The Day After

As most of you know, Carmen’s funeral was last night. It was beautiful. I didn’t think I would cry…I was wrong. It was wonderful to see people from so many different parts of Carmen’s life. Thank you to everyone who came. It meant a lot to us. Click here to read Carmen’s eulogy, which was written and communicated by Dave’s brother, Wes.

Dave is part of a film-making message board and one of the guys on that board volunteered to film the service. At some point, Dave will edit the footage and post videos of Carmen’s funeral. We would love for all of you to hear Wes’s eulogy, Dr. Pedreira’s message, the slide show of Carmen’s life, Kerri’s rendition of “Our God Is In Control” and Lauren’s rendition of “How Great Thou Art” (not our little Lauren…although our little Lauren wanted to sing “All the Single Ladies” or “Put Your Records On”!)  At the end, our little Lauren read a note she wrote for Carmen, the note she put in the casket.

I’m so tired I can’t think of anything more to write so I’ll just close here.

19 Responses to “The Day After”

  1. Rhonda August 21, 2010 at 5:26 pm #

    Wes posted the eulogy on his blog, I cried while I read it. It is amazing, just like Carmen!!
    We continue to pray for all of you to feel His peace and strength.
    Take good care.

    • Lana August 21, 2010 at 5:51 pm #

      Thanks Rhonda. I meant to post the link. I’m obviously very tired! I just updated the post with the link.

  2. Keri August 21, 2010 at 5:30 pm #

    I love you so much girl and I am praying for your peace, strength, and renewal.

  3. Sandi August 21, 2010 at 5:41 pm #

    You have been constantly in my thoughts and prayers! I’m so glad you’re going to post the video!!! I wanted to ask this week if you were going to film it, but I didn’t want to seem inappropriate… I’m so glad. I really wanted to be there…

    • Dave © August 21, 2010 at 11:07 pm #

      I thought about streaming the service live online (but didn’t end up doing it).

      Hopefully, we’ll get permission from those involved to share the content through an online video or possibly DVD. Stay tuned. It’s going to be at least a week or two before I get it done.

  4. Kelly August 21, 2010 at 6:24 pm #

    Lana, You do not know me but I am a member of the Baby Bargains Board. I have followed Carmen story from the beginning. You and your family are amazing. Your faith and strength is inspiring. God definitely knew what he was doing when he placed sweet Carmen in your hands. I wish you peace. Kelly

  5. Sarah Meisenhelter August 21, 2010 at 8:55 pm #

    I am looking forward to the “dave version” of the service. I was sad to not be able to make it and I was hoping he’d do something like that. Still praying for you all…

  6. pepper edwards August 21, 2010 at 10:16 pm #

    Lana and Dave, I’ve been following your blog for a long time. Sorry, I’m not much of a commenter usually. I just have to say that you have definitely been on my heart and mind. I am amazed at the faith that you have demonstrated through this time. Thank you so much for keeping us informed through your beautiful blog. Carmen’s eulogy is a wonderful testament of your precious family and a faithful God. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

  7. Belinda August 21, 2010 at 10:24 pm #

    Lana,
    Your family is such an inspiration. Your blog is generally the last thing I read before heading to bed and as I place my children in bed – I say a prayer for your family. I can’t begin to imagine what you have been through and are continuing to go through. You have touched my heart and I am so very grateful. Wishing you peace in the days, weeks and months ahead.

  8. Liz Warren August 21, 2010 at 11:17 pm #

    What meaning those beautiful words have about Angel Carmen and her faithful family. Love, Liz

  9. Betty Short, NY Grandma's Friend August 21, 2010 at 11:52 pm #

    Peace and Comfort be to you all. Beautiful eulogy and loving messages. Love you all….

  10. Mary August 22, 2010 at 9:41 am #

    Hi Lana,

    I haven’t been on the computer much but have been on boards w/you in the past. Just wanted to wish you peace and tell you how incredibly sorry I am for your loss. I have been amazed at your strength and composure. Prayers for your family and again, please know I am thinking of you.

    Mary

  11. Connie August 22, 2010 at 10:12 am #

    The funeral was an amazing tribute to Carmen. I went to work immediately afterwards and asked them if a funeral for a child could be beautiful. I told them it was.

  12. Stephanie August 22, 2010 at 5:23 pm #

    contnined prayers for your family…what a beautiful tribute!

  13. Ginny August 22, 2010 at 7:53 pm #

    Dear Family, You are so amazing ! All of you ! [even little Hope, who you know I think is wise beyond her age]. You have inspired me in so many ways. I am not sure yet, why God sent you into my life but I am sure glad he did. Your grace and compasion are unbelievable and a true gift. I have learned so much from you. People have often asked me “how do you work with sick children?” I have always told them it is the strength of the families that I makes me want to help them. You are the strong ones. May God continue to bless and keep you in His care.

  14. wendy lane August 23, 2010 at 11:37 am #

    So sorry I couldn’t make it to the service, you all were in my thoughts and prayers, and continue to be…often. I, too, look forward to seeing the video of the service. God Bless you and keep you in the palm of His hand.

  15. Michelle C August 23, 2010 at 12:31 pm #

    Dave and Lana – You have been on my heart and in my prayers often this past week. I couldn’t stop thinking about you on Friday night, it sounds like it was a beautiful service. We will continue to pray for you over the coming days and weeks.

    Michelle

  16. Jill August 26, 2010 at 7:38 am #

    I pray for peace for you all.
    We are expecting the birth of a complicated grand-daughter. We want to love and cherish her as the gift she is -for as long as she is with us.
    Thank-you for sharing about Carmen. It helps. This sharing you have done is part of her legacy.
    Thank-you

  17. Brittany Ibarra August 30, 2010 at 12:12 pm #

    My heart has broken for you…Praying now! XOXO

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