Heartbroken Texas Mother Makes Emotional Plea for Return of Daughter’s Lost Stuffed Monkey After Deadly Floods

In the aftermath of the devastating floods that have swept through Texas, one mother’s emotional plea has touched hearts across the nation. Stacy Stevens, grieving the loss of her 8-year-old daughter Mary Barrett Stevens, who was among the 27 victims tragically swept away in the catastrophic flooding at Camp Mystic, is now asking for the public’s help in recovering a small, yet irreplaceable, piece of her daughter’s memory.

Stacy Stevens’ heartfelt post on Facebook has gone viral, capturing the attention and empathy of thousands who are now rallying behind her request. The object she seeks isn’t a family heirloom or expensive artifact; it’s a plush monkey—one that her daughter Mary, who had an infectious joy and an adventurous spirit, cherished since infancy. The toy, made by Jellycat, is a simple stuffed animal, but to Mary, it was everything.

A Heartbreaking Loss

The floods that struck Camp Mystic on the weekend of July 4th left families devastated, with entire communities wiped out and more than 120 confirmed dead. Over 170 individuals are still missing, and the aftermath of the natural disaster continues to send shockwaves through the region. Among the victims was Mary, a girl who, by all accounts, was full of life, love, and laughter. Her mother, Stacy, described her daughter as a fearless and joyous soul, always bringing light to the darkest of places.

“Our world is shattered, but I have peace getting your letters and knowing you were having the time of your life at camp,” Stacy wrote in a statement to the Austin American-Statesman, referencing her daughter’s final moments. “You had a dance party with all of your friends before the Lord decided to take you from us. He has bigger plans for you.”

Yet, beyond the heartbreak of losing her daughter, Stacy’s plea centers on one small, sentimental item—the stuffed monkey, which Mary carried everywhere. It was her most prized possession, attached to a square sticker bearing her full name. For Stacy, getting that toy back isn’t just about retrieving a lost object—it’s about keeping a piece of her daughter’s spirit alive.

A Mother’s Heartfelt Request

In her Facebook post, Stacy made a simple but moving request: “We lost my daughter and would love to have it back as it was her most prized possession.” The monkey, though a seemingly small object, held deep sentimental value. It was a constant companion for Mary, providing comfort and security, and it now represents the innocence, joy, and love that Mary brought into the world.

The loss of Mary is still fresh for the Stevens family. Stacy, her husband Johnny, and their children Graham and Lilly are navigating the unimaginable grief of losing a daughter and sister in a flood that has forever altered their lives. A GoFundMe page set up by close friends describes Mary as a child whose laughter was infectious, and whose heart was generous. “Her presence brought joy and comfort,” the campaign description reads.

As Stacy and Johnny process their devastating loss, their plea for help in locating the stuffed monkey has become a powerful symbol of the hope and healing that can come even in the darkest of times.

A Symbol of Hope Amid Tragedy

In a flood that has devastated entire communities, the request for a stuffed animal may seem small—but for Stacy, it represents much more than just a toy. It’s a tangible reminder of her daughter’s playful, carefree spirit—a part of Mary that cannot be replaced. The monkey, now out of stock and rare, symbolizes the love and light that Mary brought into the lives of everyone she touched.

“The monkey holds all the memories of her and who she was,” Stacy shared in an emotional message. “Having it back would help bring a little piece of her back.”

The search for Mary’s stuffed animal has become a community effort. In the face of overwhelming loss, Stacy’s request has rallied strangers to action. People from across Texas—and beyond—are combing through the wreckage, hoping to find a piece of the past that will bring comfort to a grieving mother.

Anyone who finds or recognizes the toy, which has a distinctive Jellycat design and a name tag on it, is encouraged to contact local authorities or reach out via the original Facebook post.

A Family’s Journey Through Heartbreak

The Stevens family’s loss isn’t just a story of tragedy; it’s a story of the enduring love and resilience that a family holds for one another, even when faced with unthinkable loss. Mary’s story is a reminder that behind every number—the 119 lives lost, the 170 missing—there are individual stories of real people, each with their own hopes, dreams, and legacies.

As the Stevens family struggles to pick up the pieces of their lives, they’ve found solace in the overwhelming outpouring of support from their community. From the heartfelt letters and messages of sympathy to the volunteers helping recover personal belongings, Stacy has expressed deep gratitude for the love and kindness that has surrounded them.

“We’re devastated, but we’re not alone,” Stacy said. “The love and kindness we’re receiving from all corners of the world has given us strength to carry on.”

The Unseen Toll of Natural Disasters

While the search for Mary’s stuffed monkey continues, her story has also brought a stark reality to light: the true cost of natural disasters is not just measured in numbers, but in the lives and memories that are lost. Every person who dies in a catastrophe like this leaves behind a community that mourns—not just for the loss of their life but for the irreplaceable parts of them that are left behind.

Mary’s story serves as a reminder of the human side of disasters—the way one person’s loss affects everyone around them, and how the search for closure and healing never ends. For the Stevens family, finding the toy may not bring back their daughter, but it will be a step toward healing, a small but powerful symbol of their love for her.

What’s Next for the Stevens Family?

As the search for Mary’s beloved stuffed monkey continues, Stacy and her family are slowly beginning to rebuild their lives. But the journey ahead will be long, filled with both heartache and hope. Their story, like so many others affected by the Texas floods, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

In the face of unimaginable grief, it’s clear that the Stevens family’s fight isn’t over. With the support of their community, they’re determined to carry on Mary’s legacy—and, hopefully, bring home one last piece of her memory.

If you have any information or are able to assist in the search, the Stevens family invites you to reach out and help bring this important piece of their daughter’s life back home.