It’s been two years since comedy legend Robin Williams died, but his influence lives on not just through his professional work, but through his hobbies and passions as well.
Many fans may not have known that Williams was an avid cyclist and connoisseur of bikes, with a collection of more than 80. Williams’ family has put the entire collection up for auction, with the proceeds expected to generate more than $200,000 for two different organizations: the Challenged Athletes Foundation, which provides grants to athletes with physical disabilities and the Dana and Christopher Reeve Foundation, which is dedicated to funding spinal cord injury research.
The comedian had many ties to the world of cycling, befriending legends in the sport such as Greg LeMond and Lance Armstrong and was known to hop on bikes for short rides even while on film sets. His daughter, Zelda, fondly recalls, "Watching my dad get on a bike was like watching a penguin spread its wings and take flight. He'd take off at inhuman speed, a smile on his face, and never look back."
With the news of the auction, Williams’ family issued a statement saying, “We hope these bikes will bring their new owners as much joy as riding them, and helping these causes, always brought him.”
Conan O’Brien, who received a bike from Robin during a “low moment” in his life, prepared a video discussing both the cause and Robin’s passion:
As you would expect, news of the auction is bittersweet. While it does benefit causes that were close to the late comedian’s heart, it also serves as reminder of the talent and person that the world lost:
The auction ends on October 25th, so if you’re interested in bidding, donating, or would just like a look into one of Robin Williams’ many extracurricular activities, visit the auction site right here.
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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.