There are moments in life that break us wide open.
This past week has been one of them.
What began as a joyful July 4th weekend along the river turned into a tragedy that has shaken families, neighborhoods, and entire communities across the Texas Hill Country—and deeply touched us here at home in Highland Park.
The loss is staggering:
- Over 100 lives lost
- 27 girls from Mystic
- 6 from right here in our Highland Park ISD community
- Many more remain missing
Children at Camp Mystic, families celebrating a holiday on the river, and neighbors whose homes once stood in peace now face unimaginable grief and loss.
I didn’t grow up going to Camp Mystic, but many of my friends did—and now send their daughters. I remember how summer camp felt: the joy, the freedom, the friendships that shaped us. That something so joyful could turn into heartbreak is simply beyond words.
But this tragedy is not just about one camp. It’s about the broader Hill Country—entire towns and families devastated by flash flooding. And it’s about how we, as a community, show up in response.
Our Community Responds: A Wave of Support
Green Ribbons of Solidarity Across Park Cities
Throughout our neighborhoods, Park Cities PTAs and neighbors are tying green ribbons around trees, schools, and homes. It’s a quiet, visible way to say:
We see you. We grieve with you. We are standing beside you.
If you need help getting a ribbon tied at your home, please reach out—we’re happy to help make sure your street is included.
This movement is not just about Camp Mystic—it’s about community. It’s about reminding our children and neighbors what it looks like to love well, even through heartbreak.
Emotional, Financial & Practical Support Is Underway
Beyond ribbons, our Park Cities community is stepping up in beautiful and powerful ways.
Multiple groups are forming to offer:
- Emotional support for families and children
- Financial assistance to affected communities
- Practical help like food, clean-up supplies, and rebuilding tools
People are organizing quickly and compassionately to meet urgent needs. This is what true neighborly love looks like—action that flows from the heart.
Parent Support Night at HPUMC
Grief is hard for adults—and even harder to explain to children.
To support families walking through these difficult conversations, Highland Park United Methodist Church (HPUMC) is hosting a special gathering for parents:
Tuesday, July 8
6:00 PM Dinner (optional) | 6:30 PM Program begins
HPUMC Main Campus
Topic: “Conversations With Kids: Talking Through Grief”
Hosted by HPUMC pastors, Kids Ministry & MEND Counseling
6 Gentle Ways to Support After a Tragedy
We may not be able to fix the pain. But we can hold space for healing.
Here are six meaningful ways to show love in times of grief:
- Show up—even without words
- Offer specific help (meals, carpools, errands)
- Keep checking in—long after the headlines fade
- Speak their loved one’s name—it honors them
- Pray—with them, for them, and silently beside them
- Lead with love—faithful, quiet, consistent love
Trusted Ways to Give
If you feel called to give, here are reliable places to support relief and recovery:
- Kerr County Flood Relief Fund
- Kerrville Area Rebuilding & Recovery Fund
- American Red Cross – Hill Country Chapter
- Salvation Army – Kerrville
- GoFundMe Verified Campaigns
A Long Road Ahead, But Not a Lonely One
This journey will take time—but it won’t be walked alone.
Let us keep wrapping our streets in green.
Let us keep gathering in prayer.
Let us continue to check in, give generously, and love well.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3
To every family affected—whether in Kerrville, Mystic, or right here in Park Cities—know that we are with you.
With faith, love, and steadfast support,
Tiffany & Brandon Hawkins
