At the age of 80, she's 'riding a/the wave of' renewed interest in her work. [=she's experiencing a time when many people are interested in her work again]
The traffic cop 'waved' cars 'through'. [=waved in a way that told drivers to continue driving through a particular area]
The new school has triggered a 'wave' of optimism [=has made many people feel optimistic] about the public school system.
(..) I had been waiting for her. I love you, Susie. I mean, the moment when we really choose to go. At best, you might feel a whisper or the wave of a whisper I was years old when I was murdered (..)2009 The Lovely Bones