Tanner Seedig: And the young people shall lead us

All too often in this Internet age, people use their anonymity as a basis for sniping, back biting and general gnashing of teeth without regard to the sensitivity of others much less the truth. This can be easily done with all of our technological advancements simply by not having to own up to who you are on the Internet. You can be anyone you want to be -- or no one.

Occasionally, though not often, a story comes along that we post on the Internet that garners almost unanimous praise of a person or subject. Several weeks ago, there was a story about a Midland woman whose kind acts toward others brought nothing but positive remarks in our comment section.

Last month, after a Midland father was gunned down in a Whataburger parking lot, boundless praise for Stephen Adams rolled in, but it was tempered by the understandable anger directed at the man accused of allegedly pointing the gun randomly at Adams.

Then there was the story last week of Tanner Seedig, a 14-year-old Midland boy who attended Midland Lee Freshman. Tanner was killed in an automobile accident near Sweetwater Nov. 30. The outpouring of affection and grief was immediate, moving and at times seemingly non-stop. Comments provided by teachers, students and even medical staff who treated him paint a picture of a smart, funny, blessed young man who is missed by many. Young people in their early to mid teen years shouldn't have to deal with the sudden death of a friend. It just shouldn't be something we expect them to have to do -- and then expect them to do it with the poise and dignity that Tanner's friends have displayed.

I was on the road Sunday when my son called and told me about Tanner's death. James had talked to him on the Friday before Thanksgiving. They were in a study group together in World History and were planning on how to proceed with a class project. Then came the Thanksgiving break with plans to resume that work the week after. Tragedy intervened and Tanner was gone, leaving least of all an unfinished World History project, but more, leaving hundreds of students, friends and family to deal with a sudden and sad absence. The young people that have left comments about their friend Tanner have provided some of the most thought-provoking and moving comments ever posted on MyWestTexas. These same "kids" serve as examples of how the interactivity afforded us on the Internet can and should be used responsibly. We should learn more from our children, all of us.

   The Internet has proven to be a valuable vehicle for the young people dealing with sudden loss this week: news of Tanner's death spread rapidly in the hours following the Sunday rollover. Via email, text message, voice mail, and MySpace message boards, technology gave Tanner's friends ample opportunity to talk to each other, share news and reflect on fond memories. By late Sunday, his friends had even created a page memorializing the young man.

   People die tragically and suddenly every day. The Reporter-Telegram respects the privacy of grieving families and friends and doesn't normally draw attention to the deaths of individuals unless they were prominent members or leaders of their community. But the comments that have been posted to pay tribute to Tanner show hurt, love, admiration, affection and maturity by young people thrust into a quick acceptance of something they hoped they would not have to deal with. We include for you today a sampling of some of the online sentiments left in the aftermath of Tanner Seedig's death:

"He was the best friend I've ever had "
-- Chris

"R.I.P Tanner Seedig, We will all miss you and I'll always remember you. "
-- Ryan

"He was the most amazing person you would ever meet. We all miss you soo much. Tyler, you're in our prayers.You are also amazing. "
-- Kaylee

"I will always remember you man ... Team Bolt will always remember... "
-- Jake

"I was there at the accident and prayed with Tyler (Tanner's older brother, who was injured). My deepest condolences to the Seedig family. May God give you strength through this tragedy. "
-- Mario

"Best boys I've ever met. "
-- Vic

"Tanner was so much fun to have in class last year. I will miss him very much. My prayers are with his family. "
-- Mrs. Moeglein

"My heart goes out to The Seedig family, my prayers and deepest sympathy are with you and May God have a healing hand on Tyler! God Bless YOU!!!! "
-- Lisa

" Tanner was an AWESOME friend and we love and miss him dearly!! And we all are praying for Tyler!! I love you Tanner :) "
-- Emily

"Tanner we will always remember you. I will be praying for you and your family!! I hope your brother makes it out of the hospital, and returns home safe!! I know for him and your parents that will be very hard and sad to overcome, but just remember we are praying for you!!
 -- Jamie

" r.i.p tanner he was the nicest sweetest guy ever. I met him last year at Alamo Junior High he wassss sooo funny his memory will live on "
-- Stephanie

" Tanner you were a good kid and we'll all miss you a lot...=[
Love Caitlin "

" I was on the Trauma Team that received Tyler. I have two boys the same ages as Tyler and Tanner and my heart broke for the parents and family there at our hospital. I have been praying for you and will continue to pray for you through this trial. "
-- Bryan

" What I knew of Tanner was very little but today in school i learned more about him. I do know that everyone that knew him will miss him very much and that they loved him dearly. My prayers go out to his family and friend. "
-- Ashley

" Tanner a fantastic kid, and really loved living. He was always around to be there for you and was really playful. This kid loved to crack jokes and be around his friends as much as he could. I'm so thankful for the impact he's made in everyone's lives at Lee Freshman, and I'm proud to say I was one of the ribbon-wearers at school. He will be dearly dearly missed, and our actions as a tight knit class of 2012 has already showed it. "
-- Matt

"Tanner was an amazing person all around. He was so much fun to be around, he was also a amazing tennis player. He brought fun into the calss. We will all miss him. "
-- Liz

"HE WAS A GOOD KID AND ALWAYS HAD A SMILE ON HIS FACE. IF U WERE FEELIN DOWN OR ANGRY HE WOULD ALWAYS FIND A WAY TO MAKE U SMILE.AND HE REALLY KNEW HOW TO HELP KEEP U OUT OF TROUBLE. WILL FORVER BE IN OUR HEARTS. WE WILL ALL MISS U. AND I HAVED PRAYED FOR U AND YOUR FAMILY AND BROTHER. AND SHALL KEEP PRAYIN FOR THEM!!!! "
-- DAKOTA

" I really liked Tanner Seedig, he made me so happy. He always wrote on my pencil bag, his name is all over it, i'll never get rid of it. I loved this kid so much. He is the only one that can write a speech about an automatic butt scratcher. "
-- Jade

" I love you tanner.
you were the funniest little thing.
im going through all the great memories.
and, i know ill miss you terribly.
but, i know you're at Home with Jesus.
Rest in peace kiddo.
and, ill never forget you.
"im a one of a kind, your just? a pretty lady" yeahh."
haa, love you Tanner. "
-- Courtney

" My daughter played doubles in tennis with Tanner at Alamo. The loss of Tanner is so very, very sad and tragic. My heart breaks for his parents, and I pray for Tyler's quick and complete healing, and that God will bless them and their loved ones and friends with joy in place of mourning, and the peace that only God can give, in place of despair. My daughter is 14 and I hurt for her and his family and friends. May God bless each of you. Keep the faith. Tanner has peace and joy beyond imagination. "
-- Tammie

"Tyler is a friend of mine he always talked about how his brother did the funniest stuff and how enjoyed him being around. Prayers go out to the family "
-- Rebel

"Tanner you were always the one to make us laugh in Tennis and P.E. you were one of the most athletic boys in or class even tough you have passed away you will never be forgotten
R.I.P

"Tyler even tough i never met you i hope you recover soon and you will be in my prayers.
-- Luis

" I loved Tanner! He was my buddy at church and even though he was only 14 he touched the hearts of all in his confirmation class. We all miss him very much! But he's in a better place now. I hope Tyler gets better and we'll all be praying for him and his family. "
-- Sarah

"Man I loved Tanner me and him were the only 2 guys in our classes at church for 3 years ... I will never forget ur smile at school and messing with people in class like we always did. u were one of my closest friends and its really hard for me to let u go like this. Team bolt will never forget you and how you could never catch a pop fly or sprint when we needed to! I love you man, hope Tyler gets better. im praying for him and Lori "
-- Jonathan Ross

" Wow - Tanner was the least of all people i would had expected 2 pass but there's always a reason for everything, but he's happy now i couldn't imagine why he had to go so soon he always loved to make people laugh even if he wasn't trying he was always funny even though Tanner in heaven I know he all he wants us to do is just smile because he never ment to hurt any one so evey day I shall smile in memory of him because I know for a fact that's what he would have wanted and not just me everyone so just smile and know he's with god a place were he came from -Tanner you changed my life and I love you for it and i will pray for your family - hope when this is all over i will see you again -
-- Shey

"Tyler would always talk bout his bro in diesel n how much fun they would always have.everybody in class is prayin for u n ur family buddy get well soon "
-- Daniel

"Tanner I'm so sorry I ever called you anything mean. I'm gonna miss you alot. Me and Kaylee will pray for your brother. We had some really great times and I hope I will see you again in heaven and I will tell you I'm sorry because I am. Thank you for letting me hang out with yall when we used to live by you. "
-- Stormi Lee

" R.I.P. Tanner. No one at LFHS will ever forget you. You were a great friend and we had good times in spanish. I miss you a lot! "
-- Madison

Read Tanner's obituary

View a memorial MySpace page devoted to Tanner.

Comments

[Maritza]

Tanner, we miss you so much. Kid it's going to be the hardest 3 years of my life not getting to graduate with you. I love you and miss you so so much. God Bless the Seedig family.

[MAGALI]

OMG TANNER STILL CANT BELIEVE YOUR GONE YOU WERE THE FIRST ONE WHO TALKED TO ME WHEN I WAS NEW TO MIDLAND SINCE THEN WE BECAME REALLY GOOD FRIENDS IM GONNA MISS YOU LIKE CRAZY I REMEMBER YOUR SMILE AND YOUR BIG HEART YOU WERE VERY NICE AND FUNNY YOU WERE THE ONE WHO MADE MRS MILLERS CLASS SO MUCH FUN, IM GONNA MISS YOU A LOT TANNER I WILL SEE YOU SOON AND I HOPE YOUR FAMILY AND BROTHER ARE DOING FINE!:] I MISS YOU SO MUCH 8 PERIOD WAS AND WILL NEVER BE THE SAME!:] LUV WITH ALL MY HEART -MAGALI

[darrin reese AKA bubba]

tanner will be missed by lots of people il miss u man

[Rachel]

I have never seen this page until now, nearly three years after thanksgiving. I remember when you and Ty left to go hunting; I specifically remember stopping in our doorway thinking I had forgotten to say goodbye to my brothers, being late I thought I'd just wait until ya'll were down for christmas. Its been three years and I haven't forgiven myself for leaving without saying goodbye. I'm at A&M now; where you always wanted to go. You'd love it here; you are the 12th man in every way. I see your kind and loving spirit throughout campus, and your friendly smilie on every stranger I meet. I know your watching me from heaven, and looking out for me (thanks for the B in chemistry) I hope I turn out to be someone you can still look up to.

love your big sister,
Rachel