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.
I miss my Grandma very much !! I also got to share & enjoy 45 yrs. with her… she lived to be 95 !!! Sorry to hear the news of her passing…. my heart is with you & your family… Happy Birthday Collin !!! She is celebrating with you on your day I’m sure
So incredibly sorry for your loss, Collin. Enjoy your birthday as best you can — eat an extra cupcake for Ma! Prayers for you and your family during this difficult time.
What a great way to remember by celebrating. I’m sure she is smiling down on you.
So Sorry for your loss!!! Keeping you in my prayers.
So sorry for your loss…. 🙁 happy birthday too
Collin & family- I am so sorry for your loss and everyone’s loss. I enjoyed seeing the two of you together- much like I imagine had I known my grandma at my current age. What a ray of sunshine that will continue to shine on you. xo
I’m so sorry for your loss. I loved seeing her in the post and picture of you two smiling. The world did lose a bit of sunshine. My thoughts are with you and your family. I cried reading this and I’m sure a lot of H2S readers are feeling the loss too. I’m so sorry.
My heart aches for you, Collin. Ma was such a wonderful person. So full of life and fun. She will be greatly missed. I’ll be sure to pray for you and your family tonight.
I am so very sorry for your loss. You could tell what a special relationship you had. She will always be with you! I lost my Grandma in my 20’s. I still miss her every day. May God comfort you in this time of sorrow.
Happy Birthday!
I’m so sorry for your loss, Collin. Praying for you and your family!
She was a great Lady and will be missed by all of us too.. It has been a sad week for the couponing community…
I am so sorry for your loss! Ma will be missed by so many, we all were able to see what a fun and special lady she was, thank you for sharing her with us! She had so much spunk and energy and was a true joy to watch. I’m so glad you got to capture so many wonderful moments together. She will always be with you, giving you 2 thumbs up!
I’m sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your family during this difficult time.
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your grandmother. I don’t have words even. I will miss seeing Ma in your posts. Take care.
I am so sorry for your loss Collin & family! Many hugs from my family to yours.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! It’s very difficult when someone so close passes away. Remember those fun and special times you have had with Ma. They will hopefully help heal the broken heart you must be feeling.
Sorry for your loss! Thanks for sharing your amazing tribute to this lovely lady.
I’m so very sorry for your loss Collin. I hope fun memories of “Ma” bring you peace now and always. May she now rest in peace.
So sorry for your loss. we will miss her too.
So sorry for your loss, but glad to hear that Ma has been reunited with your grandpa. I’m sure she’ll be watching over you from above.
Thinking of you and your family and sending prayers your way. Ma was such a joy to watch on your videos. She always brought a smile to my face. She will truly be missed. Welcome Home Ma.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. We will all miss Ma very much.
I am so sorry for your loss, Collin. She was a wonderful person. Loved her in the couponing videos.
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
I am deeply sorry for the loss of your wonderful grandmother, Collin. It’s hard losing people we love but try to find some comfort in knowing that she will always live on in your heart. You and your family will be in my prayers. Happy Birthday. <3
Such dolls! BOTH OF YOU… ty for letting us into your personal life and sharing her and yourself with us… I like to think we’re you’re extended family so with that said, my thoughts, prayers & love are with you today. Happy Birthday beautiful!(inside and out)
Oh Collin, as soon as I saw the headline…I began to tear up. I am so sad for your loss but equally inspired by the relationship that the two of you had! Please let those beautiful, special memories guide you through the painful days ahead as well as knowing how many smiles & laughter that you & Ma brought to others.
As a long time follower of yours, I’ve watched every video and my favorite ones where with Ma. You are so lucky to have such an amazing and supportive family. Your memories with Ma will last a lifetime and I hope you find comfort in that. Hugs.💜
I’m sorry for your loss! Know that she is up in heaven celebrating your life on your special day!
I am so sorry for your loss…she will be missed by all of us 🙁
What a wonderful tribute to your Ma. May peace be with you knowing that she is with your grandfather and watching over you and your family. I could always tell you had a very special relationship with her through the pic and videos you shared. I have the same with my grandparents and forever cherish each and every moment. Prayers to you and your family.
So sorry for the loss of such a beautiful person. Everyone could see how much love you had for each other through the videos she participated in. I believe that when we lose a person here on earth, their presence can still be felt when you really need them. Know that she is smiling down on you as I’m sure she is so proud of the person that you are.
Oh Collin I am so sorry to hear about and see this. You are right, she did touch many people’s lives on here and for that she will be dearly missed! 🙁
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I do hope that you find some way to enjoy your day, I know it is not easy (I have been in same position) but you really deserve it and she would want it no other way.
Collin and family, I am very sorry for you loss. Your grandma reminded me very much of my grandma and it was enjoyable to watch videos of your relationship with her because my grandma was my sidekick as well. I am so glad you have all the memories as well as videos and will miss hearing her east coast accent. Prayers to your family.
Sorry for your loss Collin! I always loved seeing your Grandma in pictures, whether it was dressing up besides you, or modelling a deal. Those pictures will be missed!!
I am very sorry for your loss! Prayers to you and your family!
Oh no! I am so sorry to hear Ma has passed. I loved seeing her in videos! She always made me smile! My thoughts & prayers for you and your family.
Oh, Collin, I have been a long time follower of yours and cried when I read this. I am so sorry for your loss. I loved Ma too. She made me smile and laugh every time she appeared in your videos. She was an amazing woman and I’m so thankful for the impact she has had on your life. Praying for you and hope you can still have a good birthday today and celebrate the beautiful life of Ma.
So sorry for your and your family’s loss Collin. Your grandmother was a beautiful lady who I have loved to see pictures of over the years. I am sure she will be with while you write every post going forward.
I am very sorry for your loss. Praying that the Lord will give you strength during this difficult time.
So very sorry for your loss. xo
Collin, I’m so sorry for the loss of your sweet grandma! I hope that all the beautiful memories you have with her will give you comfort until you see her again. I sure will miss seeing Ma in your videos! My prayers are with you and your family.
My thought and prayers are with you and your loved ones during this difficult time.
I am so sorry for your loss, Collin. I so looked forward to you sharing your pictures together. Thank goodness for the time you had together and the love you shared. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
My heart hurts for you! Ma will be missed here on Hip2Save. What a lovely woman you have shared with us over the years. So sorry for your loss. Happy birthday, sweet Collin!
My first reaction was “NO!” We’ll all miss Ma very much. So sorry for your loss and happy birthday. You know she is watching you from above hoping you’ll be able to celebrate.
I am very sorry for your loss Collin. Ma was such an amazing woman. We will all miss her.
I’m very sorry for your loss. My grandparents passed away within 6 days of another. It’s never easy to say “until next time” (I hate goodbyes).
Thanks for sharing your grandmother in the videos. They always made me smile!
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your story touched my heart.
My heart is heavy for you and I thank you so much for sharing your precious “Ma” with all of us. She always made me smile and I hope one day when I’m older I can light up a room just like her. So sorry for your loss….