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If I Had My Child to Raise Over Again

Two metal forms, one of a parent and one of a child connected at the hands

About the Sculpture

This sculpture is inspired by the Diana Loomans poem as written below and was made for the celebration of Witherbee Park August 26, 2012.

"If I had my child to raise over again,

I'd finger paint more, and point the finger less.

I'd do less correcting, and more connecting.

I'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.

I would care to know less, and know to care more.

I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.

I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.

I'd run through more fields, and gaze at more stars.

I'd do more hugging, and less tugging.

I would be firm less often, and affirm much more.

I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later.

I'd teach less about the love of power,

And more about the power of love.

It matters not whether my child is big or small,

From this day forth, I'll cherish it all."

At Witherbee Park a two metal forms embrace eachother with the poem about the sculpture nearby.

Two metal forms, one of a parent and one of a child connected at the hands

Artist Information

Emily Broderson designed the sculpture and TMCO fabricated it with the help of TMCO employee, Tony Marquez.

In 1974 TMCO was established in Lincoln, Nebraska, where it still operates today. The Total Manufacturing Company specializes in one-stop, concept-to-completion metal manufacturing services. TMCO can finish a product from any stage, be it create, fabrication, paint, assembly—or if you wish, the whole works.

Additional Information

Witherbee Park

Length: 2 ft.

Width: 2 ft.

Height: 6.5 ft.