Episode 122: Lydia and Randy Grimes, Addiction Awareness
Randy and Lydia Grimes
On this episode, Karen speaks with Lydia Grimes and her husband Randy, a former NFL player with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a return guest to the You Matter! podcast. In our previous conversation with Randy, he shared his story of addiction to painkillers as an NFL player, as well as his 20 - year addiction that followed his retirement from the NFL. Lydia is here to share her story of survival as the spouse of an addicted person, including why she stayed and how she mustered the strength to desperately save her husband’s life.
Married in 1982 to the man she loved, Lydia Grimes was set to live out her version of the All American dream. Graduating from Baylor University, class of 1983, with a Bachelor of Science in Education she was preparing to begin her career as an elementary teacher. Her husband was preparing to be a high school coach. God had other plans for her as the NFL and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers came knocking, selecting her husband in the 2nd round of the 1983 football draft. Little did she know the chaos that would ensue. While raising 2 beautiful children, Emily and Brady, and teaching elementary school, Lydia found herself in the middle of her husband’s raging opiate addiction to pain medication that he used to treat career related injuries. She would spend the next 20+ years in a war, battling against a disease that was trying to end her marriage, Randy’s relationship with his children, and Randy’s life.
But GOD kept his promise to her that he would heal Randy and restore their family. Randy got sober on Sept. 22, 2009.
Now a grandmother to 4 wonderful grandchildren, she spends her time in service to others whenever or wherever she is. She works with families dealing with addiction and enjoys speaking at various events with Randy about their experiences. Most importantly, she points others to Christ and gives Him praise for restoring her family. Lydia is always the first to say “I’m here for you!”and she is.