It’s no secret that former NBA star and TV personality Bill Walton wears his passions on his sleeve. He loves the Grateful Dead. He loves basketball. And he loves, loves, loves cycling. Having undergone over 40 surgeries for back and feet issues, he has found an outlet in cycling, calling it in a WSJ interview “the most important thing I have. It is my gym, my wheelchair and my church all in one.”
You could imagine how he would feel if his bike was lost. And at 7 feet tall, his bike is a custom affair that can’t be replaced without great time and expense.
Over the weekend, Walton was put through the wringer as his bike was lost luggage on a trip via Hawaiian Airlines from Honolulu to Maui.
He was apoplectic, reaching out via social media with this tweet, which also shows just how big his big bike is:
He was flying to Hawaii for a vacation, the high point of which was a cycle tour of the majestic volcanos. So lacking a bike would put a pretty serious damper on his trip.
It turns out that by venting on Twitter, the likeable celebrity managed to put a fair amount of pressure on the airline to find his missing bike, both from sympathetic Twitter users and from media outlets that had picked up the story. Not wanting to be the guys that lost Bill Walton’s prized bike, Hawaiian Airlines, bombarded with messages, went to work.
Walton was also tweeting non-stop to his followers expressing his pain and frustration. This went beyond rage. Bill NEEDS that bike in his life.
Oh, and he deviated from his mission for one tweet to discuss his lovely pit bull in the pic:
Fortunately, the tweeting and faith paid off, with the bike coming back to its rightful owner:
And Bill was gracious enough to give props to the hundreds (possibly thousands) of folks who pinged Hawaiian Airlines on his behalf:
Here’s to hoping that Bill has a great trip riding through Hawaii and maybe considers shipping his bike back home given his recent experience.
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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.