Mom lost her daughter in Texas floods — then got a sign that helped her heal

The woman was at a house on a hill close to a river to celebrate the 4th of July with her friends.

PUBLISHED 8 HOURS AGO

(L) Flood and storms in a residential area. (R) A basket of flowers kept at a cemetery. Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Warren Faidley; Aire Images

Trigger Warning: This article contains details of casualties due to floods and can be distressing to some readers.

Losing a child is not an easy thing for a loving parent. However, people might find ways to heal as time passes. A mom found comfort in an unusual sign after she lost her daughter in deadly Texas floods. The woman's daughter, Joyce Catherine, had been studying architecture at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and was staying with her friends at a riverfront home in Hunt, Texas to celebrate the July 4 when the floods happened and water rushed through the property because of the heavy storms, per TODAY.com.

A couple mourning someone's loss at a cemetery. Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Anna Shvets

The mom, Kellye Badon, shared that her daughter had been staying at a home close to the river on a Facebook post on July 4 and asked for help. "We have an emergency and need prayers! Our daughter, Joyce Catherine, went to Hunt, TX, for the 4th with friends. They were staying in a home on a hill along the river," the post read. "At 4 am this morning, a flash flood came through and washed their cars away. It happened so quickly, with so much water, they could not get in the attic." The homeowner's son, Aidan Heartfield, called his dad about the incident immediately. But soon after that, Aidan and 2 others were washed away. Her daughter was the last person the homeowner spoke to before the phone line went dead.

Floods and storms in an area. Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Simple Images

Joyce Catherine's family had started driving to the location in hopes of finding her and her friends. But 3 days later, the mom shared that they had found their 21-year-old daughter's body through another post. "God showed us the way we should go this morning! We found our lovely daughter who blessed us for 21 years!" She continued, "We pray to be able to find her three friends soon. Thanks to EVERYONE for the prayers and support. God is good!"

The next day, the mom shared a sign that had helped her heal a little from her heartbreaking loss. The woman had spotted a rainbow among the trees, which felt like a sign from her beloved daughter. "Joyce Catherine telling us from heaven, 'All is well with my soul.'" People shared their condolences with the family and hoped that they would be able to recover from their loss in the comments section of the post. Tara Marshall wrote, "I am so sorry for your loss. I know the lord is still so sovereign, but my momma heart grieves with you." Jennifer LeBlanc commented, "Kellye Badon, Ty Badon and Nick Badon, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. May you find comfort in the love and memories that will forever be in your hearts. God is good."

Phyllis LaBure remarked, "Amen. Praise God. Joyce Catherine is sending you a sign because she loves you so much and doesn't want you to worry!" Tiffany N. Morrow shared, "I'm so terribly sorry for all of this! There aren't any words to truly say how we all feel! Just know the community stands with you and not behind and we're praying for you all. May God order your steps going forward." Maria Karnezis expressed, "This is a beautiful sign! Praying that God is always with you and your family and everyone affected by this! Joyce's memories will always be with you all! Many hugs to your strong family! Your strength is truly my inspiration."

If a disaster (natural or human‑caused) has left you distressed, and you need help, please reach out to the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1‑800‑985‑5990 (call or text). samhsa.gov