In a world that can often feel so deeply divided, one Alaskan mayor reached out to his Canadian friends and neighbors to express his loyalty and appreciation for their invaluably important ties. And the feeling was mutual.
We can't ignore that fires have been stoked recently between the United States and Canada. Tensions are certainly higher than usual over threats of raised tariffs, looming trade wars, and all-around blustering. But let's zoom in a little to find the wonderfully hopeful partnership, and really, the friendship that still exists. There’s so much history between not only the nearby towns, but the two countries who have been longtime allies.
Haines, Alaska | Andrei Taranchenko | Flickrwww.flickr.com
So, after the Haines Assembly agreed to construct a kind, old-fashioned letter, Tom Morphet, the mayor of Haines, Alaska, wrote it and sent it off to their neighbors in Haines Junction, Yukon, as well as to Whitehorse 100 miles to the east. The main crux of the note was to "reaffirm a relationship of friendship, cooperation, and mutual assistance." Much of the letter's contents were provided to various outlets, including CBC News in a piece entitled, "Can we still be friends: Alaska town sends love letter to neighbours in Yukon."
Though complex for many reasons, Canada and the United States (who share the longest border of any two nations on Earth) have always—mostly—had a deep and respectful alliance.
Canadians and Americans have also historically put each other at the top of their "favorite nations" lists. They simply (usually) like each other. Not to mention their support for one another economically (NAFTA certainly helped with that) and how they often back one another militarily.
Mayor Morphet's letter continued, "We recognize that as northerners, we sometimes have as much in common with our Canadian neighbors as we do with our own countrymen in the southern latitudes."
The letter also expressed the U.S.'s gratitude toward its neighbor. "We are grateful for the many services and opportunities that our proximity to Canada affords us, including emergency hospital services, veterinary services, RCMP coverage, parks, shopping, and social events held in your city."
He gave CBC News a personal anecdote: "I've got good friends in Whitehorse and the Junction. Some places in the world, you know, Yanks aren't welcome, but we've always felt welcome going up to the Yukon. We'd just love that to continue."
File:Yukon River at Whitehorse -b.jpg - Wikipediaen.m.wikipedia.org
The mayor of Whitehorse, Kirk Cameron, wrote back. Although he expressed concern over local business and the overall state of affairs, he cited the importance of how long the goodwill between the two communities has lasted. “We are not just business associates and colleagues; we are friends and family, bound by a common purpose and shared aspirations. We value these close ties and appreciate how they have enriched the lives of our residents."
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Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.