James Shaw Jr. became a national hero after saving multiple lives at a Waffle House in Antioch, Tennessee, on April 22.
Shaw was dining at the restaurant when a gunman wielding an AR-15 began firing into the Waffle House. When the shooter stopped to reload, Shaw took him to the ground, wrestled the gun from his hands, and threw it behind the counter.
This is James Shaw. He's a hero. His hands are burned from grabbing the barrel of a gun used to kill four people at a Nashville Waffle House. He says he's sorry he couldn't save more people. pic.twitter.com/QXIevQLfM1
— Chris Conte (@chrisconte) April 22, 2018
Four people were killed in the incident, but at least a dozen lives were saved due to Shaw’s bravery. His arm was wounded in the skirmish and his hand was burned from grabbing the barrel of the hot rifle.
Shaw is not only a hero for his outstanding courage at the scene — he also started a GoFundMe page which raised over $200,000 for the families of those killed in the shooting. Because of his heroic deeds, another GoFundMe was created by journalist Yashar Ali to provide for Shaw and his 4-year-old daughter.
On May 2, Shaw visited the “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and shared how he brought down the shooter. They also discussed Shaw’s favorite basketball player, Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat.
“Dwyane Wade, why is that?” asked DeGeneres.
“I like the way he carries himself off the court,” Shaw answered.
“Oh yeah?” DeGeneres replied. “Let’s see how he carries himself out here.”
That’s when Wade walked out onto the stage. Shaw was all smiles and the two shared a warm embrace. “I know you don’t want to be called a hero, but I look at you as an American hero,” Wade said. “When I sit down with my kids, and I sit down and talk to them about role models, who I want them to look up to, I’d tell them to go look up James Shaw, Jr.”
Wade then handed Shaw an oversized check for $20,000.
Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
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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.