The day after Sports Illustrated crowned Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James as its Sportsperson of the Year, espnW awarded its Woman of the Year honors to 19-year-old U.S. gymnast and certified god-living-among-us Simone Biles.
Biles, who led America’s “Final Five” women’s gymnastics squad to team gold this summer in Brazil while winning individual gold in all-around, vault, and floor, is the most decorated American gymnast of all time. She also is the only 4 feet, 8 inch human with the gift of flight.
The Columbus, Ohio, native’s story lent itself to all the overwrought uplifting sports fanfare to which Olympics coverage is susceptible. Biles spent time in foster care and was adopted by her grandparents—the clumsy, insulting headlines wrote themselves—and she’s spent her career defending the value of her skill, which gymnastics traditionalists complain is unfairly privileged by a modern scoring system that weighs athleticism over “elegance,” “artistry,” and other coded language.
But her charisma and athletic magic obviously survived the haters. Since the summer games, Biles has safely nestled into our hearts, charming Ellen and Colbert; taking pictures next to incredibly tall people; and covering Ebony with power and grace. Biles may go down as the greatest gymnast ever, but she will definitely go down as one of the few great things about this godforsaken year.
The espnW IMPACT25 package is wonderful, featuring star-studded tributes to the year’s 24 other coolest people. Billie Jean King toasts Hillary Clinton; DeRay Mckesson honors the racial activism of the Minnesota Lynx; and a 15-year-old Seahawks fan beautifully recounts Jessie Graff’s historic run to become the first woman to complete Stage 1 on American Ninja Warrior.
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.