On a hopeful spring day in Rio Robles, friends, neighbors, and partners gathered to celebrate a true “Welcome Home” for Annette and Gary Dickson at their restored home on Chaparral Drive. Before the celebration began, there was time to tour the beautifully repaired house and hear the couple reflect on both the frightening morning of July 4 and the long road that followed. Married for 65 years, the Dicksons’ warmth and humor were unmistakable: Gary, a World War II veteran and former city planner, and Annette, clearly still delight in one another and in life itself.
In the early morning darkness of July 4, they were awakened by strange noises and pounding at the door. When they got out of bed, water was already beginning to seep into the house. A first responder, Arnie, came to their door with urgent words: it was time to leave immediately. There was no time to gather belongings. Annette wanted her purse. Gary wanted his phone. But Arnie insisted—they had to go now.
The couple stepped onto the back porch, where the landing was already covered in water. To reach safety, they had to step down into the floodwaters, which had risen to about waist-high on both of them. The current was powerful, the water bitterly cold, and they were dressed only in pajamas. Annette said, “If Arnie had let go of us, for even a moment, we would have been swept away.” Holding tightly to both of them, he guided them through the rushing water to safety at the Rio Robles neighborhood social house.
There, they found many others who had narrowly escaped as well. Residents from higher ground quickly came down to check on everyone, bringing clothes, food, coffee, blankets, and anything else they thought might help. The Dicksons were deeply moved by that immediate kindness. In true Hill Country fashion, they laughed remembering that later that same evening—because it was still the Fourth of July—the neighborhood chose to continue with its barbecue and Independence Day gathering once the waters had receded enough for people to safely be together. Even in the midst of hardship, community prevailed.
As they shared their story, Annette and Gary were far more interested in talking about the blessings that came afterward than the fear of that morning. They spoke with great affection about meeting Jay, Mary, and Baylee Parks, all with Habitat for Humanity. They praised the craftsmanship, attention to detail, and care shown throughout the repair process. Before entering the Needs Assessment program, they had hired another contractor for some repairs, but much of that work had to be redone. The difference in quality was obvious, and they were grateful their home was ultimately placed in trusted hands.
The finished home reflects not only careful workmanship, but Annette’s personal style. Rather than settle for plain neutrals, she chose rich and welcoming colors—deep blues, greens, and burgundy tones that now bring warmth and character to every room. The result is a home full of life, beauty, and personality. She beamed with pride and joy as she showed us around the home.
The Dicksons also expressed heartfelt gratitude to The Community Foundation for helping create programs that supported families throughout Rio Robles and beyond. Many neighbors on their street and in the neighborhood were severely impacted, and the couple recognized they were part of a much larger recovery story.
The celebration included a blessing of the home with holy water by Father Scott. Also present was Sally Thiel with the Light on the Hill and Laura Shrader from Kerrville First United Methodist Church. It was a joyful gathering of old friends and new, united in gratitude for every donor, volunteer, worker, and partner who helped make this day possible.
During the rebuilding process, Annette and Gary temporarily stayed with their son, whom they love dearly. But everyone knew they were happiest in their own home, in their own space, with their own routines. The day they returned was one of celebration not simply because repairs were complete, but because something deeply meaningful had been restored.
With heartfelt emotion, both Annette and Gary thanked those gathered in their home—but above all, they gave thanks to God for protecting them and carrying them through the hardest chapter of their lives. Now back in the home they love, they say they will never forget the people who helped bring them there.
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