The Houston Astros paid a visit to the White House on Monday, March 12, having been the lucky recipients of an invitation that wasn’t later rescinded as a posturing power move. Though the event went smoothly and without great incident, it was still, after all, a President Donald Trump media appearance and certain to contain a few bizarre and cringe-y moments.
The team appeared largely intact, with only a handful of players (Carlos Correa, Ken Giles, and Francis Marte) declining the invitation, though none gave explicitly political reasons for their absence.
With the appearance came the usual rote procession of handshakes, forced smiles, and stiff exchanges, but as Trump crossed paths with American League MVP Jose Altuve, it seemed as though at least one of them wasn’t interested in a handshake. Whether or not that was Altuve or Trump, or just the suggestion of circumstance is unclear, but this clip shows that they acknowledged each other without showing much in the way of affection.
It would seem that Trump hadn’t been the one withholding if a subsequent interaction gives any more context. Trump called out Altuve by name, gave him a handshake that turned into repeated pats on the shoulder, which then, in turn, became an unprovoked dig at the MVP’s height (5’6”) as Trump bellowed, “He’s much taller than I thought.”
The lone high point came when Trump ceded the spotlight to team owner Jim Crane, who spoke of the trying year that Houstonians and Texans had in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey and conveyed his gratitude in bringing some joy to those affected with a World Series title.
So while it wasn’t marred by any outbursts of clandestine gestures, the boring, ceremonial appearance was still brimming with the cringe-y encounters we’ve come to expect from Trump.
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.