J.J. Watt is rightfully known for being one of the more sentimental and generous players in the NFL, always sticking around to sign autographs when he’s off the clock, dropping in on fire department training, and rarely missing an opportunity to drop in on a kid who could use a boost.
On Monday, his presence surely delighted a whole classroom of kids, but the inspiration for his visit was actually someone from his past – his fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Judy Keefe, who’s retiring after 41 years in the classroom. To add a little more ceremony and notoriety to his unexpected visit, he put video of the surprise up on Facebook Live and offered some very kind words about the inspirational woman on his Instagram.
Here’s a video of Watt, cake in hand, swinging by to thank Mrs. Keefe. It’s already amassed 3.1 million views because, well, this is a nice story, and he’s J.J. Watt, a guy with legions of fans.
It’s pretty clear that’s not the type of cake you pick up at the grocery store at the last minute; J.J. had been planning this for a while. “School’s Out Forever” is a pretty nice touch as well.
In case you can’t watch the video to see Mrs. Keefe’s reaction, these Instagram images convey her reaction just as well:
Perhaps the most touching moment of the whole event was her kind words remembering J.J. as a boy in her class. She recalls, “Remember, when he was your age, he looked at me with those baby blues, and what he said to me was, ‘I want to be a Badger.’ I said, ‘Well, you have to work hard.’ He said, ‘I really want to do it.’ Look where he is now. You can do whatever you want to do.”
J.J.’s doing it, and he’s not about to forget the people that encouraged him along the way.
Say goodbye or make amends.Image via Canva - Photo by Inna Postnikova
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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.