As a nation of immigrants, America is a country built on the promise that those who arrive on our shores will be afforded the opportunity to create a better life than the one they left behind.
At least, that’s how it’s supposed to work.
In fact, a look back at the history of the United States paints a different picture altogether—one in which people are brought to this country against their will, or detained upon arrival, or are simply refused entry altogether (to say nothing of the treatment of those native peoples who predate European colonialization). In fact, as a nation of immigrants, America has a decidedly mixed track record when it comes to living up to the offer etched into the base of the Statue of Liberty, inviting the world’s poor, tired, and huddled masses to enjoy a better existence within its borders.
This week, the debate over whether—and to what degree—the United States should resettle Syrians fleeing the horrific violence that has pulverized their home country hit a series of alarming lows; GOP Presidential candidate Donald Trump has called for a national Muslim tracking database, fellow office-seeker Dr. Ben Carson compared Syrian refugees to “rabid dogs,” and the U.S. House of Representatives voted by a margin of nearly two to one in favor of blocking the resettlement of refugees from Syria and Iraq.
The truth is that since it’s inception, the United States has struggled to embody the very ideals it professes to the world. And so, wave after wave of immigrants and refugees have been subject to scrutiny, abuse, and derision, simply for being “next” in the long line of peoples arriving at America’s borders. This week it’s Syrian refugees. Before that, it was Mexicans, Jews, Irish, and Chinese, to name just a few who made the journey to America, and in doing so, made this country better than it was before.
Here, then, is a brief history of America’s history of immigration debates.
Wiman hiding her face behind a bunch of cashCanva
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Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
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.