A Beautiful Life…

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On August 18th, the world lost a little bit of sunshine when my grandmother known as “Ma” passed away in her home surrounded by people she loved. She was 93 years old and lived a beautiful life. One of her greatest joys in life was her family – she raised six children and always said that her most important and cherished role was being a mother.

As I type this, tears are flowing down my cheeks. I miss her so much already. She was a very special person in my life and played such a huge role in who I am today.

She taught me to live life to the fullest, to laugh often, to dance whenever and wherever possible and to never take any days for granted. I also learned so much from her about being comfortable and confident in my own skin… and letting my authentic self shine.

Anyone who can get a TSA Agent to smile, while getting mad at him for trying to confiscate her full bottle of water that she tried to take through security, has to be pretty special… 🙂

I know many of you have felt a connection to Ma from her presence here on Hip2Save. She absolutely loved being a part of Hip2Save and raved about the Hip2Save community – so thank you for bringing her so much joy throughout the years with your kind and uplifting comments, emails and messages.

Although I am feeling so much loss today, I can’t also help but smile a bit as I picture my grandmother and grandfather together again… smiling down on myself and my family.

I am writing this post on August 20th, my birthday. Today, I not only celebrate my own birth, but I celebrate the amazing life my grandmother led. I celebrate how blessed I am to have gotten to spend so much of my 34 years here on earth with such an amazing person. I celebrate all of the laughs, all of the love, and all of the incredible memories that I’ve had because of having Ma in my life.

Today, I celebrate life and I know she’s right there celebrating it with me.

I love you, Ma. I know you’ll always be by my side.

Join The Discussion

Comments 2065

  1. mommyto2

    So sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

  2. leahrao@yahoo.com

    I am crying. I know not many words can comfort in a time like this. I posted 6 years ago on hip2save.com about tragically losing my husband in combat, and you ever so graciously provided me with money to allow me to spend it on a relaxing time. I have followed you for many many years(old navy scavenger hunt days! lol) and you and your family have been so fun to watch and laugh with. I am so sorry to hear about your grandmother. You and your family are a blessing to many people and families out there. Ma will deeply be missed.

    P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

    with love from Oklahoma,
    Leah

  3. Aks

    I am so sorry for your loss .I lost my grandma too this year.I miss her very much now than when she was alive.Cant type these feelings😇
    😇

  4. Kim Hancock

    I wanna be just like her when I grow up.

  5. Brenda

    I’m so sorry for your loss. She seemed like a wonderful woman and you can see the love between you both when she was in your videos.

  6. JIll

    Collin, I am so very sorry for your loss. She was such a beautiful lady with ALOT of spunk and personality. She’s going to be so missed by all of us. My heart goes out to you and your family. xoxo

  7. Desirae

    Oh Collin – god bless you thinking and praying for you and your family during this time. So very sorry for your loss – we all know how much you loved Ma. Hugs!

  8. Seph

    Sorry for your loss. She will be missed! I loved her presence in your videos.

  9. NH

    What a beautiful tribute. I am so deeply sorry for you and your families loss. She is a beautiful person inside and out. Blessings to you and your family during this time.

  10. mnjenni

    So sorry to hear about your loss. What a lovely tribute.

  11. Jennifer

    So sorry for your loss Collin. And Happy Birthday.

  12. Ashley

    I’m so sorry for your loss. Just from your videos, I can tell she was a very special lady. You and your family are in my prayers.

  13. Jennifer

    Sending prayers

  14. Jackie

    I am so sorry for your lost. Every time I saw a post with her it made me smile because she reminded me so much of my grandma. I know that she will be missed. I wish I could say something to make you feel better but I cant. Just cry when you feel like crying, smile when you feel like smiling. She is watching you and now you can count on that angel to watch over you and your family.

  15. Stacy

    Sorry for your loss.. Hugs from Minnesota ❤️❤️

  16. Pamela

    Love from Washington❤️❤️❤️

  17. Stacey

    I am so sorry for you and your family’s loss..you will already have her aura around you. Hugs!!

  18. Jamie

    Collin,

    This truly makes my heart ache to read. I am so sorry for your loss. I know there is probably nothing anybody can say or do to help ease the feelings you are experiencing, but I hope that you and your family are able to find peace in this difficult time. Ma will be greatly missed by all of us Hip2Savers and will most definitely hold a special place in our hearts here as well! I am sure she and your grandpa is standing alongside you today.

    <3

  19. Olivia

    So very sorry for your loss. Loved Ma!!! What a part of hip2save, she was. Thinking of you today and praying. Hope your birthday is great, too. God bless you and your family and thinking of you all during this time.

  20. Victoria

    Happy Birthday Collin! I am so sorry for your loss of your Grandma! I am sending prayers and blessings your way with lots of love! God bless you and your family at this time.

  21. Jean

    Well, I’m crying too. Thank you so much for sharing her with us through videos, pictures and your blog. She was such a treasure.

  22. Kellen

    So sorry for your loss.Love and prayers from Florida.

  23. Sondra Thompson

    So sorry for your loss. My family will be praying that God gives you and your family peace and comfort. You and your family and friends are very lucky to have had a wonderful woman to share your lives with. God bless.

  24. Mary

    So, so terribly sorry for your loss. She will be with you always. Many prayers for you and the family.

  25. Patti

    ❤️

  26. Diana

    I am so sorry for your loss Collin, I loved watching you two together on your target trips, she will be missed dearly.

  27. Beverly

    Isn’t it great to have these wonderful memories? Focus on those today.

  28. Miggie

    I am so deepy sorry for your precious loss. She is a beauty. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family as you mourn the loss of your loved one.

  29. Miggie

    I am so deeply sorry for your precious loss. She is a beauty. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family as you mourn the loss of your loved one.

  30. Kaylan

    So sorry to hear. Loved reading your posts and videos with her. She will be missed!

  31. Julie

    Thinking of you, Colin, and your sweet Ma. She misses you as much as you miss her, but she’s with you.

  32. Vivian

    So sorry for your loss.

  33. Yoli

    I am so sorry for you loss Collin. My condolences to you and your family. Ma will definitely be missed here on Hip2Save. May God provide you with the strength you need to heal. Ma will always be with you.

  34. Noel

    I am so sorry for your loss! May God bless your family in this time of sadness, rejoice in her wonderful life and many years spent with you.

  35. Maria

    Saying a prayer for you from WI ❤️

  36. hr

    So very sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to you and your family.

  37. Kristin

    I am so sorry for your loss. Just reading your post I have tears in my eyes. Know she has brought so much joy to people all over the world with her antics and genuine love of life. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time xox

  38. Laura

    What a bitter sweet time for you. So sorry for you loss – and happy birthday at the same time. So glad you had all those years with her!

  39. Gisette

    I’ll be praying for you! So sorry for your loss:(

  40. Jessica

    So sorry for you loss, Colin! Know that she will always be by your side!

  41. Beverly

    Happy Birthday and my condolences. Ma will be missed very much.

  42. Holly

    memories and lessons we learn, last a lifetime. you are clearly grateful and blessed by Ma’s presence in your life all these years. she did her duty on this earth and now she can rest easy in heaven with the angels. i wish you the happiest of birthdays; it’s good to find happiness in pictures and in your memories. 😉

  43. rileysmommelinda

    NO!!!! The world will not be the same without her! I wish I had a grandmother or friend like her. I know we only know her from this page but she sure did bring so many smiles and good memories here. She will be missed. I’m so sorry for your loss and will be praying for you and her loved one’s.

  44. Lindsey

    Thinking about you and your family at this sad time!

  45. chrissy

    I am so sorry for your loss. Your grandmother was such a beautiful woman inside and out. Praying for peace for you and your family.

  46. Kari

    So very sorry for your loss! Great tribute to “Ma”… Thoughts and prayers sent your way!

  47. dawn

    I am so sorry for your loss, she always made me smile when ever I saw her here. My prayers are with your family. Happy Birthday Colin!

  48. Sara

    Your Ma was a special soul that touched the hearts of countless people who never even knew her in person. There is a special section of heaven for these people. May you find peace and comfort in all of the special memories you shared with Ma over the years. The bond you two shared was quite evident in your videos. Prayers for your family.

  49. meg

    So sorry for your loss collin. Thinking of you and your entire family.

  50. kavya

    Sorry for your loss. My prayers for you.

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