Marc Yu and his family were just trying to live their lives in peace in Vacaville, California—until a letter arrived that shook their world and horrified the internet.
Marc, who is Filipino, and his wife Sandy, who is Chinese, have three young children and own a home in the Meadowlands neighborhood. They’re proud Golden State Warriors fans, active community members, and Marc works helping families secure home mortgages. But to one anonymous neighbor, none of that mattered.
What the neighbor saw instead was an interracial family that, in their view, didn’t “fit” the area—and they decided to act on that bias in a way that was deeply offensive and threatening.
"The letter writer basically threatened them to leave their neighborhood within 60 days and assumed the family were renting from a (presumably white) homeowner."
Marc shared the letter on Facebook, and the response was swift and supportive. People were outraged not only by the blatant racism but by the presumption that Marc couldn’t possibly own his home. The irony? He helps people buy homes for a living.
"There's one little problem, however: Marc actually owns his home. In fact, he makes his living helping others secure home financing."
This wasn’t just ignorance—it was calculated malice. The letter, filled with veiled threats and ugly assumptions, tried to paint Marc’s presence as a disruption to the neighborhood’s “20 years of cleanliness, quiet, and very little crime.”
The post about he letter.Reddit
But Marc isn’t alone.
He told local news station KTVU that 7 of the 8 homes on his block are occupied by interracial families. That includes neighbors like Kelly Natividad, who was shocked when she read the letter:
"As I kept reading it, it just got worse and worse and very offensive. It’s just frustrating to know that [there are] people [who] are obviously racist in our community."
The letter in question.Reddit
Police are now involved. Lt. Mark Donaldson of the Vacaville Police Department said they’re treating the letter seriously.
"It’s very disturbing. Very troubling. I think it’s always best to err on the side of caution, allow us to look into the matter to find out the history. At this point we don’t know if there’s any crimes."
There was a lot of support online.Reddit
Despite the letter’s disgusting message, Marc and his family have received a wave of support from their community and beyond. The hate may have arrived in the mailbox, but it was met with love at the doorstep.
Commenters were outraged.Reddit
Marc didn’t just expose a racist note—he helped reveal the strength and solidarity of the neighborhood that truly surrounds him.
This article originally appeared six years ago.
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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.