Two sisters, Brooke Harber, 13, and Blair Harber, 11, were swept away in the July Fourth Texas floods.
Rescuers found the girls a day later, with hands clasped together and clutching rosary beads.
“I love you,” texted Blair in her last words to her father and grandparents at 3:30 AM.
RJ Harber, their father, who was staying in a separate cabin, tried a kayak, but he couldn’t get there.
Their school, St. Rita Catholic Community School in Dallas, highlighted how the sisters led vibrant lives.
Did Brooke and Blair leave us clues on how to face tragedy?
I think they left three.
1. Face anything with strong bonds
Their clasped hands and rosary beads are indelible images of Brooke and Blair Harber.
Reading more details about the girls uncovers their strength.
Eleven-year-old Brooke participated in soccer, basketball, volleyball, and lacrosse. She had a flair for improv, speech, and drama. Her aunt described her as “someone who never met a stranger and loved everyone she met.”
Thirteen-year-old Blair was a standout student in advanced classes and participated in volleyball, basketball, and lacrosse. She was active in the Student Ambassadors, yearbook, and speech and drama programs.
The sisters thrived in communities.
Team players. Team participants.
“Some girls are made of adventure, fine lines, and the strength to step into the unknown.” Nikita Gill
I think Brooke and Blair’s strength was rooted in faith and community.
2. Sisters embraced faith before the floods
Ultimately, we are defined by our moments in crisis.
We don’t know when, where, or how our mettle will be tested.
That’s why faith, hope, and love embraced early are our best chance against the worst storms.
These sisters were in the loft of their cabin, holding hands and rosary beads, when the flood came in.
The “I love you” texts to their parents and grandparents show a remarkable composure in the face of death.
Rather than facing this crisis in fear, panic, or despair, they thoughtfully held on to their family, their faith, and each other.
What did these young sisters demonstrate?
They practiced faith, hope, and love just like basketball, volleyball, and lacrosse.
Faith was just as important as activities.
Their school, family, and everyone speaking on their behalf are marvelling at their faith.
3. The journey through death
In 1987, I served as a chaplain for a year at Baylor Hospital in Dallas.
They never sent me to the hernia ward.
It was always Oncology, Respiratory, or the Coronary Care Unit.
My first night, I watched two people die.
One case had no family or friends present.
The other had a big crowd. They all looked at me, asking me to lead them in prayer. I’ll never forget that family because their faith took over a dark and dingy hospital room as all of us held hands and entered another world in prayer.
We can’t take our money, our hobbies, or anyone with us in death.
But we will take our…
- faith
- soul
- mind
- memories
That’s what Brooke and Blair did.
May their testimony be far-reaching and their faith influential.
Absolutely beautiful, Steve. Thank you so much for such essential reminders.
Thank you Wayne. I’m still woking on the heaven post. I’m excited about sharing it!