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.
Collin and family… although I dont actually know you but I feel were friends… 🙂 my friend and I have been following you since coupon cravings… 🙂 I think the world of you and your family. Sounds like Ma had a wonderful life so glad we as the readers got to have her in our lives too!! Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! Love the Sloanburn family
So sorry for your loss Colin. It was so clear how much you both loved each other!
My sincere and deep sympathy in such a painful time. Please know you are in the prayers of many.
I am so sorry. I have so enjoyed reading about your adventures together. Her full life inspired many of us, I am sure. Not many blog sites incorporate multi generations!
So sorry for your loss, how special it must have been to have her. ❤️
So sorry for your loss, losing someone so special in your life is so hard, it’s was great to see you spending so much time with her.
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. How sad. A grandmother can be such a good friend.
I’m sure this tribute was hard to write, but it was wonderful to read! What a wonderful memory your grandmother left for you to remember her by! Thinking of you and your family.
Sorry for your loss, grandma’s are such special people. Sending prayers to you and your family.
This makes me so sad! I felt like I knew her through your posts! I can tell that she was a very special lady and she will be missed by many! So sorry for your loss, but know that she is smiling down at you and watching all the deals that you get for yourself and others!
Happy Birthday Collin!! Thank you for sharing this story. And thanks for sharing “Ma” with all of your readers. I have loved seeing you two up to your cute shopping antics over the years. What a special lady. I am truly sorry for your loss but take heart in knowing she is in a much better place than we can imagine. <3
This is beautiful. I am praying for you during this time of loss.
So very sorry for your loss Collin. Prayers to you as you say goodbye and adjust.
Very sorry for your loss and I said a prayer for you and your family. She was adorable and the videos that she was in always made me laugh. Happy Birthday!
So sorry for your loss of such a beautiful lady. I will miss the videos of your shopping trips with her. Sending prayers to you and your family.
RIP Ma and Happy B-day Collin…..
I am so sorry for your loss. She always made me smile and the two of you together were amazing! You and your family are in my thoughts and my prayers.
Big hugs! <3 Thank you for sharing your Ma with us. She was adorable.What a beautiful relationship you had with her. My thoughts and prayers with you and your family.
So sorry about your huge loss to your family. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
So Sorry for your loss.
Happy birthday Collin! What a sweet tribute. May your heart heel and that you will find peace.
So very sorry for your loss.
My heart reaches out to you as you grieve and cherish your Ma. Hugs to you. Thank you for your beautiful tribute and for sharing your heart with all of us.
My wife and I have ready your blog for years. I was always amazed that your grandmother looked exactly like my childhood best friend’s Grandmother. Until today when I realized they were the same person. She was great to see in your blog, but even more of a delight in life. she will be missed and my thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire Berube family and posterity during this difficult time.
This was funny to me because of how small the world feels when stuff like this happens. I’m glad that you were able to know her in real-life and not just blog-life. She certainly seemed special in blog-life!
I am very sorry for your loss. We will miss your post with her too.
My sympathy. Blessings to you and your family.
I’m so sorry that your cherished grandmother has passed. It was a joy to see her smiling face on so many of your posts. Thank you for sharing her with us.
While the loss of a loved one is never easy, may you find comfort in knowing your grandma is with the man she chose to raise a family with, before ever becoming your grandma, your grandfather.
I am sorry for your loss. I loved seeing the pictures of you and your grandmother on your many adventures. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your loss. My sympathies are with your family during your time of grief.
I am so very sorry for your loss … I will miss seeing her on your posts … prayers to you and your family 🙁
Thank you for sharing “ma” with us Colin. My heart is sad for your great loss of this amazing woman. You can tell how proud of you she was in your videos. May you find comfort in all the great memories you have. God Bless. Thank You For All You Do And Happy Birthday!
So sorry for your loss… I’m saying a prayer for you now.
Collin, I’m am so sorry for your loss 🙁
there is not much more to say as it has all been said…but, I too, am sorry for your loss!
Collin, Sincerest sympathies to you and your family. Your Ma truly created many smiles for so many of us as Hipsters that I know I always felt she was a virtual grandma to me also. You were always so gracious to share her with us and now so, so many of us also share sorrow for you in your loss.
My deepest sympathies. You will always have her with you in your heart & I am very glad your memories of her are happy ones.
omg I am so sorry bless u all. Your grandma was a beautiful loving soul u can see it in her eyes, the love you share and genuine happiness enjoying life. What a blessing to have someone like this in your life.So sorry for your families loss.
I’m sorry for your loss! Prayers for you and your family!
Oh Collin and family, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. We all adored Ma and looked forward to the photos after you had a session with her after a visit. Thank you for sharing your Ma with us through Hip2Save. She’s a true treasure. Hugs and prayers as she is surely smiling down on you from heaven.
So sorry for your loss. Your post brought a smile to my mouth with the pictures you shared (who can say they have pictures of themselves with their grandma in chicken hats or christmas costumes?? :)) ) and tears to my eyes as it reminds me that my grandma won’t be around forever (she’s turning 95 next months). To grandma’s and the wonderful memories they bring us 🙂
Sorry for you loss… Those are beautiful pics and awesome memories you have shared with us for sometime now. Now she is resting in peace, looking down on you. Prayers for your family.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers today and always. Heaven just got a little sweeter!!!!
A very touching tribute to your beloved grandmother. May God Bless You on your birthday Colin and comfort you.
I’m so so SO sorry for your loss. Thank you so much for sharing your “ma” with me! I love seeing her in your videos. she always brought a smile to my face. Thank you!!!
Sending prayers of strength to you and your family. My sincerest condolences. God Bless.
Hello Collin,
I am so terribly sorry for the loss of your beloved grandmother! But, Heaven got a fun and frisky Angel (wish some serious dance moves) on Tuesday for sure!!! It was evident what a special bond you had together and I wish you time of healing and comfort during this sad time. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Hugs to you from Nebraska
My condolences to you and your family, Collin.
Sorry for your loss
I am so sorry for your loss.
Awe, so sorry for you and your family. A beautiful tribute to your grandmother.