Comedian Maria Bamford isn’t exactly a household name, but she might find herself a little more famous after her most recent good deed makes the rounds. The star of Lady Dynamite and The Comedians of Comedy started off her commencement address to an audience at Minnesota’s College of Liberal Arts on a curious note, but her intent became clear in short order.
She spent her opening remarks recounting her negotiations over the speaking fee for the engagement, saying she was originally asked to give the speech for free, but she managed to score some cash for her appearance and effort.
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The crowd raised a collective eyebrow as to why a comedian, speaking at a liberal arts school, no less, would spend so much of her time onstage talking about finances and money, when graduation speeches normally aspire to more ethereal and philosophical life lessons.
However, the audience soon realized the purpose of Bamford’s tack when she conversed with a graduate in the crowd (at the 10-minute mark in the video), learning that the student was leaving school with significant student loan debt. Bamford explained that she and her husband had just rid themselves of the burden of a student loan, then offered the girl a $5,000 check payable to Sallie Mae.
Prior to the act, the crowd seemed taken aback by Bamford’s other life lessons, which included her memories of meth use, depression, and sexually transmitted disease affliction. But, knowing how to work a room, the comedian followed the old adage that says something to the effect of: If you’re losing ’em, whip out a huge check for a charitable cause to get ’em back. So, while Maria Bamford may not have been a perfect match for a roomful of college graduates, she certainly ended her speech on a memorable and wonderful note.
Wiman hiding her face behind a bunch of cashCanva
A mansion and its reflection in the swimming poolCanva
Salzburg at nightCanva
Fancy homeCanva
Happy volunteersCanva
Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
Juicy subject matter
Giphy from The Blacklist.
We could start a rumor.
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.