It's stamped anyway right, so there are already grooves to collect water and a design? I think structurally there is no problem. After all how many times have you seen handprints in cement that are 30 years old? That cement is not affected at all right?

You can post a pic if you'd like and we can weigh in on whether it's a problem aesthetically. Keep in mind no one will be viewing it from other than standing height.

Well, my husband talked to our contractor today and she's aware of the situation and says it's a work in progress, so we are seeing it halfway done. The sealant will still go on and there are "smudges" and an overlap of the stamp that will be ground and buffed out. There was a really difficult curve to the pathway just out of the pic here, and that's why the pattern doesn't look quite right in this area (crooked); it straightens out later. Anyway, the pits are on the right side of the pathway (the big black globs on the left side are just dirt I think). The release still needs to be cleaned off and it has to be sealed so it's a work in progress.

Thanks for your reassurance. I am feeling better about it this afternoon. We contracted a significant amount of hardscaping from her, and it is so expensive. We've saved for years to pay cash and this is the first item on the list that's done, and I wasn't pleased with it. But like I said, I do feel better now.

Good job keeping a clear mind. Can't wait to see the end result :)