My reason for doing this piece probably stems from two places. The first was from the accidental loss of my son. During that trial, I did a great deal of thinking about the connection between the afterlife and those left behind on Earth. The second thing that influenced me was the story of a friend of mine. She had lost her mother unexpectedly, during routine surgery. Her story touched my heart deeply, and my thoughts once again turned to how the living and those that are gone are eternally connected.

The result of all this pondering was A Mother's Love. I can't imagine how lonely and difficult life would have been if I had lost my mother when I was a child. My mother has been the person who has influenced my life the most. I can't imagine who I would be without her teachings and love.

The child in this piece is dressed in a leotard and ballet shoes. I was thinking of all the times ... both big and small ... that a child would want to share her life with her mother. I tried to sculpt this child with that loneliness in mind. There is a vacant longing in her eyes. The position of her hands shows she is vulnerable and tentative. Though she is being hugged and supported by her mother, she is unaware of it.

The mother shows love in her eyes and body language. It is obvious she still cares for, and watches over, her earthly child. At different angles her expression changes from calm love to sad love. And if the light and angle are just right, you can see the trail of a tear across her cheek ... though I didn't put it there intentionally.

This piece touched me deeply as I sculpted it. Pondering the topic of eternal love for such a long time added depth and empathy to my soul. I hope it touches you as deeply. It is a tender topic that gives us hope that love crosses the veil. Love is eternal.