On October 8, 2025, I published Stormy Opinions on RoF. Surprisingly, I wasn’t met with much pushback. The post chronicled the July 4th flooding along the Guadalupe River, where Camp Mystic and many other holiday-goers were enjoying family camping trips. It ended in tragedy, with 27 campers and 138 total lives being lost to the swiftly rising floodwaters. In a heartbreaking turn of events, I realized I knew one of the families and had worked with her when she and her family were stationed at Sheppard AFB. Cami had a huge personality and an even bigger smile.

While political offices debated who was responsible for such a devastating event, families spent days wondering where and when their children would be recovered. Sadly, this was not the first flood with negative consequences and it will probably not be the last. The most immediate question was why people were not warned, followed by what are the notification systems and what is required.

The ensuing litigation and demand for explanation made national news. However, one must really seek out the continuation of requests. The Texas Tribune has done an incredible job of telling the parents, neighbors, and other relevant residents’ stories.

A year later, there really aren’t any answers. Closure? What exactly is closure for families with wide-open holes a child once filled? Lest I forget my sweet friend Cami, her daughter, and family who were swept away. Her husband might be sickened on what should be a holiday tradition and is now a terrible memory. But the stories flow freely, just like the river. Some have a healthy respect for the river that giveth and taketh away. Some have returned to the water, enjoying its cleanse. Others have moved, vowing to never return to the heartache of what once was. The article shares the story of a landowner who found numerous bodies in his portion of the river. The effects are far and wide, much like the Guadalupe.

These are the stories we often forget, dulled by time, glossed over by the weight of grief. It reminds me of the stories shared by emergency management officials and public administration personnel at the Texas border while researching immigration. The river is part of their homeland, their very identity. Yet some will forever be scarred with visions of watching adults and children drown, unable to help, or, worse, instructed not to help. Please understand: this post is not saying the situations in Texas are the same; instead, it is saying humans are humans and the scope is not lost on me.

“Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it” – unknown author

Did the camp do its best? Were the necessary conversations regarding emergencies and protocols discussed in full? Some say yes while others disagree. There are many anomalies which do nothing to placate grieving hearts. This article reiterates the requirements for safety training.

The moral of the story is many tragedies can be prevented. It’s the same analogy for healthcare, weight management, and exercise. An ounce of prevention and all that.

Again, as I’ve written and rewritten this post, more information comes to light. From Texas Rangers investigations to more lawsuits to, now, a willingness to sell the property, we can’t forget the human aspect of this ordeal – grieving parents, hurting families, and a general unrest of faith and action. The powerful Guadalupe River gave and took away. For many, answers will forever be beyond reach. But, as an incredible friend always says, in times of tragedy, look for the helpers. As difficult as it may be, celebrate life at every opportunity. I’m sure these families would give anything for one more celebration.

_____________________

I ask you –

There’s no questions or quirky statements here. As I continue to follow the outcome of Camp Mystic and the work in that area, partially out of curiosity, but also as a dedication to Cami and her family, it’s important to focus on the good. Cami would have wanted that.

(The post Stormy Opinions, epilogue first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

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