Hi Donna,

Thank you for contacting the UNH Cooperative Extension Infoline with your concerns about the damage to your Japanese maple.  I have included links to fact sheets about growing Japanese maples, pruning and assessing the extent of the damage.

https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2019/08/how-should-i-plant-care-japanese-maple  The fact sheet discusses specifically how to prune a Japanese maple.  It also has a link to a fact sheet that discusses pruning in detail.

https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/how-manage-storm-damaged-trees

https://extension.unh.edu/resource/pruning-storm-damaged-trees

https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/storm-damage-landscape-trees

Because your tree has a special meaning for you, you may wish to consult an arborist.  I have included a link to the NH Arborist Association which has a list of certified arborists.

https://www.nharborists.org/