I was born and raised in Kerrville and my daughter’s family lives outside Hunt.
Her four boys attend either the Hunt or Ingram schools.
My son-in-law is a first responder with the Hunt Volunteer Fire Department.
I could go on forever about my connection to this very special spot in the Hill Country.
I had driven back from Ruidoso Thursday through the rain to be able to be at the Robert Earl concert in the park.
His song about getting back home to friends and family was on replay in my head and I couldn’t wait to hear him sing it.
I wake to my daughter calling me at 6 Friday morning.
She and her family are OK, but she wants me to check her shop on the river in Ingram.
As I am driving out, I realize the flood is worse than the record flood of '87.
Her shop is trashed and probably a total loss.
After retrieving all of the electronic equipment, the DPS comes and orders us to move to higher ground.
On the way back, I start to witness the fact that the water had risen to levels I had never seen in 75 years and there have been plenty of floods.
Given the 1987 flood was almost 40 years ago, people have moved back closer to the river encroaching into the flood plain.
When that river is not raging, it is beyond beautiful and captivating.
This is all very personal for me as I have lost friends and the granddaughters of friends.
It has torn this beautiful place to shreds.
It has happened before and structures will be rebuilt and life just keeps going through the sorrow.
I say all this just as a reminder that just because things haven’t happened in a while, it doesn’t mean it won’t.
This market is at record highs and the S&P 500 is trading at an almost 25 multiple.
Can and will it go higher?
I am sure it can and will.
The real question is whether that unforeseen or predicted downturn will come.
It can and will.
You just need to be prepared for what is yet to come.
Contrary to popular belief, it is not different this time and the only real correct prediction is that things will without question change.
Unlike so many people here, hopefully you will be prepared.
