This memorial website was created in the memory of our loved one, Aliviah Gridley who was born in Georgia on October 24, 2003 and passed away on December 30, 2005 at the age of 2. We will remember her forever. 




On December 30, 2005 we found ourselves in the middle of a parent’s worst nightmare. Our beautiful baby girl had been backed over accidentally by an uncle who absolutely adored her.

Our little princess was born October 24, 2003. She was our youngest child, our second daughter after two energetic boys. She was everything a Father and Mother could want in a daughter. She loved babies and was all girl. She loved her hair bows, shoes, dolls, purses and animals. Especially Kittens. She loved wrestling with her Daddy, singing, and being read to. Most of all she loved people. She did not meet a stranger. There is no way to measure the joy and love she brought in our home. She was the center of our lives.

On that terrible day in December, we had gathered with my husbands’ family in South Carolina to celebrate Christmas. I was inside doing some laundry and Aliviah had just come inside the house with my husband. She climbed up in my lap, gave me a kiss and a hug, told me she loved me and climbed down. That was the last time I held my baby alive.

She went back outside with her Daddy to join the other family members in the yard. Our dogs leashes had gotten tangled so Tim, my husband, had to unhook them to get them untangled. The dogs ran away and my husband ran after them.  My husbands’ brother, in an attempt to help, jumped in his truck to go after them. He had to walk behind the truck to get in so there was no one behind the truck when he went to leave. As he backed up with my oldest daughter in the truck, he was checking behind him. Aliviah had been playing on a jungle gym to the left as they were leaving.

As quick as a little one could run, she darted behind the truck before anyone could realize it. Because of blind spots, lack of information, and technology that should have already been installed, our daughter was backed over.

It is too late for Aliviah, but not for your loved one. It is our hope and prayer that our story can prevent this tragedy from happening in some one else’s life. We know that God does not make mistakes, but people do. Car manufactures do. These accidents are preventable. They can happen to the best of parents. Doctors, Firefighters, Teachers, Reporters, and Police Officers have all been parents of children who have died this way. It happened to us, it can happen to you.

Through all this tragedy, God has been so good to us. We must lift up the name of Jesus. Through Him we have the victory. He has been an ever present help in our time of trouble. He has prepared a beautiful place for us to be with Aliviah for all eternity if we trust and obey Him. Through His blood shed on Calvary He delivered us from all our sins. He has been our Rock and Hightower. We just can’t praise Him enough.

    On the day we were going to bury Aliviah's shell she left behind. We noticed a rainbow in the sky. My daughter saw it and asked for my camera. As we pulled into the cemetary it was right over the tent. We all took comfort in the fact that the rainbow is Gods' Promise.  We know we will see her again if we'll hold true to God and His word.


http://stopbackovers.org/
http://www.kidsandcars.org/




Aliviah Faith Gridley

You came into this world
Just two years ago
The days we had with you
were not slow.

We all clapped our hands
The first time you walked
And we were very glad
The first time you talked.

We helped you put pretty things
into your shiny hair
We adored the way you loved your shoes
each and every pair.

You brought joy to those around you
In the little things you'd say
And when you smiled at anyone
You'd brighten up their day.

And when your time was ended
And we had to say "Good-bye"
How our hearts did break within us
And how we all did cry.

We know you're in a better place
One of joy and perfect rest
But oh how we miss you
We thought you were the best.

Our tears are quickly falling
Like raindrops from the sky
But you are in a place
Where you will never have to cry.

So when your talking with Jesus
While bouncing on his knee
Tell him to please come quickly
For both of you we are anxious to see

And when you hear that trumpet sound
Run at once to the gate
So when we finally get there
We'll no longer have to wait!

And as we say this final "Good-bye"
This promise we will say
We will see you in Heaven
Some sweet, beautiful day!

Renee' Merrell
12/31/2005