Dozens of cheerleading squads in Texas are turning their talents and efforts towards supporting a rival school following a tragic bus accident on last Friday.
Hours after a big win for the Braves, hailing from a small Texas town of Iraan, a bus carrying the team’s cheerleaders and sponsors was hit by another car, killing their coach and injuring seven other passengers.
In a strange bit of happenstance, The New York Times had traveled to Iraan to cover the night’s game as part of a sports feature:
Students not just at Iraan, but throughout the state were devastated by the news, and quickly banded together for a coordinated show of support for those affected.
Said Victoria Limon, a cheerleader at Sam Houston High School said, "When my coach told me about it, I was really heartbroken. I can’t imagine that happening to any of my teammates or having my coach pass away like that."
Thousands of other students share the sentiment, and they’ve organized to exhibit their sympathy and solidarity in magnificent fashion.
On Friday, Iraan will have the bittersweet experience of competing in its first playoff game since the accident. It’s expected that over 500 cheerleaders from other schools and thousands others will turn out to cheer on the team and those grieving.
Support on social media from distant schools spread all over the state has been nothing short of overwhelming, with the hashtag #backthebraves proliferating on Twitter.:
While the accident is still fresh in the mind of many parents and students at Iraan, this Friday night they’ll have most every high schooler in Texas cheering them on to victory.
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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.