Historically, finding the true origin of a menu item or dish is akin to finding a needle in a...stack of bigger needles. Even if you can parse through the Bunyanesque legends that tend to evolve over time, you’ll likely be left with many outlets (both people and institutions), who are all too quick to take credit.
As we look back on the life of Arnold Palmer, who died this weekend in Pittsburgh at the age of 87, we remember him not only as one of the best golfers to ever pick up sticks, but as the namesake for an iconic country club drink that’s found its way to the mainstream.
For those unfamiliar, an Arnold Palmer is a mix of lemonade and iced tea in the same glass. Its prevalence is such that ESPN went forward with this Sportscenter promo that didn’t need a word of exposition or explanation to get its point across:
But just because it’s named after the legendary golfer doesn’t mean he was the driving creative (as much as mixing lemonade and iced tea can be deemed “creative”) force behind the drink.
In this case, though, he just happened to be the guy that invented the drink, despite what you might hear in country club locker rooms and public golf courses across the world.
In a 30 for 30 short several years ago, Palmer was very forthright with how his name came to be synonymous with the drink. While many such origin stories are convoluted, this one is very straightforward, making it as refreshing as the beverage that bears his name.
He recounted, "My wife made a lot of iced tea for lunch, and I said, 'Hey babe, I've got an idea.' You make the iced tea and make a big pitcher, and we'll just put a little lemonade in it and see how that works. We mixed it up, and I got the solution about where I wanted it and I put the lemonade in it. I had it for lunch after working on the golf course. I thought, 'Boy, this is great, babe. I'm going to take it when I play golf. I'm going to take a thermos of iced tea and lemonade.' "
Shortly thereafter, he was dining in a restaurant, describing the drink he wanted to the waitress when a nearby diner told a waitress, "I want an Arnold Palmer. I want what he ordered."
And a drink was born.
Perhaps most charming of all is the fact that Palmer was embarrassed to order his namesake drink, so instead of asking for an “Arnold Palmer,” he would explain how to make it.
Though he probably could have saved everyone a lot of time by just asking for an Arnold Palmer. They would have known what he meant.
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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.