Teachers and school staff are always giving so much to their students that when the tables are turned, and a student show their appreciation, it can be a very moving experience for everyone involved.
At Coronado High School in Lubbock, Texas, Hector Montez crafted a plan to honor and thank his teacher and football coach, Thomas Walser, with the perfect gift. And after months of planning, he was able to do it.
Walser serves as both the defensive coordinator for Hector’s football team and an AVID instructor, who seeks to create bonds between teachers and students in the school.
And judging by Hector’s enormous display of appreciation, Walser was very successful in that last area.
Hector walked into class carrying a black box and gave a heartfelt speech about what the Walser’s presence and effort had meant to him. Walser half-expected the box to be some sort of prank or even a live animal, but when he opened it up…
...that happened. Hector remembered hearing from Walser that the teacher had his eye on the shoes when they came out over a decade ago. Using some sneaky lines of questioning, Hector got his teacher and coach to divulge his shoe size. After that, it was just a matter of pulling the trigger on the purchase and finding the right time to present the gift to Walser.
The teacher was so moved (and thrilled) by the gesture that he took a snapshot of the kicks and posted them to his Twitter account:
And as you can see, other kids in the class seemed to be as thrilled with the gift as the coach himself was!
Once more for good measure, let’s get a snap of Walser showing off his dream shoes to his class.
They look pretty sharp, don’t they? It certainly sounds like he was due for them.
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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.