Each April, we see profound symbolism embedded in Arbor Day celebrations across the country. When we come together to plant trees, we collectively envision the world our grandchildren will inhabit - cleaner, safer, and more beautiful than the one we ourselves inherited.
This year, when we would usually be gathering to better our communities, things feel uncertain. In the face of a once-in-a-century pandemic, our society has already felt an irreversible shift. With our healthcare workers on the front lines of the coronavirus crisis, the rest of us have found that relearning our most human habits is our only tactic of defense. To protect our loved ones from getting sick, it is best to stay away from them. To prevent the spread of a virus in the communities we hold dear, we must forego gathering for the rituals of celebration and mourning that we have held close for generations.
In such uncertain times, we need stories of positivity and unity to help ground us. As coronavirus has spread around the world, balcony serenades in Italy and local shows of support for healthcare workers from Madrid to Manhattan have reminded us that even as we face surreal challenges, some of life's silver linings remain steadfast.
On Arbor Day, we can turn to trees for this same reassurance. Humans have long found hope in trees. From the sacred fig tree where the Buddha found enlightenment to the Tree of Life in the Bible, our earliest religious texts revered trees as a connection between heaven and earth. In hiding for 2 years during World War II, Anne Frank looked to a white chestnut treeoutside of her window for comfort. After 9/11, a severely damaged Callery pear treewas pulled from the rubble at Ground Zero. The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation rehabilitated the Survivor Tree, as it was soon dubbed, and today it stands at the 9/11 Memorial in as a reminder of New York's resilience.
Now more than ever, we need those symbols of connection, comfort, and strength. This Arbor Day is the first in my memory where neighbors, coworkers, and friends cannot gather to plant trees. But I urge you to celebrate the holiday, even if it isn't in the fashion you usually would. During a time of social isolation, plant a tree in your yard or support a local tree-planting organization to better your entire community. Take a walk in nature to move your body and refresh your mind (don't worry, it's allowed [nytimes.com]). Especially if you are homeschooling your children during school closures, use Arbor Day to teach them about the important role that trees [arborday.org] play in cleaning our air and water and providing a habitat for wildlife.
We are facing frightening times, to be sure. But there are so many ways to slowly return to normal. Donate to your local food bank in this time of great need. Pick up groceries or medicine for an elderly neighbor. And on Arbor Day, celebrate trees. They are reminders of our strength, our hope, and our resilience.
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.