"Do what I couldn't do; get help." - Reese Widman
Reese was a light to this world. He brought laughter and love to all around him. His legacy will live as we help others.
a Happy kid with a heart of gold
Reese's Story
Reese Widman ended his own life with an intentional car accident on January 7th, 2023. He was seventeen and a senior at Steilacoom High School. Reese was silently suffering with depression from what he revealed in the notes he left to friends and family. In the notes, he was concerned with the well-being of others. He asked that we make sure no one else hurts themselves and left his well-known quote, "Do what I couldn't do; get help."
In February of 2020, Reese was diagnosed with generalized epilepsy. Reese hid his epilepsy, much like he hid his depression. He did not want to seem weak or for people to treat him differently. Reese started on medication to treat his seizures. These medications often have side effects that include depression and suicidal ideation. Reese never appeared depressed away from home. The six weeks prior, he was more withdrawn from his mom and dad. For about the last 6 months, Reese seemed a little more emotional, but we thought it was just normal teenage behavior. On the outside and when out with his friends he was always the life of the party that brought joy and smiles to everyone around him.
Reese was on this earth for 17 years. During his short life, he touched so many lives. Growing up, Reese was the HAPPIEST baby. He was the chubbiest, giggliest, drooliest boy. Into his toddler years, he started to develop his stubborn demeanor, but still very happy. Reese was a little guy when he started playing sports, including basketball, soccer, football, but his love was baseball.
Reese was an entertainer, a competitor, a good student, a friend, a family member, a brother and a son. Reese was so happy and brought laughter so often.
Reese went to the Steilacoom schools since kindergarten. Over the years, he made lifelong friends. He also had special relationships with many of his teachers from a young age through high school. He really looked up to many of his teachers and was considering becoming a history teacher in the future. He loved Steilacoom and all of the schools. He planned to attend Pierce College in the Fall and signed a letter of intent to play baseball there.
Reese was a goofball. You could often find him dancing or making TikTok videos. He was always watching YouTube videos of baseball clips or gaming streamers. Reese also played video games with his friends and dad. He had fun laughing and yelling with his friends at video games. His competitiveness did not end there.
Reese was a fierce competitor on the baseball field. He worked hard but also had such a gift. Reese loved running bases and playing defense. He would argue that he had the best glove on the field. Reese truly shined on the pitcher's mound. He could locate his pitches so well and strike out so many. He inspired his teammates and was a natural leader. Reese looked out for the younger guys on the team and was a mentor to them. He absolutely loves his Sentinel and New Level family. Reese had some really great coaches that helped shape him into the young man he was, but the best one was always his dad. Baseball created so many memories that we will always cherish. Our baseball family will always be dear to our hearts.
Speaking of family, Reese said family was everything. He said he loves us more than anything in his notes that he left. Reese was always very close to his mom and dad. We always say that he was a mama's boy. He is my baby. We spent a lot of time laughing and talking together. Also, he was my twin (whether he likes it or not). Reese had a special bond with his dad. They were best friends and had such a great relationship. Reese's dad coached Reese for almost all of his life. He always joked with his dad and said, "I am the alpha of this house." Reese and his brother, Rob, were funny together. They often would find some way to be mischievous and get people laughing. Rob taught Reese so much, including sharing his musical and baseball experiences and his sarcastic sense of humor. Reese looked up to Rob. Reese had a special relationship with his grandparents. They loved each other dearly. Reese loved seeing what he could get away with when with his grandparents. He might say something a little inappropriate or break into a dance, just to see what reaction he would get. He was obviously the baby of each family. Reese's aunts, uncles and cousins loved the times that Reese would turn on and be the entertainer with his laughs, jokes and twerking.
The twerking needs its own paragraph. Reese had rhythm. He was a good dancer. Twerking and the griddy were his jam. We call that the "Widdy Griddy." We have so many clips of him dancing, and you can find a video compilation on the "Remembering Reese" tab.
Reese had a few groups of friends that he was very close with. Poker parties, golf, sporting events, biking, movies, dances, a little mischief and just hanging out to name a few of the things he and his friends would do. So much photo and video evidence has been released and shows such proof of all the fun and laughter that was had. His friends are some of the best people you would ever meet. They love Reese as much as he loves them. Reese was so in love with his last girlfriend. His love for her will last forever.
Reese also loved to travel. In 2021 and 2022, we were lucky enough to visit Hawaii, the Grand Canyon and Disneyland. We explored Maui and Oahu and got to visit Pearl Harbor and the Road to Hana. On the Road to Hana we saw different beaches, waterfalls, sea turtles, and the heartbeat of Maui. Reese loved this. Reese was in awe at the Grand Canyon as he took in all of the breathtaking scenery. Disneyland was our go to place. Reese was able to visit Disneyland 15 times in the last 12 years. We made so many memories there. He loved the rides, characters, and the food. His favorite rides were Big Thunder Mountain and Guardians of the Galaxy. But honestly, he loved them all, with a few exceptions. Vacation Reese was even more lovey than regular Reese. He would hold hands and hug his family in the park and always tackle his dad and wrestle in the hotel or in the pool. We were able to visit so many states in the last several years. Between visiting family and baseball, we travelled all over. So many memories.
Reese's mom and dad have both had dreams that were different, but with the same message. "I have to go", he said. He told his mom, "I've been with you all of the time" after she told him she misses him so much. Each day we know he is with us.
Reese is missed so much by everyone. There is so much love for that boy that we have felt with all of the support given by our family, friends, and community. We appreciate it all. We do not know how to thank everyone for their generosity and kindness.
As Reese's mom, dad, and brother. We are committed to help others. We have to make something good come out of the loss of our son and brother. There is a definite suicide epidemic with our youth. Our hope is to spread awareness, break down the mental health stigma, offer resources, and give hope to those suffering.
Being vulnerable and accepting help is not a sign of weakness. Talking about our mental health is imperative. We have to check on each other. We have to notice early signs of our depression or mental illness before the hole is so deep, one can't see a way out. Suicide cannot be an option. Tomorrow needs you.
Always remember.... You are loved. You are important. You matter. 🤍
Corey, Kelly and Rob
