Violence plagued Spanish polling stations as citizens turned out to vote on a controversial referendum, leading to closed polling stations and riot control tactics to prevent voting in Madrid, which had banned a vote on the issue. Amid the chaos, security concerns led to an enduring and surreal image at Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium, where the fabled soccer team took on Las Palmas before a completely empty venue.
Spanish courts have ruled that the referendum for Catalonia’s independence is unconstitutional, leading to the closure of polling places and the threat of violence among Barcelona soccer fans, which is because the team has served as a rallying point and symbol for the region’s struggle for independence. When the team took the field before an empty stadium, they wore jerseys in the color of the Catalan flag.
The decision to proceed with the game in an empty stadium seemingly left no one happy. Barcelona criticized La Liga, the team’s league, for refusing to postpone the game to be played before fans. The team, in a statement, also spoke out definitively against the actions of Spanish law enforcement. The message reads, in part, “FC Barcelona condemns the events which have taken place in many parts of Catalonia today in order to prevent its citizens exercising their democratic right to free expression.”
The team’s vice president, Carles Vilarrubí, has reportedly resigned in protest following the league’s refusal to postpone the game, but no further statement has been made from Vilarrubí himself or the team.
Barcelona won the match 3-0. A day later, violence still plagues Spanish cities over the divisive vote.
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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.