As the year draws to a close, if we’re looking to dole out an award for “Most Charitable School Official of 2016” let me toss Gary Twitchell’s name in the ring. The Westlake principal in Saratoga Springs, Utah put himself directly in harm’s way for a charitable cause, and as you’ll see in the pics below, his fate was perhaps worse than anyone would expect.
As part of a fundraiser for the school, Principal Twitchell volunteered to step into the wrestling ring with a student to help raise a little money. To his (presumed) dismay and to the students’ (presumed) delight, he’d be squaring off against one of the school’s best wrestlers, a fellow who’s only referenced by the name Kawika.
We don’t get to watch the whole match play out in this video, but I’m guessing this is nine-second clip represents at least half the match. Here it is. Twitchell vs. Kawika. Who ya got?
Yup. That’s pretty much how one would expect this thing to play out. Forgive me for trying to put on an air of suspense in a physical contest between a middle-aged man (named Twitchell, no less!) and a teenage star wrestler.
It’s an exciting moment for anyone who’s dreamed of body slamming a school official, but the fallout is a little sobering:
Yup. There’s Twitchell, looking a little worse for the wear and Kawika, looking, well, almost like he’s not quite done menacing the old man. The vicious body slam dislocated the principal’s shoulder, but (luckily?) medical professionals were on-site to pop it back into place.
There are so many lessons to be learned here, I’m not sure where to begin, but let’s just leave it at this: The next time an older principal is going to take on a student-athlete for a good cause, let’s make it a free-throw contest or something.
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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.