In its heyday, London's Hornsey Baths (pictured), served some 120 daily visitors. That, however, was more than half a century ago; over time, Hornsey fell into disrepair, before getting shut down altogether in 1988.The empty pool is one of many jarring images found in Gigi Cifali's photographic series "Absence of Water," an ongoing project that aims to serve as a visual archive of the United Kingdom's now derelict lidos and baths-which, after the height of their popularity in the 1930s, saw diminishing attendance and upkeep, and, over years and decades, were either abandoned or demolished. The feeling of having been bypassed by modernity is palpable, and the emptiness is dramatic. Yet, even in the structures' dilapidated states, there lies a sense of civic and architectural integrity. And by photographing them, Cifali hopes not only to celebrate the icons of a bygone era, but also to "express the importance of water" as an "element of regeneration for the human spirit."Click to enlarge. STIRCHLEY BATHS, BIRMINGHAMOpened 1910, Closed 1988. Attendance per day: 140 peopleClick here to enlarge.ELTHAM PARK LIDO, LONDONOpened 1924, Closed 1988. Attendance per day: 145 peopleClick here to enlarge.MOSELEY BATHS, BIRMINGHAMOpened 1907, Closed 2004. Attendance per day: 120 peopleClick here to enlarge.ERITH POOL, ERITHOpened 1972, Closed 2005. Attendance per day: 120 peopleClick here to enlarge.UXBRIDGE LIDO, UXBRIDGEOpened 1935, Closed 1998. Attendance per day: 200 people.
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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.