What could possibly outdo the Opening Ceremony of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio? The Closing Ceremony, of course.
Pita Taufatofua—better known as the insanely hot flag bearer from Tonga—led the way at the 2016 Closing Ceremony wearing a traditional tapa cloth and lots of coconut oil. You might remember him as the guy who first caused a sensation during the Opening Ceremony. As the first athlete from his country to qualify in taekwondo, Taufatofua represented not only Tonga’s attractiveness, but determination as well. And as a fun side note, searches for cheap flights to Tonga jumped a whopping 68 percent following the Opening Ceremony, NBC News reports.
The American flag bearer did not disappoint either. Simone Biles, the 19-year-old gymnast who took home four gold medals and one bronze at the 2016 Rio Games, carried the US flag to a strong finish—as she tends to do.
Apparently, during a press conference before the ceremony, Biles expressed concern the flag might be too unwieldy for her small frame. So she asked her buddy Zac Efron if he’d carry the flag for her, but he commented on Twitter that he had to jet out of Brazil for work. Needless to say, Biles did an amazing job all on her own.
And who will ever be able to forget Japan’s prime minister Shinzo Abe disguising himself as Super Mario? The costume choice launched Tokyo’s takeover of the Closing Ceremony and hinted at what Japan plans to do with the honor of hosting the Olympic Games in 2020. If Abe’s Oscar-worthy entrance is any indication of what the next Games will be like, they’re bound to be awesome.
We also should note that five new sports will be added to the Olympic Games come 2020. In four years in Tokyo, you’ll be able to see baseball and softball, karate, skateboarding, climbing, and surfing. Now the trick is figuring out how to make four years go by faster.
Though, after watching the 2016 Closing Ceremony, I think we’d all like to see dancing vegetable people added as an official sport.
Green, algae-packed pools, Zika scares, and bizarre gas-station brawls aside, we’re most likely to remember the 2016 Games in Rio for the inspiring perseverance displayed by incredible athletes and the moments of true camaraderie that marked the event at every turn. Like any successful Olympic Games, we laughed, we cried, we fell down, and we picked ourselves up again. Until 2020, sports fans.
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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.