Quote:

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She was thrilled to be an angel in the Beaumont Civic Ballet's 2023 production of The Nutcracker, and was greatly anticipating her return to the Nutcracker. Though she fashioned herself a future 'Clara,' God knew she was meant to reprise her role as an angel.

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Now I am crying.

ToddyHill said:

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Mary Grace Baker

Here

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I almost had to close my office door after reading that. That was one of the most well written and beautiful tributes I've read. May she rest safely and securely in the arms of Jesus.

Derm,
You, your family and everyone affected by this have been in our prayers. So many lives changed forever this past 4th of July. Your faith has been inspiring, to say the least. Our SIL will be at the service this weekend and we will send our condolences. We're out of town but will continue to pray for you and yours. Everywhere we look we see reminders of the Mystic campers and God's presence in our lives.

ToddyHill said:

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Mary Grace Baker

Here

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Oh my goodness. Who wrote that? What a beautiful tribute.

I have been following this thread since the disaster. Not an Aggie, but extended A&M family: East A&M Lion, here. I've not posted anything because I just haven't felt it was my right, but… you are correct. My sister's friend & former college roommate is the aunt of one of the Mystic girls still missing. Her friend has been keeping her up to date, and my sister has been keeping my family up to date, and we learned that yesterday, due to USPS holdups, that they received 6 letters all at once from their missing daughter. They also have been given her trunk, recovered from her cabin.

I cried when heard about the letters. And I've cried many times here, reading the stories and witnessing the amazing community that y'all have in here.

Not sure if this is the correct place or not, but I wanted to send out a brief word of caution about the new Superman movie. I was able to catch an advanced screening, and there's one specific scene that caused my stomach to churn a bit. Usually, I don't go in for trigger warnings and the like, but I felt compelled to say something under the circumstances, especially for anyone thinking about taking any kiddos touched by these events for a respite.

I won't say anymore about the scene on here, but if you are concerned and would like more information, please feel free to shoot me a PM and I'll give you more information in general detail.

This is a morning glory bush that I've had for a few years. I have several additional ones I've grown from this one. Depending, if y'all would like some to plant for Mary Grace, I'd be happy to figure out how we can get them to you. I'm in Austin.

DG-Ag said:

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My wife told me that the Mystic counselors have their girls write two letters home per week. So, these moms and dads will likely see letters from their little angels some time this week...

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And with that, I have to stop checking this thread. Thank you TexAgs, from a non-Aggie (although siblings went to A&M which is how I knew to come here for the most up-to-date information), for giving me a place to share hope with the others praying for the same thing and a place to grieve with those same people. I am sure there is a record log on some server that shows the hundreds if not thousands of page refreshes I did pleading good news into existence.

I will never be able to put into words the sorrow I feel for every family impacted by this unspeakable tragedy. I don't think I have ever cried so much.

Thank you, TexAgs, for so graciously sharing your space with those who do not belong. And to all those who have lost, I pray you find peace in your hearts and comfort in your memories.

HoldMyBeer said:

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Derm,
You, your family and everyone affected by this have been in our prayers. So many lives changed forever this past 4th of July. Your faith has been inspiring, to say the least. Our SIL will be at the service this weekend and we will send our condolences. We're out of town but will continue to pray for you and yours. Everywhere we look we see reminders of the Mystic campers and God's presence in our lives.

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Thanks to you and to all.

bmfvet said:

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This is a morning glory bush that I've had for a few years. I have several additional ones I've grown from this one. Depending, if y'all would like some to plant for Mary Grace, I'd be happy to figure out how we can get them to you. I'm in Austin.

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Sure. Did that with a derm friend of mine,

txags92 said:

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A show for Mary Grace this evening in Bastrop and a bloom that came out a few days ago:

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Beautiful. Thanks.

ChaoticFeylock said:

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Not an Aggie, but extended A&M family: East A&M Lion, here. I've not posted anything because I just haven't felt it was my right

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Dear all of you lurkers and other university goers... a few of you have said something to this extent...
As a TCU alum whose been on Texags since before I was old enough to drive, I think I can get away with saying that on threads like these (and any thread really if you aren't trolling) , y'all are welcome here. You don't need to feel shy or guilty for being around. There are events that bring people together and people need solidarity in times like this. No one is going to run you off for being human, even if you didn't attend the "right" school for this forum.

Good, looks like the Vista buildings are still standing. Hopefully they can repair the water damage.

Just found this video from Heart of the Hills. Looks like everything in the main part of camp was destroyed. Her brother Jeeper from Camp Stewart telling the same story that he told my parents, and others here mentioned about her calling him for help when she found herself surrounded by water.
https://abcnews.go.com/US/jane-ragsdale-heart-o-hills-texas-flood/story?id=123638010

Yes lots of people from other schools find themselves regulars on these boards. The guy I mentioned that is a director at the Vista camps graduated from Tech and normally posts on the OB often. Graduated with him from Ingram HS.

Some random college history related to this thread.

EJ "Doc" Stewart was the head football coach and basketball coach at t.u. (aka the University of Texas) While he was there he founded
1924 - Camp Stewart for Boys
1926 - Stewart's Camp for Girls (Renamed by later owners to Camp Mystic)
1928 - Heart o' the Hills Inn (Later converted into Camp Heart o' the Hills)

It's believed the distraction in founding these camps ended his coaching career there as in this same time period t.u.'s record in football and basketball was:
1923: FB: 8-0-1 BB: 23-0
1924: FB: 5-3-1 BB: 17-8
1925: FB: 6-2-1 BB: 12-10
1926: FB: 5-4 BB: 13-9

In the 3 years I worked at Camp Stewart there are no longhorn logos in the camp yearbook, programs or other literature. They were all mysteriously photoshoped out and to this day I still don't think anyone has noticed...

Completely unrelated I was taught photoshop and other publishing software by current Kerrville mayor and owner of Herring Printing Company Joe Herring Jr. while I worked at camp.

DG-Ag said:

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My wife told me that the Mystic counselors have their girls write two letters home per week. So, these moms and dads will likely see letters from their little angels some time this week...

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We just got a letter in from Hazel today. It was pretty rough. Lots of emotions. If these had been the final words from my little girl, they would have stuck in my heart forever and the letter would be my most precious keepsake.

My parents got a similar letter Monday and it nearly wrecked them. But it was so sweet...

The handwriting is all my fault... bad dad genes. I think it might actually be better than mine. Yes some of the words are misspelled. She's a little girl and she is working on it. Be kind internet



Edit: Fixed my parents note pic... should post now

Oh man, keep that forever.

This is so sweet. Definitely frame it.

Also, Hazel is such a beautiful name.

It might get framed and hang in my bedroom.

I have had a lot of kids; I can confirm that practically all second and third graders write like that. Perfect little girl camp letter - stream of consciousness, ends randomly, has mindless doodling on it. 9/10, would read again

Badace52 said:

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DG-Ag said:

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My wife told me that the Mystic counselors have their girls write two letters home per week. So, these moms and dads will likely see letters from their little angels some time this week...

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We just got a letter in from Hazel today. It was pretty rough lots of emotions. If these had been the final words from my little girl, they would have stuck in my heart forever and the letter would be my most precious keepsake.

My parents got a similar letter Monday and it nearly wrecked them. But it was so sweet...

The handwriting is all my fault... bad dad genes. I think it might actually be better than mine. Yes some of the words are misspelled. She's a little girl and she is working on it. Be kind internet

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Had to close my office door before I read that letter. I can't even fathom the emotions parents across the state are feeling today reading these letters. It goes without saying, but give Hazel as many hugs as she's willing to take.

I keep having to ask her if I'm hugging her too much and she keeps saying no... so the hugs will continue.

ToddyHill said:

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Mary Grace Baker

Here

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Wow, she did a lot of living in her short time here, what an inspiration for us olds. Wish i could give a pink star in her honor, but a blue will have to do.

She'll tell you when it's too much.

Some of you may be inclined to tell me to MYOB or STFU or whatever. I respect that, but I ask if you're so inclined, just ignore this post. It is honestly meant with the best of intentions whether the information posted will end up being helpful at all.

I have not lost a child nor do I claim to have any knowledge thereof. I have, however, known many who have. Starting with my grandfather, who lost 4. I vividly recall the look on his face -- frankly, the first time I was even aware of this -- at my uncle's funeral. I'll never forget that. After that, friends of my parents, and then, sadly, many friends of mine. I don't even know the count. Its almost like I'm bad luck to parents who know me.

A good friend of mine (who's married to another good friend) lost her baby due to severe birth defects. Every year on his birthday, she posts a tribute to him on FB. But it is more than that. A couple of years ago, she wrote some of the most profound words I've ever read. Allow me to share them with you.

Quote:

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I still don't understand how or why God would take a child from his mother while she prays for him. I'll never understand it and I've come to accept that I'll never understand this side of Eternity. But what I do know is this: life, for all of us, is messy. It is very much like the backside of a tapestry which looks like random threads and utter chaos. Looking at the backside, no one would ever know what the "pretty" side looks like or even what the image is supposed to be. But through His Word, God assures us over and over of its true beauty and its ETERNAL purpose. I just have to trust Him with our son and His plan of what He is weaving and creating. It is kind of cool to think that our little family of 5, is a teeny-tiny, itsy-bitsy thread in that beautiful tapestry that He is creating. And you and your family are also a part of that same beautiful tapestry. We may not see the beauty now through the heartache, pain, and grief, but we will see it one day once our work here is complete. (...)

Twenty-two years ago I was looking for God to remove my suffering. Looking back, I can see that He was there, right beside us, in every step, every tear, every screaming temper tantrum I threw in the closet, every trip to the cemetery... Over the years, many people have often asked me... "If God were to ask you and give you the choice to become pregnant with (him) and have the same outcome (his death), or never become pregnant with him at all, what would you choose?" Without a single doubt in my heart, I would do it all again because I was chosen by the Creator of this world, to be (his) mom. He is part of me. He is part of our family. We have 3 sons. Do I understand God's plan? No… Do I like it? Ummm....again, that is a big, resounding "NO". But one thing I have learned through these 22 years...Just as real as grief is, so is the strength, grace and mercy of our God. And as much as I don't understand it or like it, I realize that sometimes we stand to learn the most from the things we understand the least. And I will choose to live with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Without that, I have no hope of seeing (him) again one day. I choose hope. Because of what Jesus has done, we absolutely WILL get to see our son again one day. Until then, I will continue on my journey, trying my best to make him proud and leaving a legacy for (him). Even though his life was short, it had meaning and purpose. And even though this separation is temporary, it still hurts. And I will forever be thankful that God chose me to be their mom

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I can't add anything to that, so I won't.

When I thought I had no more tears to cry - Mary Grace's tribute, pictures of stuffies, and precious letters written home.

itsmytexagsacct said:

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DG-Ag said:

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My wife told me that the Mystic counselors have their girls write two letters home per week. So, these moms and dads will likely see letters from their little angels some time this week...

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And with that, I have to stop checking this thread. Thank you TexAgs, from a non-Aggie (although siblings went to A&M which is how I knew to come here for the most up-to-date information), for giving me a place to share hope with the others praying for the same thing and a place to grieve with those same people. I am sure there is a record log on some server that shows the hundreds if not thousands of page refreshes I did pleading good news into existence.

I will never be able to put into words the sorrow I feel for every family impacted by this unspeakable tragedy. I don't think I have ever cried so much.

Thank you, TexAgs, for so graciously sharing your space with those who do not belong. And to all those who have lost, I pray you find peace in your hearts and comfort in your memories.

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Don't be silly. If you truly care about these girls and their families, you belong.

AggiePrice said:

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I was doing clean up across the river from Rio Vista and Sierra Vista. I rarely post on here and tried to copy a link to a photo I took of the camp but maybe someone can assist here. As my crew moved into Hunt, we started clearing trees and there a Heart O' the Hills shirts scattered everywhere. This was approximately 4 miles down stream from the camp...

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Rookies (R after your screen name) can't post pictures.

Yeah but we loved you before we knew you were going to be a dirty traitor.

fc2112 said:

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My wife has been involved with this type of recovery work before. She said we need to be prepared for the possibility that some may never be found.

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Saw this picture yesterday, a few more inches and a full size truck would have completely disappeared. Tons of rock and soil was washed down the hills.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GvaxI7CXUAAlN03?format=jpg

At the request of TDEM, Edinburg FD has deployed two firefighters 🚒 to Central Texas as part of a six-person water rescue squad. They’re serving with Texas A&M Task Force 1 and proudly representing the Valley. They're working tirelessly alongside response teams from across the… pic.twitter.com/MW2PHvNFo8

— TerritoriodeCoahyTX (@CoahuilayTexas) July 9, 2025

lexofer said:

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fc2112 said:

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My wife has been involved with this type of recovery work before. She said we need to be prepared for the possibility that some may never be found.

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Saw this picture yesterday, a few more inches and a full size truck would have completely disappeared. Tons of rock and soil was washed down the hills.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GvaxI7CXUAAlN03?format=jpg

At the request of TDEM, Edinburg FD has deployed two firefighters 🚒 to Central Texas as part of a six-person water rescue squad. They’re serving with Texas A&M Task Force 1 and proudly representing the Valley. They're working tirelessly alongside response teams from across the… pic.twitter.com/MW2PHvNFo8

— TerritoriodeCoahyTX (@CoahuilayTexas) July 9, 2025

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Wow!