Insomnia is a debilitating sleep disorder that causes people to stay up for long periods of time. While the rest of the world sleeps soundly in their beds, the life of the insomniac is spent staring at the ceiling, hoping and praying for the sweet relief of sleep. New Jersey-based photographer Michael Massaia suffers from insomnia, but instead of laying in bed, he began taking long walks to pass the night away. He also developed a talent for photography that he honed during spells of sleeplessness.
In 2009, Massaia combined his love of long walks in the city with photography by creating a photo series called “Deep in a Dream, Central Park.” For the project, he used only black and white film and the park’s natural light at dawn. “The park goes through a metamorphosis at night and gets kind of dark,” he says on his website. “And I was determined to capture it.” His prints are created using a highly toxic developer called Pyro. The results are mysterious, black and white photographs with rich tonal scales that magically capture Central Park in a way few have seen it.
Massaia’s photographs would have been much harder to capture years ago when Central Park was known as a magnet for crime and drug activity. Nevertheless, he’s careful when he walks the park alone with his camera in the wee hours of the night. “When you operate an 8-by-10 camera you have a dark cloth over your head, so you can’t see around you or notice who might be coming behind you. You’re a sitting duck,” he told Slate.
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.