I received this figurine for Christmas yesterday from my boyfriend. He saved the best gift for last. It is such a meaningful piece to us. He also wrote his own personal message on the inside of the figurine's placement tag.

This is my first Willow Tree product. I love it dearly! I cannot wait to receive more figurines to create a wonderful collection to represent our journey in life together.

Submitted by Emily in USA, December 2011

I have several in my collection of Wllow Tree figurines, marking events in my life.
I have the Grandmother which I acquired when my grandmother turned 90. She died that year. I got Cherish when I worked at an OB/GYN clinic. I have Mother and Daughter for when my daughter graduated high school. I hope to get this one to mark my marriage to the most wonderful man on earth.

Submitted by Linda in AR/USA, December 2011

My fiance and I got this as a gift for our engagement. Promise reminds us that our love is a promise to each other and we can make it last forever. This is a beautiful figure and it will always be a reminder of our love for each other.

Submitted by Angela in Ontario, December 2011

This figure was given to me for my wedding almost five years ago. Even my husband enjoys this one because we are always together and very affectionate towards one another.

Submitted by Laura in NY, November 2011

I bought one of the Willow Tree products yesterday, 2 Nov. 2011 and I placed it in my living room, I bought "Promise". I am not married but I do hope to find a wife someday, "Promise" is what I look at each day now and it gives me hope to finding that perfect wife with whom I can share all time and eternity. Maybe someday I can only hope that she will walk into my life and we will be together forever.

Submitted by Rick in UT, November 2011

On the 11 June 2009 (my birthday) my partner (now husband) kept me awake until after 12 midnight so he could give me two of the three presents he had purchased for me. I opened both of them and this was one of them. I loved it the moment I saw it. I was then allowed to go to bed, only to be awakened at 6:00 am and told to get dressed, as we were going out. I wasn't impressed being that I'm not a morning person and it was after all my birthday. He got in the car with me following along, wouldn't tell me where we were going, and we ended up at the Storey Bridge in Brisbane. I told him I wasn't climing the bridge, however, 957 stairs later I was at the top and it was beautiful. We crossed over the bridge and climbed some more stairs (just in case we hadn't done enough already) where he got down on his knee, told me I was the most beautiful person in the world, his best friend and the one person he couldn't live without, and then asked me to marry him. I was absolutely thrilled and of course said yes! When I look at this on our bookshelf I smile and think about that day. It still brings tears to my eyes and a smile to my lips. Thank you for creating something so beautiful.

Submitted by Kylie in Queensland, Australia, October 2011

In July 2010, Jeffrey and I were married. We were 61 years old. We had met in March 2009 after each being single for 20 years. Friends and family had been praying for each of us to meet the person God had meant for each other. We knew this was the marriage that would last forever. It was, and is, our "Promise" to each other, our true commitment to the love we share. We chose this lovely piece (the larger one) as the top of our wedding cake which shimmered like sparkling sand and had real sea shells. It was as if we were dancing on the beach alone. We're about to celebrate our 1st anniversary, and I'm surprising him with the "Anniversary" piece to add to our collection we've come to treasure. I've been the blessed recipient of many pieces from friends, and have given them to friends and family. What a lovely collection and legacy you've given us. Thank you!

Submitted by Alta in CA, July 2011

My husand and I were married Feb 15, 1981. We had a very good maairage did everything together. After 17 years we went through a rough patch and wound up divorcing. We remained friends and spoke often even though he moved away to Florida. In Feb of 2005 he asked me to come vist. I thought about it and decided we were still in love and I missed him so much so, I went. When I was there we decided to get back together. He always told me "I promise we will be together again."  I moved to Florida in April 2005, and remarried July 2006.
He started buying me Willow Tree, and the first one he got me was Promise. Every time I look at it I always remember his promise. I love them. I have many, and I always look forward to new ones.

Submitted by christine in florida, June 2011

My story begins in 2009 when my husband gave me the "Together" figures for my birthday, along with a wonderful poem and a note. He was always such a romantic. He was always buying thing having to do with love and his love for me. Sadly my husband was diagnosed with cancer in December of 2010 and passed away in March of 2011. This is when I found the "Promise" figures and just had to buy it. My husband and I promised to always love and cherish each other every day, and I kept that promise till the day he died. I will always love my husband. Even now I think of him constantly, and every time I look at these figures I remember all our good times and the love we had for each other. These figures mean so much to me. Every time I see them they make me smile, and I'm sure my husband smiles as well. They show the love my husband and I had for each other.
Thank you so much for the beauty and the love these figures depict.

Submitted by Sandra in ON, May 2011

When my fiance was hospitalized and had to have surgery I gave him the Angel of Healing. I also bought Mother and Son for my adult son. I bought Promise because it depicted the love my fiance and I had for each other.
I also bought Sisters by Heart because it reminds me of my two daughters when they were little. My son purchased the Mother and Son for me as a Mother's Day gift this May. He said it shows what he feels for his mother. Of course I had some tears rolling down my cheeks. Thank you for the beauty and the heartfelt feeling that Willow Tree depicts.

Submitted by Donna in WA, May 2011

When my fiance and I first started dating, I remember him asking me if I collected anything. At the time, I never really had anything that I wanted to collect so I told him no. Well, this past weekend I had my bridal shower with all my girls and the very last present was this Promise figurine from my wonderful fiance Jim! He not only made me and all the ladies cry with his sweet message and thoughtful gift, but he has given me this amazing opportunity to start collecting something :) I cant wait to continue my life memories with him and collect each figurine along the way!

Submitted by Betsy in NC, May 2011

I purchased Promise for my son Matthew & Adrianna (daughter-in-law) as one of her bridal shower gifts. She displays it proudly next to their wedding photos. On Saturday they are picking up their first puppy and I bought the Angel of Friendship to commemorate another special day in their lives.

Submitted by Donna in VA, April 2011

We have Promise in our bedroom, and I think it exudes peace. I absolutely love the collection, and I want to purchase Home someday.
Congratulations,

Elis

Submitted by Elisabete in Portugal, March 2011

I had tears in my eyes when I first saw the Willow Tree figures. There was an angel holding a little baby on his first step, “Guardian Angel." That angel was our sweet Fernanda. Every time my nephew asks about her we just say “she is in heaven with the other angels." I wrote an e-mail to a friend of mine saying that the statues are like a mirror--you can find your face or your soul in one of them. When my sister-in-law came from England to visit us last year she gave us the couple “Promise." She said that when she first saw the statue it was like looking at a reflection of my husband and me together. We have been married for five years. We lost our baby last year, and hope soon God can bless us with “Our Gift." Thank you for looking after our hearts and giving hope to our souls.
Maria

Submitted by Maria in NSW, March 2011

My husband & I were married on 6 November 2010, and “Promise” was given to us as a wedding gift. We have it proudly on display in our lounge room next to one of our wedding photos. We are now pregnant with our first child, and I can’t wait to purchase “Home.” I think it sums up our love, excitement & nerves for our precious bub. I can’t wait to collect more Willow Tree figurines as we go through life & tick off our milestones together. Thank you for making personal feelings seen & shared.

Submitted by Tamara in Australia, March 2011

Our first Willow Tree piece was given to my husband by our oldest daughter. It was "Father & Daughter." A few years ago both my husband & I bought each other "Promise" for our anniversary. That was a funny coincidence.  Now I received "Surrounded by Love" from our youngest daughter for my 55th birhtday. These figures remind us of the love shared in our family.

Submitted by Mary in MN/US, February 2011

My husband and I just married about a month before Christmas 2010, and my grandparents had come out to see us from CA to CO. They brought along a gift for us. I couldn't believe my eyes when we opened the box and saw a "Willow Tree" box.  I had been wanting one of the couples from the "Willow Tree" for so long. My husband and I were so happy to know it was the "Promise" one! We love how there are no faces and they are so simple; the couple can be anyone we want them to be, i.e., us! And now for our first Valentine's together as husband and wife, he bought me the "Je T'aime". I am so thankful to have a small collection for us now! And we have decided every Valentine's Day, Anniversary and Christmas we will get each other one, because it symbolizes our life together and our love!

Submitted by Ashley in CO, February 2011

I waited ten years to find that perfect person for me. Last year I met him, and he is truly my dream come true. I want to spend the rest of my life with this man. We are both active duty and separated by over a thousand miles. We are determined to make this work until we can finally be married. I promise to love him for the rest of my life.

Submitted by Heather in California, February 2011

I had seen the Willow Tree angels in the stores, but never really paid that much attention to them. After a short separation from my husband, we decided to work on our marriage. Recently we were in a store and he asked me if I liked them, and of course I said I did.  Nothing else was said at the time. On Valentine's Day 2011 he gave me the "Promise - Hold dear the promise of love" angel. This was the perfect angel, and a promise that I would have his love forever. These angels are so beautiful, but so simple, and with a lot of meaning. I look at the angel every day and know that our marriage has promise and is meant to be.

Submitted by Michelle in NC, February 2011

After 30 years, I've finally met my "childhood sweetheart." For some reason, the innocent love that we called it back then rekindled into something far more serious, and more genuine. I gave her The Promise figurine that symbolizes the promise of my true and genuine love for her. It also symbolizes our promise to love each other until the end.

Below is the poem that I have composed, just for her, together with The Promise.

Our Time.....

Our time has come,
To see each other again.
Our moment has arrived,
To express this love we have.


When I saw you at a distance,
as you walked towards me.
I felt the thrill of seeing you,
and I can't believe that it's you.


I gave you a warm kiss,
and I thought it was just a dream.
But you assured me with hug,
and a whisper that you're here.


I kept looking at your face,
as I continue to be amazed.
I still can't believe that you're the girl,
I adored and loved back in the days.


We held our hands together,
and felt the magic we had back then.
That moment that I've been waiting for,
finally that magical time is here.


We laughed and cried together,
while we reminisced our past.
We assured ourselves right there,
that our future would be better.


We renewed our promise,
and we renewed our vows.
That the love we have for each other,
is here to last until forever.


We expressed our love for each other,
and we knew that it was for real.
I hugged you tight and kissed you,
and told you that my genuine love is for you.


If only I could stay for awhile,
to spend more time with you.
I would do more for us,
to prove that this love is true.

I love you more than you know,
I just wish I didn't have to go.
I just want another day with you,
And I know that's what you would have wanted too.

I miss you more and more each day,
There is so much more we had to say.
I know I will see you again,
and this time I will be with you until the end.

I love you so much.

Submitted by Jon in Australia, February 2011

Hi--
The moment I saw the Willow Tree sculptures I thought about my Love. We live far from each other but I think our hearts are always together. So said to myself that these are the best gifts that I can give him; that every moment he looks at them it will remind him of me. I bought one of them and gave it to him! I will never forget his face and his words when he saw the gift. I'm sure I can never find anything like these sculptures! they talk to me.

Submitted by Saba in Iran, February 2011

My husband is a United States Marine. We have been together for five years, married for two, and are currently going through his second deployment to Afghanistan. He knows that I've been wanting to start a Willow Tree collection for the events in our lives. The day he left, he brought me out a present. In it was this figurine with a note that said, "I promise to always love you. I promise I will always return home to you. Always remember that when you look at this. I love you."

Submitted by Amy in HI, January 2011

We are so blessed, Jacques and I. We now have five grandchildren from our two sons, within 2 1/2 years. It all started with the Promise, and then Happiness, now my girls with the Blessing.  You are a true artist touching the heart of our family.

Thank you, Shirley

Submitted by shirley in Quebec, Canada, January 2011

To say that the song "God Blessed the Broken Road" would be an understatement for my husband and I ending up together, very happily married for one year as of 12/31/10. He is the blessing and the promise of love, he is a blessing and a promise from God.

I love Willow Tree carvings, and only mentioned it to my husband once in a store that had them. He came home the other day with "Promise," and he told me that it says exactly what he wants to say to me about how he loves me.

This statue, when set side by side with our favorite wedding photo, perfectly mimics the way we are standing and holding one another, and he didn't even realize it until I put them together.

Meant to be, and that is a Promise.

Submitted by Stefanie in GA, December 2010

Today, my boyfriend came over with my Christmas present; we had been separated on the actual holiday. He gave me a hug and just handed me this box. I opened it up to find the beautiful "Promise" inside. This was the perfect gift. This boy means so much to me, and the fact that he gave me something so meaningful and beautiful means the world to me. I have fallen in love with this piece and can't wait to see the others! I couldn't believe how well this piece matched my boyfriend and me. Thank you.

Submitted by Lorraine in MA, December 2010

My husband met me just when I was starting to collect the WillowTree figures. He always finds the right ones for the right moments in our lives. Promise was one he gave to me before we were married. He gave it as a gift to promise me that he would always be a good person, always be there for me, and never give up on us. It has been a mainstay to my collection because we have been through a lot since meeting. Promise now stands by the little picture we have to remember the baby we lost in a miscarriage. Thank you for creating products that touch our hearts!!!

Submitted by Crystal in Ohio, December 2010

I've been married to my soldier for 20 years, and this Christmas, he bought Promise for me. He chose Promise because I often ask him to dance to the songs we love. He said that I can keep this dance while he is deployed again. Thanks for a wonderful memory.

Submitted by Stephanie in TN, December 2010

Keeping a promise is very important to me. When I make a promise, I keep that promise, and when someone makes a promise to me, I expect them to keep it. My boyfriend had made a promise to me on a ring, promising to be with me always, and for my birthday, one month before our three year anniversary, he got me the "Promise" Willow Tree figure, knowing how much I love Willow Tree. Along with the figure he wrote me a note saying on this figure he makes a similar promise as the promise of my ring. This one however is a promise of our future together. I cried when I received the figure, and still cry after reading the note. Nothing he has given me can compare to this figurine, or his promise.

Submitted by Kirsten in KY, December 2010

My son is an United States Marine currently serving in Afghanistan. Last week I was in a store and saw one of your figurines that took my breath away. It is the "Promise" figurine. My son and his fiance took a picture on the beach in Alabama that looks almost identical to the figurine. They could have been your inspiration, it's so close.

I'm helping him with his shopping for her and bought the "Promise" today and am placing a copy of the picture in a silver frame. She will receive them for Christmas from him.

Submitted by Kelley in CA, December 2010

I have fallen in love with your figurines. I have "Promise" representing the love & commitment between my husband & myself who have a long, interesting history together. We met as young teens, dated just out of high school, were apart for 3 tough years & not with anyone else, reunited, married, & now have 2 beautiful children. I received "Cherish" during our 2nd pregnancy. My mother got it for me during our first pregnancy, but I miscarried before she was able to surprise me with it. She decided to wait & gave it to me after I got pregnant again, so as not to upset me, however, I now view it as an homage to each of my pregnancies. She gave me "Child of my Heart" when our son became a toddler. It exudes the deep love & security between mother & child.

I look forward to seeing what you create and adding to my cherished collection.

Rebecca - Iowa

Submitted by Rebecca in IA, December 2010

A few years ago, my mom and I were at our local Hallmark store when I happened upon the Demadco collection for the first time. I was a senior in high school at the time and, being an artist and musician, had always been a romantic. When I saw the "Promise" statue, I stared at it for a long time--kind of lost in thought; all I ever wanted was a marriage and family of my very own. Being late in the game and not having yet found the "one" worth dating at the time, I remember showing the statue to my mom and saying "I really wish I had a guy in my life--like this." Of course, she replied "Don't worry; it will happen soon enough." Well, I am 25 now and going on my first anniversary on October 31st to the greatest guy in the world. And just tonight he surprised me with an early anniversary gift: The "Promise" statue that I had told him the story of back while we were still dating. Needless to say, I got way more than I had ever anticipated that day.

Submitted by Jillana in Wisconsin, October 2010

I am getting married on October 9, 2010. I received the Promise as a gift from someone at work. This is my first piece from the Willow Tree collection but it is not my last piece. I figured this is the perfect time to start collecting the piece since I'm starting a new life & eventually a family. I know people that have some of the pieces. Im so happy that I finally have something I can collect that is also beautiful.

Submitted by April in New Jersey, September 2010

I love your figurines. I own "The Hero" because of a loved one who has passed away and she stands next to his military flag. I gave "Close to Me" to my daughter while she was away at school. I gave "Generations" to my grandson's mother at her baby shower. I gave "Father and Daughter" to my husband when I first saw your beautiful figurines, and "Promise" was my anniversary gift to him a year ago on Valentines. Right now I am looking for Mother and son for both of my sons. One son is now a father and the other is going through some rough times. So I thought I needed different emotions, but of course your figurine says it all. I do wish though, that there was one showing a mom embracing her son like she never ever wanted to let him go. I think my son needs that right now and he is in another state, so symbolically your statue could say that for me.

Thank you for making such beautiful and meaningful art! Sometimes I find myself standing there in tears or smiling or just...standing in awe. RL

Submitted by Robin in Utah, September 2010

My sister and brother in law gave my husband and me this beautiful figurine for our wedding.I love the way in which they hold eachother so tenderly. Whenever I have a grumpy day and "Promise" catches my eye,it reminds me to be loving to my dear husband no matter how I feel:)

Submitted by veerle in Belgium, September 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

My brother and sister-in-law gave this statue to my husband and I as a wedding gift. It's the first one I've owned. I've seen many other Willow Tree statues. I've been hooked since I love the designs and themes. I'm currently pregnant with our first child and I plan on getting the statue that represents the pregnant mother. Thank you for sharing your talent with the world. :)

Submitted by Candy in Utah, August 2010

My story is sad, but one of love. My partner Michael was looking for a special gift for me to signify his feelings. After browsing the gift shop in Solihull he was drawn to "Promise." He kept returning to it and said he just knew he had to buy it. He presented it to me with a little gift card and I thought it was beautiful. Unfortunatly only after 13 months of being together Michael suddenly passed away, he suffered a massive stroke from which he could not recover. The "promise" is a gift I will always treasure and is a constant reminder of our love. The little figurine is just how we used to hold each other and we believed it was made just for us...

Submitted by Elaine in England, August 2010

The first time we saw 'Promise', the nurses at the delivery of our daughter had taken pictures of her with the 'Promise' statue. Unfortunately, she passed away.

Our sister-in-law then bought us this piece for Christmas a few weeks later. We will always cherish this piece as a reminder of our daughter.

Submitted by Dion in Indiana, July 2010

After many hints my husband (boyfriend at the time), bought me the "Together" figurine for our 3rd Christmas last year. After I opened it and happily displayed it on the shelf he said he saw "Promise", and that it would be perfect for our wedding cake someday. Little did he know I had already I had that in mind. I then told him they made the "Promise" as a cake topper!
It made a beautiful addition to our cake on our May 15th wedding and I will admire it everyday in my collection for years to come.

Submitted by Elizabeth in Illinois, July 2010

My fiance began giving me Willow Tree figurines before we even began officially dating - he gave me the full-sized "Promise" for Valentine's Day last year, and I love it. It depicts perfectly how we feel about each other. As soon as I found out about the cake topper, I couldn't imagine anything more incredible for our wedding day!

Submitted by Kate in Maine, June 2010

My Fiance bought me this for mothers day.I was surprised because I never told him which of your pieces I loved.He gave this to me and I fell in love with it. It sits in our bedroom and every time I look at the piece I am reminded of his warmth and love,the way he holds me,or the way he gazes into my face.We plan on putting the Promise cake topper on our wedding cake.These pieces are the most beautiful interpretations of love. Thank you.

Submitted by Heather in North Carolina, May 2010

My husband and I were high school sweethearts and we married in '06. I remember we looked EVERYWHERE for a cake topper that was really *us*, online, in stores, up and down the I5 corridor, until I found this figurine (along with many other Willow Trees) in a tiny little store close to our home town. It was perfect. Heavy, but I knew as soon as I saw it that we'd make it work no matter what. I just wish the cake topper of this had been around back then! This will always ALWAYS be my favorite Willow Tree. Thank you.

Submitted by Megan in Washington, May 2010

My boyfriend of a year and a half, knows how my last relationships have turned out and decided to show his commitment by giving me the Promise Willow Tree figurine. It was and still is the most special gift he has ever got me. I love the Willow Tree collection and he knows I do. I think it was the perfect gift to truely show me he cares.

Submitted by Amber in Ohio, May 2010

My husband gave this to me for Christmas 2009. We met on a dancefloor and he told me he loved me for the first time while dancing. He often dances me around the kitchen so this was a very special piece to me. Thanks! I wish the cake topper would've been around then, I would have used it for sure!

Submitted by Sarah in Texas, April 2010

The day I encountered this beautiful figurine I was killing time whilst waiting for an appointment. I had no intention of purchasing anything but when I saw Promise it was like something shot through my heart reminding me of a Promise from God I received in 2003. It has not yet been fulfilled and many times I begin to lose hope.
The day I encountered this figurine (and subsequently bought) was the feast of the Annunciation, a day when God's promise to the Jewiah people was fulfilled. I feel this was significant and now every time I look on the figurine my hope is rekindled. It truly is a promise of love.

Submitted by Nina in England, April 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

I am a new collector of the Willow Tree figurines. My husband got me my first piece, "Cherish", for Christmas 2009, as we are expecting our first child in June 2010. He just got me this piece, "Promise", for my birthday. It is such a special piece to me, because it really does seem as if the artist created it specifically for us. My husband will take me in his arms like that all the time and slowly dance with me or just hold me closely. It is such a beautiful piece of art, and a sweet reminder of the love my husband and I share. I look forward to adding many more Willow Tree figurines to my collection!

Submitted by Emily in Alabama, March 2010

I received my first Willow tree angel some years ago, I am from Chile and every time that I visit the USA I try to get a new figure for myself, or family, or friend. I just loved it!  With the past earthquake in Chile I lost two of my favorite figurines "Together" and "Promise", and I hope to have them again. Every Willow Tree figurine transmits a lot of feelings and good memories.  It is amazing how a piece of art brings good things into your life. Great art!

Submitted by Elizabeth in Chile, March 2010

I started my collection in high school when my cheerleading coach gave me one as a 'Thank You' gift for my dedication during the season, it was the Friendship figuirine of the angel holding the cat. My love for Willow Tree started there. I received the "Promise" figurine for my bridal shower from my mother and from there my collection has grown. I now own seven Willow Tree angels, figurines, etc. and will continue buying more. I love the design of them. They are just beautiful. Keep creating beautiful pieces! Thank you!

Submitted by Megan in Ohio, February 2010

The Promise figure which I will give to my wife on Jan 17th 2010 will stand for our promise we gave to one another 40 years ago. We have been tested many times. My wife has had back operations which landed her on disability for some time. I have been on disability for the last eleven years with many medical problems. Life is not always easy.  It is what you and that special someone make of it when you make that promise.

Submitted by Edward in Massachusetts, December 2009

My mom was diagnosed with Cancer in March 2009 . She has battled uphill some very tough battles lately and asked me to purchase this for a gift to my dad from her, to show  him how much she appreciates his love and promise to stay by her side through thick and thin. Their love for each other has grown stronger throughout this entire trial in their lives. We have always been huge fans of what we call " Little people without a face."

Submitted by Mary in Florida, November 2009

Our AF son is in Afghanistan for his second deployment, this time for a year. At Christmas, halfway through, he will get a brief visit with his beautiful wife & little daughters. He writes "in my mind,we're in the kitchen fixing dinner and slowly dancing to the sounds of Norah Jones, with our little girls giggling in the background. We're holding each other and my heart fills with tears and chokes me with homesickness." I bought this statue for them.

Submitted by Dixie in Texas, November 2009