Item SKU: 26218
Kindness (girl)
Above all, kindness
I really like the simplicity and truth of this sentiment, Above all, kindness. Kindness is a virtue that gives us so much reward, and one we aspire to. The animal that the child holds can be metaphorical (who better to teach us about kindness than animals?) or the figure can simply represent a loving relationship with a pet.
Your Stories 
Hello, my name is Amanda; I am 18 years old and an Ohio resident. I have always been a cat lover, and for this Christmas in 2011, my mother bought me the most beautiful hand carved figure of a girl holding a cat, and on the bottom of the figure it said "Kindness." I was so happy that I was speechless and immediately began tearing up. I have a cat named Tiffany who is one year and seven months and she means the absolute world to me. She brings joy, comfort, and is the reason why I strive to live. I would like to thank the Willow Tree company for making this beautiful piece because it truly does express my innermost feelings for my little darling cat. I will be making future purchases from this company. God Bless all of you.
Submitted by Amanda in Ohio, December 2011
I bought this piece in remembrance of my beloved cat George.He started out as my daughter's cat but George came to live with me about four years ago. He was a big long haired cat with an attitude, but George and I understood each other. Several months ago he had surgery for a tumor that turned out to be cancer. The vet hoped that the surgery had removed all of the tumors. George came home and seemed to recover for awhile but soon be began to stop his normal activities. He didn't want to lie on the patio or eat his favorite treats. George began to lose weight and went from his heavy weight to barely there. George passed away four days before Christmas of liver failure. The feelings of loneliness and sadness seemed to lessen when I saw the little girl holding the cat. I bought it to remind me of my precious George and the day he passed.
Submitted by Kerry in Texas, December 2011
In 2000 there was a stray cat that used to come around my door. He was very friendly and I soon found out from neighbors that the family who owned him abandoned him when they moved and left him to fend for himself. I named him Tookie. I would feed him and let him stay inside my home but only when I was there. In 2002 I moved and I couldn't bear the thought of leaving him behind, even though that's the last thing I wanted was a cat. Being the animal lover that I am, I decided to take him with me. He has been a wonderful pet who has brought me so much joy and love. He became sick and this past week he stopped eating. He lost a lot of weight and I could tell he was starting to suffer. I decided it was best to put him to sleep because I did not want him to suffer. My husband was so kind in taking him to the vet because I couldn't bear to do it myself. Just tonight my husband sat me on the sofa and handed me a beautiful package. I opened it; it was my first Willow Tree. It is Kindness, a girl sitting indian style holding a cat in her arms; she is looking at the cat and the cat is looking at her. It touched my heart so deeply. I will forever treasure this beautiful piece. It means so much to me.
Submitted by Susan in PA, December 2011
I received this piece last night from my friend Meghan. My cat Jackson, whom I adopted 8 years ago, has been declining in health over the past two months. My boyfriend Matt and I took him to the vet three weeks ago and he has a rare parasite causing him anemia. The vet gave Jackson a Vitamin B shot, and medicine for us to give him daily. Jackson's health improved immediately, but only for a week. His weight started to drop again, his color fading, his eyes more dim. Today is his three-week check-up with the vet. I know he won't suffer anymore.
Jackson looks like the famous cat "Morris." This big loveable red tabby--my sweet sweet kitty, my porkchop. This portly cuddly cat that puts his front paws around your neck and buries his head in your neck is a frail shell of what he once was. Many times when he purrs he sounds more like a pigeon cooing. I called him a "pigeon cat."I could raise his front legs and he'd do "So Big!" feeling his body shudder as he stretched, even squiching up his face while he did it, so cute! Jackson is truly the most loving and adoring cat I've ever known. He's loved everyone who's been in his life.
I was about to start teaching my Zumba Toning class last night when my friend stopped in with a gift for me. I had just apologized to my class for not being as enthusiastic due to what I knew would be coming today. As I was unwrapping the box I looked at Meghan and said "it's going to make me cry isn't it? It's something with a cat isn't it?" She said, "yeah, probably, but just open it." I saw the Willow Tree box, saw "Kindness." As soon as I lifted the Styrofoam off I started crying.
This is the most thoughtful gift anyone has given me. Meghan admits to not liking cats at all - except Jackson.
What makes this figurine so special is that the cat has this round face, just as my Jackson once did, looking up at me with those big round, green eyes.
Last night he slept curled up between Matt and I, and I rolled over at some point and Jackson stayed curled up next to me until my alarm clock went off. This is the first time in 8 years that he slept in the bed with me the entire night.
I'm leaving work early today to be with Jackson before the vet appointment--watch him explore the back yard, soaking up the sunshine; give him him favorite treats, and of course lots of hugs, kisses and cuddle time.
I love you Jackson, and I know you love me back. Thank you for coming into my life, you will be greatly missed.
Submitted by Jill in MN, October 2011
A year and half ago my husband Eric and I were blessed to add to our family of two, two cats, Kingsford and Bebe. Kingsford was our "wild one," always up to no good always looking for a good time! He was more my husband's cat. "King" had a wild nature about him, seeked adventure and was always up for a challenge, definitely not the "coddling" type of kitten like my Bebe. Bebe is an indoor cat and King was indoor/outdoor, to keep him locked up all day and night was torture for him! Eric had to do some traveling for work this past week and when he returned on Friday he presented me with this "Kindness" figurine. We both laughed because the cat looks so much like our "King" who never lets me hold him--he couldn't find a figurine with a cat who looks like Bebe! Saturday morning we woke up and as usual walked outside to call for Kingsford to come in...he didn't come, this was typical of him; sometimes he liked to play hide and seek with us! Thirty minutes passed and Eric said he was going out for coffee, Bebe and I stayed in cleaning the house. I decided to move my Willow Tree figurines to another side of the living room, I had literally just put down my latest addition when our front door opened and I saw Eric with Kingsford in his arms. He had been hit by a vehicle, and Eric found him just outside our subdivision. I took him from Eric and wrapped him in a blanket and held on to him. I sat on his favorite chair (our ottoman) and rocked him back and forth....this was the first and last time Kingsford ever let me hold him. It was just so ironic that this statue was given to me on his last day with us, and it was exactly the figurine I was placing down when I saw him in my husband's arms. Now when I look at this statue I think of how my "big boy" finally allowed me to hold him and love him.
Submitted by Angela in TX, September 2011
I bought this beautiful figurine in memory of my cat Sam. He was once a feral cat but chose me to be his best friend. He was loyal,loving, and always knew how to cheer me up. He is truly missed.
Submitted by Shirley in New York, May 2011
Late last year (2010) my cat Magix, whom I've raised since he was a few weeks old, ran away. We live out in the middle of nowhere with wild animals and what not. Ever since he ran away I've tried to trick myself into believing that someone saw him out and about, picked him up and took him to a good home; but I've also come to the terms that he may have died.
Regardless, this wonderful little figure gives me comfort, when I see it. I know that regardless of where he is he's being taken care of. Also we've lost a lot of animals over the years. I also have "Angel of Friendship" that has an angel holding a dog, and both of those give me a lot of comfort.
Thank you so much for making these beautiful figures I can't wait to get more and watch my collection grow over the years.
Tatiana
Submitted by Tatiana-Rose in United States, April 2011
I received this piece today as a remembrance of my AngelCat. He became very sick and I had to let him go with God. He was my best friend for three years and I miss him very much. He helped me through the loss of my sweet Granddaughter, Jasmine. Thank you for your wonderful talent and for sharing it with us. I will be looking for other pieces to give to special people in my life.
Jackie
Submitted by Jackie in New York, March 2011
I purchased Kindness at Christmas as a tribute to my darling cat Jess who passed away in October, and I also have With Affection for my other little cat Kylie who passed away three years ago. I love to look at them as they remind me of when I held my cats and all the joy they gave me over the years.
Submitted by Doreen in UK, January 2011
The Christms before she passed away, a dear friend gave me the Thank You angel. She told me I ws an angel because of all I did for her. Last year was my first without her, and I ws really sad and depressed. This year I am starting a memorial tradition of collecting a new Willow Tree each year--this year is Kindness, because I befriended a sick cat. Kindness brings joy into what would have been another sad Christmas. I look forward to next year to add to my collection. Thank you.
Submitted by MONARAE in OR, December 2010
As soon as I saw the "kindness" figurine it reminded me of my cat who I dearly miss. We lost her to sickness about two years ago. She loved to sit in our laps and cuddle with us. I now display "kindness" in my living room to honor my little Ritzy!
Submitted by Jennifer in Newfoundland/Canada, August 2010
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