Ever since the day Gene and Kimela Grider found out they were having a baby, their lives changed forever. Not only that, but they had their hearts stolen by this little girl who would grow up to become an amazing partner, mother and worker.
That woman? Alyson Grider.
Alyson was born in June 1989 in Worthington, Oh, and from the very first moment her parents heard her cry, they knew she was bound for greatness.
Fast forward to 34 and a half years later and Alyson is the most selfless individual Gene and Kimela have ever met. They know she would do anything for anyone, and to say they are proud parents is a complete understatement.
“I love Alyson’s heart for the community and dedication to helping people,” her father said. “She has a burning desire to help humanity.”
From her volunteerism to her work as a therapist (individual, couples and addiction), Alyson is always serving others. She just wants to help people in any way possible, and her harm reduction approach as a therapist says it all.
On top of that, Alyson strives to be the best mother possible to her daughter, Addyson (6). She spends as much of her free time as possible with Addy, and she is definitely a role model in many ways to her daughter.
“Alyson is teaching Addy how to identify and communicate her feelings very early in life,” Gene said. “She’s also teaching Addy to love and value all human beings.”
Everyone has a story and everyone deserves to be cared for. This is something Alyson believes, and it shows in the way she carries herself through life.
“I admire the way she values and celebrates all human beings in every point of their life,” Gene said. “She makes time for clients, friends and family.”
Alyson is quick to love and slow to judge, and because of that a lot of people trust her.
A lot of people feel they can connect with Alyson on a deeper level as well. They know she is a listening ear to many, and if needed she is a shoulder to cry on.
Alyson is the life of the party too. From every family outing to every memory that comes to Gene’s mind, Alyson is the original selfie queen and the one who makes things fun. It helps that she gets along with everyone and that she just has a natural love for life.
Of course, when you ask those who are closest to Alyson, they will tell you right off the bat that she is the light of their worlds. She means so much to everyone, and she makes life tremendous.
“She is just a big chunk of my heart that lives outside of my body,” Gene said.
The impact Alyson Grider makes on so many people is absolutely astounding, and there is no question as to why so many people speak so highly of her. She is appreciated for all good reasons, and she makes her presence felt wherever she goes.
“She is loved, and the work she does for people leaves us all in awe.” – Gene