Our Story

We are Amanda and Austin Link. From the outside, we look like a family of four. If you look closer, you will see we are a family of five. Pregnancy with Landon had been pretty uneventful. We knew beginning at 24 weeks gestation that we would be closely monitored due to our first son, Trey, having IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction) because I developed preeclampsia towards the end of my 2nd trimester of pregnancy. Our 20 week gestation anatomy scan with Landon went wonderful, or so we thought. We left the anatomy scan being told that we had a perfectly healthy little one growing in my belly. Fast forward to our first growth scan and my preeclampsia monitoring appointment at 24 weeks gestation. I could instantly tell that something wasn't right. I guess you can call it mother's intuition. The ultrasound technician was taking a very long time measuring Landon's head while capturing lots of images of his brain and other major organs. I asked repeatedly what she was looking at and all she would say is, "We just want to make sure we get really good growth ultrasound measurements," but I knew there was more than just that. We were referred to a MFM doctor (maternal fetal medicine) in Rochester, MN. We will never forget that day. Our world was turned upside down and our hearts shattered. Our MFM doctor confirmed that Landon's brain hadn't developed properly, but wanted more testing with a genetic counselor, additional ultrasounds performed, and an MRI completed with a pediatric neurologist. As the testing, ultrasounds, and MRI concluded, the additional medical complications grew larger and more severe. Why us? Why him? We asked a million "why, how, what, when" questions. Landon's diagnosis and complications were rare. Very rare. We quickly became a very rare statistic: 1 in 10,000 or 0.01% of pregnancies. We said hello and see you in heaven again someday to our son, Landon Austin Link, at 28 weeks gestation on December 5, 2020.  Landon was the definition of perfection, weighing 2lbs 14oz and measuring 16.3in long. He had long fingers, a cute button nose, blonde locks, and the littlest baby toes. We spent three days holding him, adoring him, talking to him, loving on him, and trying to make lifelong memories in the short amount of time that we were given. We love him unconditionally and miss him more than words can describe. We speak his name, include him in our daily lives, and will always wish he was here on this earth with us. Until we meet again, we are doing our very best to honor him. 

Landon, our little winter bear, we love you. XOXO-Amanda, Austin, Trey & Hallie Link