John Williams is unquestionably the greatest composer in the history of cinema. The 86-year-old has composed the soundtracks for blockbuster franchises like “Star Wars,” “Indiana Jones,” and “Harry Potter,” as well as classics such as “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial,” “Jaws,” and “Jurassic Park.”
But much like Darth Vader, Williams turned against his own family and went to the dark side on June 11.
The lifelong Boston Red Sox fan who conducted the Boston Pops Orchestra from 1980 to 1993 donned the uniform of the division rival Baltimore Orioles to throw the first pitch in a game against — *gasp* — the Boston Red Sox.
Williams was in town for a performance at Baltimore’s Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. He must have felt uncomfortable being seen in public wearing the jersey of an American League East rival. But it didn’t affect his throwing arm — he lobbed it right over the plate for a strike.
Back in 2012, Williams discussed his lifelong love of the Red Sox in an interview with ESPN:
“My mother was born in Boston and loved Fenway Park all of her life. She lived to be 97 and insisted that she lived that long because she wanted to see the Red Sox win the World Series again. Once they did it in 2004, she felt she could pass on very happily. For me, there is a strong family connection to Boston and anything connected to Boston, which includes Fenway.”
For the 100th anniversary of Boston’s Fenway Park in 2012, Williams composed “Fanfare for Fenway” and performed it at the stadium.
Red Sox players past and present congregate around 2B as John Williams and the Boston pops perform fanfare for Fenway. pic.twitter.com/IB26EHQB
— Michael Kay (@RealMichaelKay) April 20, 2012
The unfathomable image of Williams in an Oriole jersey must have given the Sox the extra push they needed to win. They beat the Orioles 2-0 in 12 innings.
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Juicy subject matter
Giphy from The Blacklist.
We could start a rumor.
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.