There are many reasons why Texans are proud to call this state home. The strong economy, beautiful and diverse landscape, rich culture, unforgettable food, and deep-rooted history are just a few of the highlights. But every once in a while, we’re reminded that it’s not just those things that make Texas great—it’s the people.

Over the years, our state has faced its share of disasters—fires, floods, hurricanes, droughts, and everything in between. Each one has left scars, and each one has been painful in its own way. But the recent Hill Country flood of 2025 is something different. The loss of life, especially of children, has been unimaginable. It’s the kind of heartbreak that ripples far beyond state lines. The nation has felt it. The world has noticed.

What has stood out, however, is the way Texans have responded.

It didn’t take a government order or a celebrity campaign to spark action. It was instinct. Texans showed up with trucks full of supplies, ready to help strangers like they were family. Food, clothes, water, toys, hygiene kits, cleaning supplies—everything people needed just started pouring in. And it’s not just about what was donated; it’s the speed, the coordination, and the heart behind it all.

And it’s not just individuals stepping up—it’s our companies, too. H-E-B, a name every Texan knows, was one of the first to mobilize. They didn’t wait around for someone to ask. They dropped everything and rushed to the Hill Country with truckloads of essential supplies. It’s the kind of response we’ve come to expect from them—and it’s a reflection of what makes Texas businesses stand out. They’re part of the community, and they act like it.

Plenty of other states know how to come together in times of crisis, and no one would question the compassion of people elsewhere. But here in Texas, there’s a kind of urgency and determination that feels different. Helping isn’t just encouraged—it’s expected. It’s second nature.

That’s the Texas spirit. That’s how you know you live in the greatest state in the country.

We take pride in our independence and strength, but we also take pride in our unity. When one of us hurts, we all feel it. And when it’s time to act, we don’t hesitate.

I’ve never been prouder to be a Texan. And I know I’m not alone in that feeling.

Photo credit: Nicholas Henderson, Creative Commons