A Beautiful Life…
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.
What a wonderful tribute to your Grandmother! I am sorry for your loss but so grateful for the many years you had with her.
I loved seeing you and your grandma! I am going to miss seeing you together – she reminded me so much of my own grandma. She looked like she had a blast with you! So sorry for your loss. Glad you had so much time with her, but wish you had more.
Thank you for sharing her. I’m pretty sure you got some of your spark from her. I hope you and your family find peace during this difficult time
Sorry for your loss. Prayers sent from New York.
Thank you for sharing your “Ma” with us. I hope I look that great, live that long, and enjoy life like that at 93. What a blessing.
So very sorry for your loss.
Dear Colin,
I never leave comments but I am moved to tears reading your heartfelt tribute to your grandmother. You and your family surely have been blessed having her in your lives for such a long time (although it probably feels like the time with her has flown by). My husband and I lost all of our parents over the past 4 years – one per year – so we know how you must be feeling right now. Just know that the pain and sorrow will lessen over time, but you will never forget your “Ma” and you will never stop missing her. I think of our folks every single day and wish I could have just one more day with each of them. God bless you and your family and your precious “Ma”
Colin, I am heartbroken for you, thank you for sharing Ma with all of us hip 2 savers ❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss. Ma really was a ma to all of us and she will be greatly missed by all.
My condolences to you and your family.
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
She was a beautiful woman and so full of life! So sorry for your loss.
Deepest sympathy in the passing of your “Ma”.
I always loved your posts with your “Ma” and could tell you shared a very special bond. So very sorry to read this in my email that she has passed. It sounds like she did lead a wonderful life and had left you all with a wonderful legacy and memories. Thinking of you and yours in this time of loss.
She was a true joy! So sorry for your loss.
So sorry! She always made me laugh and smile. Her joy and abundance of life could be felt through your videos. We were all blessed to have experienced just a piece of her 🙂
So sorry for your loss…
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I loved seeing her in your pics and videos.
Colin, I know Ma is up there telling everyone how proud she is of all you have accomplished in your life. Thank you for sharing her with us. RIP Ma.
Watching those hip2save videos of Ma always made me laugh and put a smile to my face. She will be missed Colin 🙂
Tears, tears, tears…. You are all amazing women and we should all feel grateful everyday for the moments we have with the people we love. Ma was a beautiful woman and now spirit. She will be missed and our deepest condolences to your family.
Ps, happy birthday!
Sorry for your loss.
We need a love button to tag. Ma was awesome. Sorry for your loss. glad you have so many great memories and pictures with her. hugs. Happy Birthday too!!!
Sorry for your loss. 🙁
That sweet feeling of tears burning in the corners of your eyes before they fall… Feeling it now after reading this. Collin, my condolences to you and your family, we’re all mourning with you. 😔😢
Sorry for your loss, I am glad she had a great life and she always made me smile whenever I watched one of your videos.
What a beautiful soul. Praying for your comfort and peace during this difficult time.
I am sorry for your loss. You could tell by the smile on your grandma’s face how proud she was of you and how much she loved you.
Happy Birthday. I hope you can celebrate today knowing how much joy you bring to people. ((Hugs))
Collin, I’m very sorry to hear about your loss. My prayers go out to you and your family. May you find peace and comfort in the Lord. Happy Birthday to you as well.
Omg Colin I’m soooo sorry for your loss! She was so funny in your videos and such a sweetheart! I will keep you and your family in my prayers!
so sorry for your loss. I loved watching her in your videos great lady!
May the beautiful peace of God be with you and your family. Blessings and love to you💞
My deepest condolences, may she rest in peace and may you be comforted in knowing that she will always love you all and that her love will always live on through you and your family.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I lost my grandma Betty a few weeks ago. Hold tight to your memories. Praying for you & your family. Hugs, Ladonna (Illinois)
I am so sorry for your loss, Colin. You and you family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
My prayers are with you & your family🙏
I am very sorry for your loss of Ma, Collin. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I am so, so very sorry for your loss. I feel like I have suffered a loss as well. She was one of my absolute favorite parts of hip2save and I thank you for sharing her with us. You, your sister/sidekick and your other family members are all in my thoughts and prayers.
You have the kind of grandmother that everyone wishes they had. I can tell you from experience that not everyone gets one of those. Ma was such a special lady and I can’t thank you enough for letting us into her life.
Collin,
I am truly so sorry for your loss. Ma seemed like such an amazing person and she will be missed by many. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Colin–what a beautiful post for your Ma! I shared in your tears as I read it. So sorry for your loss. Prayers and comfort for you and your family!
I am so sorry for the loss of your precious grandmother. xo
Collin – first I want to say that through your posts here, we all got to know “Ma” and saw the special relationship you had with her. She seemed more like a best friend than a relative. I loved watching her “hot rod” on her Scooter through Target.. 🙂 You both were very fortunate to have one another to share fun times through the years. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Second – Happy, Happy Birthday! You deserve a little fun time for yourself on your special day even though it is overshadowed with sadness. There are so many outpourings of well wishes for you and your family so I hope you realize just what a special person you truly are.
So sorry for your loss. Loved watching her in the videos. That was a beautiful tribute to her.
So, so sorry on the loss of your grandma. She was a blessing to watch as I’ve followed your page for some time now. Your family was truly blessed through her!
Sorry for your loss!
I am so sorry for your loss. Your words were beautiful.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I loved reading your blog when Ma was staying with you. She was just a joy and had a feisty look that just made me laugh. Know she is in a better place even it hurts to not have her here. Love and prayers to your family.
I’m all full of tears…so sorry Collin….I know she meant the world to you!
I am so sorry for your loss. We only got a glimpse of what an amazing lady your Ma was but could feel what a special bond you two had. With Deepest Sympathy – Jennifer
What a beautiful tribute! Prayers to you and your family.
So sorry for your loss. But thanks for sharing with all of us for a while.