The tragic floods that struck Central Texas in July have left a profound impact on the families of the young lives lost at Camp Mystic. As they navigate the aftermath, these families are finding ways to honor their daughters’ memories through the Heaven’s 27 Foundation.
In the heart of Texas Hill Country, a devastating flood six months ago claimed the lives of at least 130 people. Among those were 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic, with most campers being just 8 or 9 years old. Stacy Stevens reflects on this tragic event, saying, “Six months has felt like eternity, and at the same time, I’m frozen on July 4. And the world keeps spinning, but I’m still there, waiting for my daughter to come home.” Her daughter, Mary Barrett Stevens, is among those remembered through this initiative.
The Heaven’s 27 Foundation, established by the bereaved families, aims to perpetuate the legacies of their daughters. Cole Naylor, whose daughter Wynne Naylor was lost in the flood, shares, “It’s our way of carrying our daughters’ legacies forward and sharing their light with as many people as possible.”
This foundation is devoted to supporting causes that were dear to each child, such as animal welfare, Christian missions, and the arts. Stacy Stevens explains, “There are funds that support animals, Christian initiatives, the arts.” These efforts are a testament to the enduring spirit of Mary Barrett and Wynne.
In a conversation with ALL THINGS CONSIDERED’s Ava Berger, Stevens and Naylor elaborated on how the foundation continues to uphold their daughters’ legacies. Stevens describes Mary Barrett as “truly pure joy,” while Naylor reminisces about Wynne’s boundless imagination and her nightly questions, emphasizing the deep bond they shared.
Mary Barrett was known for her eagerness to try new things, and her charitable lemonade stands, which raised money for animal shelters, reflect her compassionate nature. Wynne, on the other hand, was deeply connected to her community, from teachers to church programs, and her family hopes to support these institutions in her memory.
The foundation also funds a program that invites youth to the mountains each summer, allowing them to experience the serenity that Mary loved. “We are supporting the program that brings youth to the mountains for a week in the summer so that they can experience the outdoors and, you know, the peace of the mountains that Mary loved so much,” Stevens notes.
Amidst their grief, Naylor expresses a desire to live a life inspired by their daughters, stating, “We’ll continue to support each other to live the way that our girls lived – you know, just take joy in as many small moments and really give you a full life like they lived.” Both Stevens and Naylor find solace in the foundation, as it allows them to continue parenting their daughters in a meaningful way.
“They were going to do such big things and make such an impact on the world, and we can’t snuff that light out,” Naylor asserts, underscoring the profound influence the girls will continue to have through this foundation.
In remembrance of Wynne Naylor and Mary Barrett Stevens, the Heaven’s 27 Foundation stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to their lasting impact on the world.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
