On January 15, 2018, Vice President Mike Pence paid tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. on his birthday by laying a wreath at the slain civil rights leader’s memorial in Washington, DC.
“To honor him,” Pence wrote on Twitter, “let’s rededicate ourselves to the cause Dr. King selflessly advanced, that all men are created equal.”
Twitter was quick to point out that when Pence was faced with nonviolent protests by black athletes at an NFL game last year, he walked out.
hey remember when you walked out of a football game because black athletes were protesting police brutality
— Hunter (@hunrstan) January 15, 2018
The protests were started by former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who sat in silence during the national anthem during a preseason game in 2016.
Soon, athletes in the NFL and across the country would join him in kneeling for the national anthem to protest racial inequality — a stance that would undoubtedly have the blessing of Dr. King.
Tomorrow, I'll be announcing the final $100,000 to complete my Million Dollar Pledge. I'm excited to share this last round of donations with all of you. You can see all 31 donations I’ve made so far on https://t.co/DkVikwsc2E #MillionDollarPledge #10for10 pic.twitter.com/w47VUBZDSQ
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) January 16, 2018
Kaepernick has not only put his career on the line for his protests, but he’s also reached deep into his own pockets to help the cause.
Back in 2016, Kaepernick pledged to donate $1 million of his own money to organizations fighting for social justice. By now, he has donated $910,000 to 31 organizations and is completing his pledge by donating the final $90,000 shortly.
Each of Kaepernick’s final $10,000 donations will be matched by a celebrity. The first to do so is Kevin Durant of the Golden State Warriors: Both he and Kaepernick will donate $10,000 apiece to Silicon Valley De-Bug, a charitable advocacy organization.
My brother Kevin Durant @KDTrey5 has generously decided to match my donation of $10,000, with $10,000 of his own, making the total donation to De-Bug $20,000!!! My brother Kevin, you are truly a champion on, and off the court. #MillionDollarPledge #10for10 https://t.co/aK6dKa5Boa pic.twitter.com/He41wgChCF
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) January 17, 2018
“It’s been a privilege to be able to do my part in helping organizations like Mother’s Against Police Brutality to provide comfort and support for families when law enforcement kills a community member,” Kaepernick wrote on Instagram. “Hearing about how each organization utilized the donations reaffirms that people doing good work need more support.”
Since Kaepernick began his protests in 2016, he has been the object of scorn for many American conservatives. These so-called “patriots” chose to be offended by a person of color sitting for the national anthem instead of being outraged by rampant racial inequality.
While these people have cursed his name and questioned his patriotism, Kaepernick has sacrificed his money and career to create positive social change.
Wiman hiding her face behind a bunch of cashCanva
A mansion and its reflection in the swimming poolCanva
Salzburg at nightCanva
Fancy homeCanva
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Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
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.