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.
Im very sorry you lost your grandmother. It was a blast to watch her joke around and get in on the fun with you. I wish you a happy birthday, even though thats hard for me to say only because you just lost someone your really close to right before your birthday.
I lost my dad 5 yrs ago today at he age of 94. He is with me everyday and I miss him. i just loved Ma. She was the best of everything to you and your family. She is watching over all of you. I just loved when you had her on your blogs–she made me smile even on baed days.
So very sorry for your loss. Her appearances in your posts always brought a smile to my face as she reminded me of my own grandmother, whom I loved very much. My prayers are with you and your family. 💔
Oh Collin, I am so very sorry. I loved watching videos of you and Ma and all of your antics at Target! Hugs to you.
What a beautiful post. Even though I don’t know you, I feel your pain. As I was reading it. tears streaming down my cheeks. You know your grandmother is smiling from above. You are in my thoughts and prayers
So sorry for your loss. A very nice tribute to your Ma. 🙂
Praying for your family. Have peace that she rest in haven.
So very sorry for your loss! I will pray for peace and healing for you and your family during this difficult time.
Thank you SOOO Much for sharing her with us here at hip2save. May you keep her close to your heart each and every day. Sincere sympathy to you and your family.
May God hold you all in the palm of his hand.
I’m so sorry for your loss. What a special lady she was! I know I speak for all who follow your website when I say that we will miss seeing her smiling face on your posts!
Colin, I’m so sorry for your huge loss. You had a very special bond and she will forever be watching over you and your family. ((Hugs))
So very sorry for your loss! Prayers to you & your family. 😢
I’m so sorry for your loss. 😢
So sorry for your loss. So happy that you have beautiful memories of Ma! Praying for you Collin!
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my prayers.
So sorry for your loss…All of us came to know your precious Grandma, and will miss her, too. Thank you for sharing her wonderful wit and smile with your fans. What a wonderful tribute you have written to her! You have many special photos to help keep her memory alive. Thinking of you and your family and sending hugs.
So sorry for your loss. She seemed like SUCH a fun lady!!
What a beautiful tribute. Wonderful to have had someone so special in your life. Prayers to you and your family.
I’m very sorry for your loss. What sweet words about your Ma, and it sounds like she had a truly beautiful life!
Thats a lovely tribute, from a lovely person to another person. Thanks so much for sharing her with us. August 18th is the day we celebrate my sons life and miss him. I will now think of your Ma every year on that day too. I’m so sorry for your loss and hope as the years pass you’ll not only miss her but be celebrating the blessed time you had with her. Happy Birthday as well, try to smile and laugh with your family ❤️
Colin, we are so sorry to read about Ma passing. We felt like we knew her through your posts and videos. We are praying for your family and know that she will be missed.
I loved your Grandma-she made me smile when I was having a bad day. 5 years ago today I lost my dad at the age of 94 1/2-he would say. God bless you and your family and she is looking over all of you.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I pray God bring peace to your heart and joy of her memory kept in your heart always!
so sorry for your loss.
So very sorry for your loss. She was SUCH an awesome little lady!
I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending love and hugs. ❤️
So sorry for your loss .Heaven has a beautiful angel to watch over you and your Family. I lost my Mom, Dad and Sister in 5 years I miss them everyday. Wish there were visiting hours in Heaven.
So so sorry for your loss. All of us lose mothers and grandmothers, but they live on in our souls. Cherish the memories.
Condolences to you and your family Collin. May your Grandmother rest in Peace.
Collin – I am so sorry for your loss. Saying prayers for you and your family. I have enjoyed seeing Ma over the years on your blog and videos. She is entertaining them in heaven I am sure!!
My deepest sympathy.
Its clear to me that she was a very special woman, may she rest in heaven 🙂 God Bless
So sorry for your loss. I lost my dear Grams a month ago.
So sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute to her. You could see joy radiating from her with every smile in every picture.
I am so sorry for your loss. Grandmothers always have a very special place in our hearts. Wishing you and your family condolences.
Happy Birthday and what a wonderful tribute to your grandmother! I loved looking at the pictures of you two on the site and I wish I could have met her! Prayers sent your way for your loss…
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Thank you for sharing your touching story. I was remembering my grandmothers as I was reading. Grandmas are the best! Happy life!
Collin I’m so sorry for your loss! I’ve followed your site for over 4 years I feel like your a part of my family in some ways 😀! Prayers for you and your family during this sad time.
I’m crying with you!! She will be missed 🙁 I’m glad for those times you shared her with us. Your family is in my prayers.
So sorry for your loss!! Our thoughts are with you!
I am so thankful that I got to know your Grandmother through your videos. She was a inspiration and I am think you’re just like her.
So sad to hear this. I’m so glad you have so many fun-filled memories.
We will all surely miss Ma. She seems so full of life and she will be missed.
God bless you on your Birthday and everyday.
So sorry for your loss. I lost my dad this year. I understand your grieve.remember the fun times. She will always be with you.
I’m bet Ma would want you to celebrate your birthday to make happy memories for your children. From my experience dealing with loss when you feel the tears and sadness don’t try to stop allow those emotions to run their course. It is OK to laugh and be happy. It doesn’t mean you love her any less You know she would be laughing right along with you
So sorry for your loss, she seemed like a delightful lady
I am so sorry for your loss! Your Ma seemed like such a fun woman! Praying for your family during this time.
Collin – I am so sorry for your loss, I cannot imagine how you are feeling today with the loss of Ma. It was clear to your readers that she was a wonderful person and you were two peas in a pod. I will be praying for you and your family.