In a poignant new podcast series, former PEOPLE staff writer Aaron Parsley opens up about the devastating impact of last year’s floods in Texas, which claimed his family home along the picturesque Guadalupe River. The podcast, entitled Where the River Took Us, delves into both the heartwarming moments shared by his family just hours before tragedy struck, and the harrowing events that followed.
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In the inaugural episode, Parsley shares his reflections on 3rd July 2025, a day filled with simple joys that would ultimately serve as his family’s last peaceful moments together. A gathering saw Parsley, his husband Patrick Kelleher, and various family members enjoying a day at the river, with Parsley’s sister’s children, Rosemary and young Clay, taking centre stage. The children donned amusing life jackets and floaties, emblematic of their parents’ protective instincts.
The family’s fun included taking turns on a rope swing, where adventurous Rosemary, aged five, and her intrepid younger brother Clay delighted in the day’s activities. Kelleher recalled cheerfully how the siblings interacted, with Clay mimicking his sister’s bravery as she swung from the rope. However, as the afternoon progressed, ominous clouds loomed, prompting the family to retreat indoors for dinner.
Inside, the atmosphere was light and playful as the children entertained themselves with games of hide-and-seek, while the adults unwound. “If Rosemary opened the bathroom door, Patrick would jump out from behind it, and she would scream while Clay giggled,” Parsley recounted, showcasing the joyous dynamic in their home that evening.
Later that night, the adults indulged in a spirited game of charades, chosen by Parsley’s sister. Teams were formed, and laughter echoed throughout as they acted out their chosen titles, creating yet another cherished memory in what would soon become a heartbreaking narrative. “It felt like a rare opportunity for my sister and me and our husbands to connect without the children,” Parsley reflected.
Tragically, the following morning, the mood shifted dramatically as the floodwaters, rising unexpectedly, swept the house away. In an instant, the structure that had harboured such joy splintered, catapulting family members into the tumultuous waters, where chaos reigned and survival instincts kicked in.
In the second episode of the podcast, listeners are taken through the traumatic events of that day, illustrating the sheer helplessness the family felt as they were thrust into the depths of the river. The aftermath of the flood signalled a painful adjustment for the family, as they navigated the difficult transition from life as they knew it to grappling with profound loss.
Despite the odds stacked against them, Parsley and Kelleher found solace in maintaining their cherished Sunday tradition of brunching at their favourite restaurant. Just a week after the calamity, they returned to the spot where so many memories had been created. “Going back felt beautiful, despite everything we’d been through,” Parsley recalled. “We were battered and bruised, but we were together, and it was truly incredible to share that moment again.”
The podcast serves not only as a platform to recount the difficult journey Parsley and his family have undergone but also to offer listeners insight into the resilience of the human spirit amid adversity. The series continues to unfold, with the fourth episode of Where the River Took Us set to be released on 9th June.
As Parsley shares his family’s narrative of joy intertwined with sorrow, his story resonates with many who have endured loss and recovery. The podcast is a reminder of the fleeting nature of happiness and the importance of cherishing the simple, yet profoundly meaningful moments in life, even in the face of tragedy.