After Carmen’s burial service in New York, we drove to Lancaster, PA. We wanted to do something fun with the girls. We gave Lauren several options and she picked a horse and buggy ride as one of our adventures.
Doesn’t this horse look like he is smiling?
Now he is sticking his tongue out at us.
Lauren got to sit in the front seat with the Amish driver.
Trotting along the country road.
Hope enjoyed the ride too, despite only napping for 30 minutes all day long!
It’s strange to be able to do whatever we want, whenever we want. I catch myself looking around for Carmen. When 7pm arrives, I think that the night nurse should be arriving. I glance at the suction machine, thinking that I need to make sure it is charged. This new “normal” is going to take a while to get used to.
It looks like Lauren chose a fun time. I think it’s great that you gave her choices. Love always, Dad
There’s no place more REAL than Amish country. It’s wonderful to live here now with them as neighbors. Good way to begin…. Praise God!
Love the pictures…especially the smiling horse.
I am so glad you are doing things you couldn’t do before, I kind of envy you
… but you will get your new normal soon and you will miss your old normal, for moments… still life will continue and you will be restored little by little… then you will see back and be amazed for what a wonderful mom (and Dave: a wonderful dad) you were when Carmencita was here and all the stuff you learned with her, for her and because of her… She will always be part of you!! Be blessed and enjoy these precoious moments… Love you very much and praying even more 
(love the horse sticking out his tongue at…. LIFE?, ha,ha)
I remember when Bill Cosby lost his son and afterwards, people would see him and look so sad. At some point, he made a statement that he missed being able to make people laugh and that it was time to be happy…he wanted people to smile and laugh at him again.
In time, I pray that you will be able to live your lives with all smiles and laughter. Taking that buggy ride sounds like you are on the right track to happiness again in your lives.
Lana, Dave and girls, We were so saddened by the news of Carmen’s loss! So wish we could have been there for you! We took a ride also when Dylan passed. The “new” normal never seems normal again, it’s very tough! Your story has been a beautiful one to follow, you’ve captured such priceless memories! Thanks for sharing! If you are still in Lancaster, we’d love to see you to give you a big hug!! God bless you on your journey, this week and for years to come!
Just Believe,
the mannings