Living in the Dripping Springs bubble

The Humberts moved to Dripping Springs more than 30 years ago. They loved the views, the small neighborhoods...and the small town feeling of community they found here. Their kids made friends and did well in DSISD schools, all three graduating from Dripping Springs High School.

Their son played football and ran track. Their oldest daughter was a cheerleader, their youngest in Hi-Steppers. For Saturday morning meetings during football season, Mrs. Humbert took sausage balls for the boys to munch as they watched game films. From all appearances, an idyllic, all-American life among the undisturbed, natural beauty of Hays County. It was a beautiful bubble.

That was 25 years ago. Dripping Springs ISD has grown, the schools are even better and there’s much more to do – for all ages ≠ more places to eat, a movie theatre, tennis courts, swimming pools, etc.

A family similar to the Humberts moved into the Humbert’s neighborhood 12 years ago. Two of their four kids have graduated from DSHS and gone on to college, both on full scholarships to two different state universities.

Over the years, as this family has traveled the roller coaster ups and downs called “life,” their church, friends and neighbors were there to support them. In turn, this family has been there for their friends and their community, volunteering in the schools, in church leadership roles and in community efforts. Their bubble, like the Humberts, has been beautiful.

As a new resident in mid-2016, I began forming my own beautiful bubble slowly but surely. After living in Houston, The Woodlands and Austin, I was surprised that neighbors actually knew each other, helped each other and shared with each other -- things like ladders, cooking wines, weather reports, etc. Like back in my grandmother’s time, neighbors formed friendships and actually cared about each other’s well-being.

Whatever one brings to the table – if one wants to be at the table – there is always room and any talent is happily put to work, whether it’s mowing the church lawn, taking photographs at an event or meeting, gathering food for the SOFI (School’s Out, Food’s In) program or serving on a nonprofit board, to name just a few. There’s a place for everyone in our community.

Personally, I don’t think of Dripping Springs as an exclusive enclave. Instead, I see our community as an inclusive bubble, where we all – the haves and the haves a little less – work together to make our town even better every year.

Our DS bubble is big enough for everyone, regardless of skin color, religion, political persuasion or sexual preference. In a better bubble, we show others we care, we take time to help, to listen and we respect the other person.

We also work together (parents, businesses and churches) to create worthwhile social experiences for our young people that benefit the community and, at the same time, to teach them the importance of being part of the bigger picture. In a better bubble, we know – and truly care about – our neighbors, making room for new people and new ideas.

Dripping Springs is far from fulfilling its true potential. We all have a lot to do and a long way to go, but we can make our bubble better if we take care of our kids, cheer them all on their individual journeys, encourage each other’s endeavors, do for others and pass judgment only if it’s truly helpful.

Like it or not, we’re all part of Dripping Springs’ big, beautiful bubble. Let’s make it the best bubble for everyone!