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.
So very sorry for your loss. I will miss seeing her in your photos and videos. I know everyone in the Hip2Save community is grieving with you.
So sorry for your loss. Keeping your family In my prayers.
My Dad passed away when he was just 3 days short of his 93rd birthday. I miss him so much too. I am so sorry Collin for your loss (and your family’s). Ma was truly a gem and I enjoyed reading about all your adventures shopping. You shared something wonderful with Ma. My prayers are with you and your family.
Your grandma got to see you settled with a family of your own, got to spend her last some time with you and your family, who would always be there with and for you when she passed on, as an elderly person myself, I assure you, that while she gave to you, you and yours gave much more back to her.
Brynn and Collin, I wish you to remember, reflect, and laugh upon the memories and moments of your dear Ma. I hope your grief and sorrow is filled with tears and laughter. Ma was a wonderful inspiration to everyone who got a glimpse of her. I loved her snacking in the aisles at Target, getting her groove on with a parking lot dance, and applying her lipstick. She humored me with her enthusiasm for life. I hope to be 93 and dancing in a parking lot someday too! May peace be with her and strength to your families.
Colin, I felt as though I knew Ma personally…she always made me smile when you shared her with your readers. Looks like you have made good memories with her, so cherish those…you will see her again!
So sorry for your loss
So sorry for your loss, Collin! Your grandmother was beautiful and her pictures definitely show where you got your sense of humor and fun! Love to you and your family from Tennessee!!!
What a beautiful tribute, I love your story. Happy Birthday, sweet Collin.
I am deeply sorry for your loss Collin.
She seemed to be such a joyful lady and brought many happiness to your life.
I enjoyed seeing her in your videos and she will be greatly missed!
Prayers of comfort for you and your family.
Hugs!
Thinking of you and your family during this time. Thanks for sharing with us… Beautifully written. Sending my love 💜
I’m so sorry for your loss. Grandmothers are such special people and can never bee replaced. I lost mine 2 years ago and the tears still come quickly when I think of her. I don’t cry for her, I cry for myself and my children not getting to spend time with her anymore. I pray for you and your family to have strength and focus on all the wonderful memories you have and not on her not being with you physically anymore. Thank you for sharing her with us!
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We all loved Ma so much. Blessings on you & your family as you deal with this loss.
I am very sorry for your loss. May your happy memories bring comfort to you during this time. May her memory be for a blessing.
So sorry for your loss! I loved when she was in videos! She was adorable and will be missed!
My heart is with you and your family…<3
What a lovely tribute to your grandmother, Collin. Thanks to your posts and videos we all were able to meet a wonderful lady.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss Collin! I adored every single post you have done over the years with your ma! She always made me smile. May you and your family feel comfort and hold on to your many wonderful memories with her.
Rest in Peace Ma.
What a special lady!! So sorry to hear about Ma. My thoughts and prayers are with you Collin.
So sorry for your loss Colin and family!! Thoughts and prayers be with you!
Collin I’m so sorry,I loved seeing Ma in your videos, she reminded me so much of my grandma. Will definitely say a prayer for you and your family tonight.
I’m so sorry to hear this. Thinking of you and your family during this very difficult time. Thank you for sharing Ma with all of us on Hip2Save.
I was always so excited to watch the videos with ma in them. I’m very sorry for your loss. But very happy she had a great long life with a family that loved her very much! Rest in peace ma!
We are praying for your family. So sorry for your loss.
Oh Colin, I’m so sad to hear this. She was loved by many more people than she ever knew through your site. I believe in a Heavenly Fathers plan for us that you will surely see her again. She’ll be missed on this earth! Prayers for your family 🙂
What a touching tribute to an amazing Ma. Thanks for sharing her with us. I admire the close relationship you had. And yes, you will continue to feel her close. Hope your day is a special one!
Sorry for your loss prayers for your family
Hope you had a beautiful birthday! Ma was such a special lady–you take after her!
God bless you!
I’m so sorry Collin! I loved seeing her having fun with you!! 😟😢 happy birthday to you as well! 🎁🎈
I am so sorry! I lost my grandmother way too early in my life so I loved seeing the pictures and videos of your Ma! They always made me remember mine. Thinking of you and your family!😄
She added a wonderful addition to the Hip2save family and you can tell how much you adored her sharing in your journey. She will always be with you and your family. Grandmothers are a wonderful thing you were so blessed to have had her in your life for so long. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
I’m so sorry about Ma. The very first video I ever watched from Hip2Save was of you and Ma at Target. I loved it! Praying for you and your family. God is near to the broken hearted…praying you all feel His loving arms wrapped around you during this hard time.
So sorry for your loss.
I am sending love and prayers to your wonderful family.
I am so very sorry for your loss. She did have a beautiful life and you played a big part in making it that way. Sending prayers to you and your family.
Sorry to hear about your loss but god has a new angel god bless you famialy
Oh dear, Collin. I’m so sad to hear this. Our condolences to you and your family.
So sorry.
Sorry for ur loss
I’m so sorry for the loss of Ma. She was a beautiful ray of sunlight in this world.
She ALWAYS has a big smile in every photo, and looks like she enjoyed the photo posts, and reminded me of my girls’ NA-NA! Sorry to hear about your and, our loss of your Hip-2-Save MA! She is watching you from above now. Try to have a special day with your kiddos and remember Ma’s smile and spunkyness.
I’m sorry for your loss. I am so glad that you shared Ma with us, she had such a wonderful personality. I know that she brought so many joy and laughter as she did me.
I am so sorry for you loss Collin. My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.
So sorry for your loss Collin….Ma was just like family…miss her 🙁
May her soul RIP!
I’m so sorry for your loss. Grandmothers are so special. I hope you get to see her again someday. I hope that you find comfort and peace as you reflect on your happy moments as you face the days ahead. I know that’s not how you’d like to spend your birthday but I wish you a happy birthday.
So sorry for your loss, Collin. Your grandmother was beautiful and her beauty radiates through you. Prayers to you and your family. She will be missed greatly.
Beautifully written. So sorry for your loss. Your posts with her in them always made me smile. Happy birthday to you, too. 🙂
I’m so sorry to hear this Collin! I loved watching Ma on your videos and seeing you two together. I hope you find peace amidst your heartache. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers!
Collin & family – I am so sorry for your loss. I always loved seeing Ma featured on your site. She was hilarious! You are in my thoughts & prayers through this difficult time.