Manda Carpenter

My dad lost his intense, short battle with cancer on April 25, 2026. 🕊️

It’s hard to believe since the man had nine lives. (If you know, you know.)

Our relationship was restored and grew stronger over the last decade. In the final three months of his life, I flew to visit him for a weekend, and we talked nearly every single day. I’ll always be grateful for that time.

He was far from perfect, but what meant so much to me was how sincerely he owned his past mistakes and apologized, more than once.

He never missed a chance to tell me he loved me and that he was proud of me. I will never question those things.

He adored his grandkids, and would drive any distance just to see them even if it was only for a couple of hours.

There are so many things that will always remind me of him:
- Mountain Dew.🥤
- Marlboro Reds. 🚬
- Any song by Linkin Park.🎸
- Pizza from The Frog.🍕
- Motocross.🏍️
- Lake Wawasee days on the boat.🚤
- Drag strip racing.🏎️
- Stetson cologne.👃🏼
- Orange margaritas from Hacienda.🍹
- And of course, his lifelong line I rolled my eyes at constantly growing up: “Do as I say, not as I do.”🙄

Well Dad… you don’t have to worry, I won’t be picking up a smoking habit. But I am undeniably your kid. You passed down more than enough:

* An unbelievable work ethic
* Relentless stubbornness
* Independence
* Blue eyes
* Belief that anything is possible
* Ability to sleep through a fire alarm
* A heart for the underdog
* Generous spirit

Thank you for the ways you shaped me into the woman I am today. I’m committed to living my life to the fullest… leaning into joy now instead of waiting for the “right” time.

I’ll honor your legacy, and I’ll make sure your three grandchildren know how deeply they were loved by their Pops.

Until we meet again, dad, rest in peace 🤍

👶🏼🌙 Roadtrip. Cozy airstream. Bonfires and hiking. Reading by the creek, talking without interruption, sleeping without an alarm. No cell service. Just a slow, quiet weekend together before baby no. 3 comes and everything changes again. Grateful it’s all with you,

small joys. peaceful moments. happy memories. people i love. light, alas, after months of sickness growing another human. the world is heavier than ever, and the noticing of beauty and goodness is more necessary than ever.

an old photo to remind you of something i’ve been doing for a long time now! it’s my favorite thing at the end of each year 🥲💌 write your (future) self a letter. you will receive it and be in awe! i cried reading mine this year. so wild how many prayers & hopes were answered and brought to fruition. tell me if you do it! i hope the prompts make this super easy 🦋

our best surprise🥹 baby #3 due in June🤎

deeply grateful 🤎 every single day.

🤎🌅🍣🥢⛵️

the most magical week away with my favorites!
🤎👧🏼👦🏼🌊🍹🌴👙🥥🍣🐚

thankful for another year of growth, learning, apologizing, forgiving, and the delicate balancing of pursuing passions and being content with what is. 🤎
—
it was the best birthday weekend! many sweet calls and texts. i felt really loved and had so much fun with my family.

⚽️cheered on shia’s soccer team
🤸🏼‍♀️took lively to gymnastics
🥗📘solo lunch outside with my book
💆🏼‍♀️ got a lovely massage
🍷 for dinner with my man
🎥 🍿🥤date at the movies
🍳breakfast
🚲🐚🌊biked along the beach
🍦ice cream

these are the days

a toddler trotting down the sidewalk
with a saggy diaper bottom

muffins pulled from the oven,
our saving grace after school

saying yes to a teen,
learning how to build family
out of order and with open hands

grateful for deep friendship,
pursuing our romance
even when margin feels thin

the walk to school,
palm trees lining the way

big brother watching
out for his little sister

sweet, crazy, beautiful life—
i wouldn’t trade a thing

❣️

big fan of day dates! 💘

first stop: for 🥐
second stop: for ☕️
third stop: for 🦞🌮
fourth stop: for new earrings 💎
fifth stop: el matador beach for a swim 🌊
sixth stop: get our kids 👧🏼👦🏼
seventh stop: for 🍔🍟 together

last week was the best staycation ever!!!!!10/10 recommend being a tourist in your own city.