Every day, we hand over our most important possessions to strangers without thinking twice. Whether it’s luggage at the airport or a car at the repair shop, we assume trust is built into the transaction.
But when that trust is broken? That’s where things get interesting.
Penny Ivy Thompson of Flowood, Mississippi, learned just how quickly the rules can change when she spotted her supposedly “in-the-shop” truck rolling down the road, tailgating another car.
She followed it. It ended up in a Lowe’s parking lot. And the person behind the wheel? A dealership employee was using her vehicle for what appeared to be personal errands.
There's something eerie about spotting your own car driving around. Facebook
"I steal MY OWN DODGE from Lowe’s parking lot."
— Penny Ivy Thompson
Penny waited 20 minutes. No explanation came. So she made a call—to the dealership—and then made a decision.
She took her truck back.
Not through a drawn-out complaint process. Not with a call to corporate. She pulled out her spare key, climbed in, and drove off, leaving the employee stranded in the parking lot, shopping bag in hand.
Represntative Image: "I'm a Home Depot kinda girl anyway." Canva
"I’m a Home Depot kinda girl anyway."
— Penny Ivy Thompson
Her viral post about the incident read like a screenplay. The dealership confirmed the incident, fired the employee, and offered a personal apology. They’ve promised retraining and responsibility.
"He just stopped and stood in the parking lot."
— Penny Ivy Thompson
But Penny’s real message resonated far beyond Mississippi. In a moment where many people feel powerless against big systems—whether it’s healthcare, housing, or simply getting your oil changed—her story hit a nerve.
She reminded people they’re not powerless
It’s not just about one rogue employee. It’s about how easily we’re expected to accept when the rules aren’t followed, and how satisfying it is when someone reminds us we’re not powerless.
There’s a real cost when institutions fail to respect the people they serve. But sometimes, as Penny proved, the best accountability comes from knowing where you parked your principles—and your spare key.
This article originally appeared last year.
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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.