This story is part of my Images of Strength and Hope Program. It is a story of how a little girl has beaten tremendous odds stacked against her from the time she was born and has now become a beacon of hope for her own family and for many others.

I was connected to the Fields Family through an organization called Crescent Cove. “Crescent Cove offers care and support to children and young adults with a shortened life-expectancy, and to their families who love them…Crescent Cove Respite & Hospice Home for Kids is Minnesota's first and only home designed just for children and their unique needs, and just the third of its kind in the United States. Their goal is to help families feel Embraced, Assured, and Celebrated.”

Cary Lynn is 8 years old. She was adopted shortly after she was born by Amy and Shannon Fields. She is their second adopted child. Their twelve year old adopted son Marvin was excited the day he found out that he was going to have a “baby scissor.” Little did they know that their lives would be turned upside down when Cary Lynn entered their lives.

Amy and Shannon always knew that they would adopt children. Amy had been adopted and made it her life’s mission be an adoptive mom to the children she would have as a part of her own family. Amy and Shannon have the gift of patience and an incredible propensity to love. Little did they know that they had truly been created to provide the ultimate form of love and sacrifice for the children they would have as a part of their family.

Cary Lynn was born at 24 weeks. Her birth mother had been an addict which decreased Cary Lynn’s chances of survival immensely.  After she was born, it was discovered that she had in-utero brain bleeding which led to hydrocephalus.  The doctors gave up hope and said that Cary was born to die. However, at 9 months old, Cary still fought for life. That was the time that she came became a member of the Fields Family. Despite her grim chance of survival, Amy and Shannon were not deterred. They simply said “of course we will take her!” And this is how their family’s story has led to one of incredible miracles and hope. Doctors told Amy to be prepared for Cary Lynn to pass away before age 2, but she didn’t. They then said that she wouldn’t make it to 4. But she did. Now, Cary Lynn is 8 years old. She is happy, she is loved. She is an incredible example of grace.

Cary Lynn does have a whole host of health problems including cerebral palsy, Mitochondrial disease, a disappearing cerebellum, and white matter brain loss. But despite all of this she continues to grow and thrive.  Amy says that “she kicks doctors, yells at her brother, and loves her Dad fiercely.  She never gives up.  She works hard at school, therapy, and loves unicorns and Disney. She's strong.  She has cheated death multiple times and won.  She's brave.  She charges into life.  She's affectionate.  She adores her brother and daddy (sometimes mom, lol).  She loves her church, her cat, books and her stuffed animals.  She's a people person and loves attention. ” She has beautiful thick brown hair, a beautiful smile, and and she is incredibly mischievous with her brother Marvin!

Amy and Shannon live life truly day by day. They have an incredible faith story which relies on God in everything. It is their source of strength and hope that anything is possible. They are incredibly proud of their children and are teaching them to live life to the fullest without fear. They have seen the wonders of miracles in their lives and believe that we all have an incredible purpose in this life which is not hindered by what the world may see as a limitation. Cary Lynn and her family are an inspiration! Their story is an incredible source of strength and hope!