“Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.” — Mark Twain
Last month, U.S. Olympic gold-medalist Lindsey Vonn took a page out of Twain’s book when discussing her upcoming trip to Pyeongchang, South Korea, for the Winter Olympics. “I take the Olympics very seriously and what they mean and what they represent, what walking under our flag means in the opening ceremony,” she told CNN. “I want to represent our country well. I don’t think that there are a lot of people currently in our government that do that.”
Vonn then made it abundantly clear that she is not skiing for President Trump. “Well, I hope to represent the people of the United States, not the president,” Vonn told CNN’s “Alpine Edge.” Vonn also joined the growing ranks of American athletes who’ve said they would decline a trip to the Trump White House. “I have to win to be invited,” she said, before correcting herself. “No, actually I think every U.S. team member is invited, so no, I won’t go.”
While many people praised Vonn for standing up against Trump, she also received some vulgar comments from his supporters. She was also labeled “un-patriotic” by Fox News personlities Tomi Lahren and Ainsley Earhardt.
Does Lindsey Vonn really think Americans give a crap who she thinks she's representing? Break a leg Lindsay. No no, I mean "break a leg"
— DeploraBill (@BillDeplora) December 12, 2017
Trump takes down Lindsey Vonn pic.twitter.com/a0PLq8D3Hy
— West (Outlaw) Hunter (@1HeroMe) December 10, 2017
During a training session for the upcoming FIS Alpine World Cup Women’s Downhill, Vonn wore a speed suit modeled after the outfit worn my Marvel Comics’ Captain America.
Who said Captain America has to be a man anyways... @marvel pic.twitter.com/enZMfKEdSq
— lindsey vonn (@lindseyvonn) January 5, 2018
“Who said Captain America has to be a man anyways…” Vonn captioned a photo of herself in a Captain America speed suit. Although Vonn has yet to comment on her outfit, one can’t help but see it as an act of defiance toward those who have questioned her patriotism. Vonn stands firmly behind the belief that Olympians push themselves to their physical limits not to please politicians, but to please the American people they represent.
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.