Just in time for the Super Bowl — taking place about 2,000 miles away from his purview — South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster would like his state’s residents to stand for the national anthem. Rather than simply mentioning this desire offhand or tossing out his thoughts in a press release, McMaster went another route.
He made a nonbinding, essentially meaningless, proclamation appearing as a comically bad Photoshop of a parchment and, ironically, blasted out digitally via Twitter.
The curious decree, which, again, bears no weight, authority, or meaning — beyond the conclusion that McMasters has a little too much time on his hands — declares:
- The American flag is the greatest symbol of freedom the world has ever known
- South Carolina has some military bases
- The flag is to be interpreted solely and myopically as representative of the sacrifices of the U.S. military
Unsurprisingly, Gov. McMaster and fellow anthem enforcement officer Donald Trump are a tightknit duo, having endorsed each other for during their respective gubernatorial and presidential campaigns. Like McMaster, Trump has rallied support by expressing his intolerance for those kneeling or refusing to stand during the national anthem.
The tactic seems to have backfired in this instance, as virtually every response to the governor’s proclamation reads as critical.
Then, there’s this guy’s approach, which regardless of ideology, is admirable in its creativity:
Wiman hiding her face behind a bunch of cashCanva
A mansion and its reflection in the swimming poolCanva
Salzburg at nightCanva
Fancy homeCanva
Happy volunteersCanva
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.