A year after the Kerr County floods claimed the lives of 27 young girls at Camp Mystic, green ribbons can still be found throughout the Park Cities.
They flutter from trees along neighborhood streets, appear near schools, and quietly remind us of a tragedy that touched so many families in our community. What began as a gesture of support has become something more, a visible reminder that even after a year has passed, these girls have not been forgotten.
As we approach the one-year anniversary of the floods and remember the 27 young girls whose lives were lost, I find myself thinking not only about their families, but about the legacy these girls have left behind.
Legacy is a word we often associate with age, accomplishment, or a lifetime of achievements. We assume it is something built over decades. But the stories that have emerged over the past year remind us that legacy has very little to do with how long someone lives and everything to do with how they live.
As I have read about these girls and the countless tributes shared by family members and friends, one theme appears again and again. People don’t talk first about accomplishments, awards, or future plans. They talk about kindness, friendship, and faith. They talk about a young girl who dreamed of becoming a veterinarian because she loved caring for animals. They talk about daughters who looked out for younger siblings, friends who made others feel included, and girls whose joy, compassion, and generosity left an impression far beyond their years. They talk about girls who cared deeply about the people around them and brought light wherever they went.
As parents, we spend so much time focused on helping our children succeed. We worry about academics, sports, college applications, leadership opportunities, and preparing for the future. Those things certainly matter, but reading these stories has been a reminder that character matters even more.
When people remember someone they love, they rarely begin with a resume. They remember how that person made them feel. They remember the friend who noticed when someone was sitting alone, the teammate who offered encouragement, the daughter who loved fiercely, the sister who made everyone laugh, and the child who showed kindness when no one was watching.
Those are the things that endure.
Over the past year, many families have found meaningful ways to carry these girls’ memories forward through foundations, service projects, scholarships, and charitable efforts. Their lives continue to inspire acts of generosity and compassion, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the people who knew them personally.
Perhaps that is why the green ribbons continue to resonate with so many of us. They serve as a reminder not only of loss, but also of love. They remind us that even the shortest lives can leave an extraordinary impact and that the measure of a life is not found in its length but in the lives it touches.
As we remember these 27 young girls and the families who continue to carry their memories every day, perhaps we can also take a moment to reflect on the legacy we are creating in our own homes and communities.
At the end of the day, it won’t be our accomplishments that people remember most. It will be our kindness, our generosity, and the way we made others feel.
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. You can find her at bubblelounge.net and on Instagram @bubbleloungepodcast.
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