Thursday – A Little Personal – Mourning Texas Losses

 

Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on Unsplash

As you know by now, there was severe flooding in Texas, which as of today has killed 111 persons. There are still 170 missing.  Initially, I was going to post a story about Twiggy and Tempeste in the rain, but in retrospect, it seems a little disrespectful at this stage of the search and rescue operation. So to those who lost loved ones, and to those who still have had no word on their missing moms, dads, sons, and daughters, we respectfully offer our prayers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

87 comments

  1. Hazel's avatar

    This is saddening. Prayers for all those affected families. May they find comfort and peace.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Hazel. I share your prayer.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Hazel's avatar

        My pleasure, John

        Liked by 1 person

  2. coldhandboyack's avatar

    Good choice I think.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I finished the post and then got a sad feeling that it was too soon to discuss water and how little there was at our place in humorous terms. Thanks, Craig.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. GP's avatar

    Understood, John. May God grant them the strength and courage to get through this.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      A strong prayer, GP. Thanks. I join you in that one.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Grant at Tame Your Book's avatar

    Prayers up, John, and for the physical and mental protection of the many workers and volunteers.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      An excellent thought, Grant. So many dangers to contend with for sure. Thank you for your support.

      Like

  5. shoreacres's avatar

    It’s just heartbreaking. Kerr County’s been my ‘second home’ in Texas, and the loss of people and cherished places is awful. On the other hand, the same spirit that infused recovery from our various hurricanes, freezes, and past floods is present. As you well know, ‘neighbors helping neighbors” is an expansive concept in Texas. One of the first photos I saw on July 5 was of a fleet of HEB relief trucks headed to Kerrville.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      As a first-person witness during Hurricane Harvey, I can attest to the helping spirit of all Texans. I saw the same fleet and was reminded of all the support given to the residents of Port A. It brought back bittersweet memories. I pray for the strength of the workers, volunteers, and survivors to keep on. Thanks, Linda.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Teri Polen's avatar

    A good decision, John. Sending prayers for everyone.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Teri.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    Good for you to offer prayers for those in that catastrophic situation, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Tim.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Gwen M. Plano's avatar
    Gwen M. Plano · · Reply

    This flood has been and is heartbreaking for all of us. Thank you for offering space — for remembrance, tearful love, and beleaguered hope. 💙

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I wish I could do more. Such a heartbreak.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    Been watching the news when I can. Horrible disaster.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      So many innocent kids lost. A real shame.

      Like

  10. circadianreflections's avatar

    Well said, John. Sending prayers from Nevada too.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Deborah

      Like

  11. JFRSr's avatar

    John, thank you for expressing compassion and offering prayers for this devastating situation.🙏

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I have to feel for those folks. So much destruction and loss of life. Thanks, Jim

      Like

  12. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

    I’m very glad John, that and your family are all okay.

    111 people. My heart’s heavy.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Susannah. My heart is heavy too.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Rebecca Cuningham's avatar

    It is a tragedy. Wish we had a more robust national weather service to warn people of the danger ahead of time.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      There were enough warnings; unfortunately, the early morning arrival of the water was before folks had a chance to read them. What is needed is a good old-fashioned siren.

      Liked by 3 people

  14. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    The people of Texas have been in my thoughts this week and will continue to be.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Liz. They will appreciate that.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

        You’re welcome, John.

        Liked by 1 person

  15. Darlene's avatar

    We have been following this sad news here in Spain. My heart goes out to all the families who have lost loved ones.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Darlene. Every bit of heart helps.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Cindy Georgakas's avatar

    It is so sad and my prayers and love have been heading in that direction! xoxoxoxoxo 💗

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Cindy.

      Like

  17. noelleg44's avatar

    Amen, John. My heart breaks thinking of the families who have lost loved ones. We had flooding here a few days ago – two died. Such horrible news.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree the news is horrible. I feel for those involved.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Esther Chilton's avatar

    I agree, John. I think it’s shocked everyone. So sad 💗

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree, Esther. Anytime innocent children lose their lives, it shocks everyone.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. Teagan Riordain Geneviene's avatar

    This was very respectful, John. It’s truly heart-wrenching.
    In a mountain summer-vacation town about an hour away from me they also had severe flooding. The river rose 22 feet in less than half an hour and swept away people and entire houses. Somehow, seeing that close to home, makes the widespread tragedy of Camp Mystic and Kerr County even more emotionally impactful. It’s one of those horrors to which the eyes get glued…
    .
    Even though Twiggy and Tempeste aren’t on hand today, their playful spirit is felt. Big hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      They said they were okay with a week off. Sometimes, we need to pause and consider how others have it much worse than we do and send them the best wishes we can muster. Hugs, Teagan.

      Like

  20. Dale's avatar

    My heart breaks a little more with each new body found. This is a true tragedy and, as much as we would like to complain and blame, now is not the time. Sending lots of love to the families.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I was totally shocked by some of the comments blaming Trump. Really sick folks out there. Thanks, Dale.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Dale's avatar

        Or: If they are not MAGA, don’t try to save them. Seriously? Aberrant and disgraceful and many more adjectives come to mind but I’ll keep it clean,.

        Like

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          I never heard that one. I did hear about a Texas pediatrician named Christina Propst who made controversial comments on social media, wishing that “MAGA” individuals affected by the flooding would experience the consequences of their votes, while hoping that “non-MAGA voters and pets be safe and dry”.

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Dale's avatar

          Jesus – that is disgusting! Can politics please take a back-seat here? Do you think the victims care who you voted for? All they want is to live. My God…

          Liked by 2 people

        3. John W. Howell's avatar

          I know, right?

          Liked by 1 person

  21. Jennie's avatar

    Amen, John. My heart is breaking, especially for the families who lost children at the summer camp.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It is almost too difficult to even imagine. Our youngest went to a camp much like the one swept away. I don’t know how I could have coped.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jennie's avatar

        Our kids went to a sleep-away camp, too. Those memories are still some of our best. Like you, that’s why it hits me hard. I don’t know how I could have coped.

        Liked by 1 person

  22. Marie A Bailey's avatar

    What a kind and thoughtful gesture, John. The news coming out of Texas is horrific. Humor can help with healing but I think you made a good call here. ❤️🙏🏻

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Especially since Twiggy and Tempeste were playing in rain puddles. Thanks, Marie.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Marie A Bailey's avatar

        Awww … I hope you share the post later. I’d love to see them playing in puddles!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Well maybe. Thanks, Marie.

          Liked by 1 person

  23. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    This has been such a hard thing to wrap my head around. Prayers for all affected.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree. Thanks, jan

      Like

  24. srbottch's avatar

    Well said, John. Very sad affair on many fronts. Thanks for finding words for the lost souls and their families.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Steve. I wish there was more that could be done.

      Like

  25. Annette Rochelle Aben's avatar

    Prayers, indeed! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

  26. Michele Lee's avatar

    Joining you and others in thought and prayer. Thank you, John. 🙏🏻

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Michele. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  27. Sorryless's avatar

    From your heart and soul, John. As per.

    Sending love and yes, prayers.

    Peace, love and hope my man

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Beautiful, Pilgrim.

      Liked by 1 person

  28. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar

    We are simply heartbroken at the massive loss of life, especially all those young campers. Just heartbreaking. Sending loads of thoughts of comfort.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Everyone appreciates the comforting thoughts, Monika. Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

  29. Lauren Scott, Author's avatar

    We’ve been following this tragedy on the news, John, and it’s beyond heartbreaking. We’re holding everyone who has been affected in our hearts and prayers. ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m sure they appreciate your support, Lauren. Thank you.

      Like

  30. Audrey Dawn - Oldest Daughter Redheaded Sister's avatar

    Heartbroken over the loss of lives. Thank you, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Robbie.

      Like

  31. dgkaye's avatar

    I’ve been praying for the those missing John in this terrible tragedy. 😥

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Debby. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  32. Ankur Mithal's avatar

    Shocking and benumbingly tragic. And scary in its speed and scale of development.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      So true, Ankur.

      Like

  33. kethuprofumo's avatar

    Sad news, dear John! I share your condolences.🌹🌹😎

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Maria.

      Liked by 1 person

  34. Emma's avatar

    My heart goes out to everyone affected by this tragedy. Sending prayers and strength to the people of Texas during this difficult time

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you so much, Emma.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Emma's avatar

        You’re welcome, John. You seem like a really kind person. Do you have another way to communicate, like Instagram or Google Chat? I’d love to chat more with you.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          No, this is it, Emma. 😊

          Like

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