By Martha Jackson
In the days following the heartbreaking tragedy in Kerrville, our entire community was shaken. Six young girls — our girls — lost far too soon. They were from here. They were part of us. And the grief hit close to home.
Like many of you, I felt completely overwhelmed and unsure of what to do.
I knew I didn’t have the right words — but I also knew we needed something. A moment to breathe, to reflect, to come together. So, I invited Chris Girata, head rector at Saint Michael and All Angels, to join me on The Bubble Lounge podcast.
Chris has a way of helping people find light in the darkest places, and his message that day was one of gentle reassurance, honest reflection, and hope.
He reminded us that we are not meant to walk through grief alone. That even when we don’t know what to say or how to help, simply showing up for one another matters.
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He shared the importance of resisting isolation and embracing connection. Whether it’s through conversation, prayer, or a simple act of kindness — those moments create healing.
One thing that really stayed with me was his encouragement to serve. To take action.
He shared that even if your efforts aren’t directly related to the tragedy, helping others — anywhere, in any way — is a powerful way to process grief and keep hope alive.
In the days that followed, I saw exactly that. This community poured out love, mobilized in support, and wrapped its arms around the families affected. And while the pain is still raw, the unity has been so moving.
But here’s the real challenge: Let’s not let this compassion fade. Let’s continue to show up for each other — not just in crisis, but in everyday life. Let’s keep checking in. Keep lending hands. Keep offering grace.
Because these young girls were part of our story. And the way we care for one another moving forward — that’s part of their legacy, too.
Martha Jackson, host of The Bubble Lounge Podcast, has lived in University Park for 20 years. She’s passionate about connecting with fellow moms, supporting local businesses, and finding humor in the chaos. The city of University Park recently named her Citizen of the Year.
