy and comfort to many I am sure, definately to me. Thank you for bringing comfort to me everytime I look at my guardian!

Submitted by Shelby in North Carolina, December 2009