Golf may not be a sport rife with human confrontation, but the genteel nature of the game doesn’t apply to wild animals. A high school golfer from Concord High School near Blissfield, Michigan, learned that lesson as he was attacked by a Canada goose during a round of golf.
The victim, Isaac Couling, suffered the unlikely avian air raid while making his way through the front nine with the rest of his group. Golfers had spotted a goose nest and attempted to circumvent it, but the protective mother still sprung into action.
The unlikely instance was captured via three photos that show things going from bad to worse for the 16-year-old linksman. The pics are so perfect, in fact, that the photographer, Devon Pitts, enjoyed her own write-up by the PGA for scoring the action shots.
The Blissfield Athletics Twitter feed provided the backstory.
Asked why he didn’t hit the goose with his golf club, the Twitter account provided an explanation other than “because he’s not a monster.”
Couling survived the attack, managed to collect himself to finish the hole at par...
...and is doing about as good as a person can after going viral for being ravaged by a bird on a golf course.
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.