Author Deborah Olson

As a Texan, as a Mom, as a Grandmother, as a new Hill Country resident who now lives about 2 hours from Kerrville, this unimaginable tragedy that has taken so many precious lives has felt incredibly personal. We moved from Houston to the beautiful and idyllic Texas Hill Country not long ago and we have embraced a quieter life centered around the charm of nature, glorious sunsets, beautiful rivers and spending more time with our adult kids and our grandkids who live nearby.

Last week our 9 year old granddaughter went to her first Texas summer camp near Austin, and the photos of her enjoying new friends and outdoor adventures warmed my Grandma heart. I sent her a card at camp and she wrote us a sweet notecard to share about the "great time" she was having and how "hot" it had been so she said she had her fan on. I could feel the excitement in her words as she described new activities she was trying.

Summer Camps in Texas are a rich part of our culture and heritage and my granddaughter's little handwritten note brought back all the memories of when we sent her Mom- our daughter, to camps as well as our other kids. These camps promote messages of positive core values while deepening spiritual lives, and provide opportunities for beginning lifelong new friendships. Many of the campers are attending camps where their parents and grandparents also went. My memories of dropping our kids off at camp, and then the happy reunion for all of us when pick-up day comes are etched in my soul forever. Any parent who has sent their kids to a summer camp remembers those reunion hugs and smiles. This only deepens our sorrow for these families who will never again experience that sweet reunion with their children.

And now we in Texas find ourselves at a loss for words to describe feelings of intense heartbreak with the devastating loss of so many lives. The stories of people giving their life to save others and all the brave heroes who rescued hundreds and hundreds of souls in the flood waters brings a glimmer of light in the darkness. In the midst of tragedy comes a glimpse of the power of human connection that knows no limits. As we all attempt to come to grips with the overwhelming grief that has penetrated the fiber of our being, may we continue to pray for the families that have lost loved ones and are dealing with the unimaginable. They need our support and our love today, tomorrow and far into the difficult days to come.

Let's all hug each other a little tighter and love each other a little deeper as we realize once again how very fragile life is. 🙏♥️