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.
Ohh Collin, I’m so sorry! I saw this and immediately started tearing up. I feel like she was such a big part of the Hip2save team! I will be praying for you and your family. How are your kids and your parents holding up? I hope as well as can be expected, in a time like this. Just know that us hip2savers are here for you. And don’t hesitate to lean on us for support whenever you need! 🙂
She was such a special person, and danced right along with you up until the very end. What a blessing she was to you and your family! I pray for peace and comfort for you and your family during this time. Hugs
Hi Collin, I am so sorry for your loss.:((. Reading your post reminds me about my two grandmas who lives very far from me. Wish that I can fly to visit them now. I missed their smiles when I told them jokes every time I met them. We laughed happily as you and your grandma in above pictures. You made her proud, Collin. Stay strong! (;.;)
So sorry for your loss…..I loved the pictures of you and your Grandmother!
So sorry for your loss. I love seeing you two together going on your shopping trips. Your post made me cry CAUSE I loss my grandma in this past November. She was 99 years old and missed her 100th birthday by 4 months. She was everything to me and I miss her so much. My prayers are with u and your family
so sorry-Ma made your site special-her love of life shined through-your family will be in our prayers-
I am so sorry for your loss.
So very sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss.
RIP beautiful lady.
We will miss her a lot! So sorry for your loss! Life still goes on !
We all loved Ma! Thank you for sharing her with us! Love and hugs to you and your family. So, so sorry for your loss. <3
Prayers to you and your family! She was one special lady!!
I am sorry for your loss.
God bless you and hugs
oh Collin, my deepest condolences. Praying that you and your family would find strength and comfort during this difficult time. Ma was a very special person and she will be missed <3
So sorry for your loss!!
I will miss watching her in the videos you post! Keep smiling Collin, I’m sure Ma is!!
Sending love and hugs from Texas
Praying for you Collin. I lost my grandma several years ago when I was a teenager. I would watch you with Ma and be so happy for all the memories you were creating with such a beautiful lady with a charming personality. I’m praying that every life her sweet life touched finds peace. You and your family are in my prayers.
So sorry for your loss. May the promise that God provides give you hope.
Revelation 21:4.
Being #1663, a huge group hug to you, Collin, with much wonderful memories of your Ma! How blessed you are to have all the adventures you shared shopping all documented :)!
I am so very sorry for your loss! As i read your post i couldn’t help weeping. So Sorry for your pain
Your Ma was such a delight! She will be missed terribly. Ya’ll are so blessed to have had her. Praying comfort and peace during this time. ((Big hugs))
So sorry for your loss.
Collin, I’m so sorry for the loss you’ve experienced, I really enjoyed seeing your grandmother with you on your many shopping adventures. She always had a smile that was so contagious! (I say that because I smiled whenever I saw her) I’m sure you will miss her greatly. Although I only knew her through your blog I miss seeing you and her together having so much FUN ! I’m sure you will treasure those special times and memories you had with her. John 5:28, 29
I am so sorry for your loss, your grandma was a joy to see online. She will be missed. Thank you for sharing all the wonderful times you too had together, I enjoyed watching them very much always with a smile
Sad to hear about your loss…our prayers for you and your family
I’m so sorry… Your post made me miss my own grandmother as well. They are gems whose value could never be put into words
Praying for you Collin. My heart shattered to a million pieces when I came across this post. My whole day was off. I feel like i have lost my own grandma. I have followed you since 2008, and learned to love not only you but Ma as well. I have lost my mom earlier this year and I will tell you that was the hardest thing I have ever come across. Let me assure you, she is in the best place ever, smiling and dancing as she looks over you. Thank you for allowing us readers to know someone as kind hearted and funny as her. You and your family are in my prayers ❤️ you will always be able to celebrate her life and yours at the same time. Happy birthday, and know your readers are always supporting you!
I am so sorry for your loss. She seemed like a good person. She seemed to be full of life. My prayers are with you and your family
So sorry for your loss – she was a special lady and will be missed by all. Treasure your memories – you had a lot of good ones with her.
Sorry for your loss Collin! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
She will be missed.. we loved her !! Prayers for you and your family.
Thank you for sharing her with us. She was always so sweet in the videos. I am sorry for your loss
So very, very sad for you and your family. What a legacy!
So sorry to hear about your loss. From your posts it was obvious what a special relationship you too had. It looked like you guys had a lot of fun. We will miss her in your posts.
So sorry for your loss. May you be comforted by knowing that she is not suffering and eternally content in paradise.
My heartfelt condolences to you and yours. May she rest peacefully!
So sorry for your loss.
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Take comfort in knowing that she left this earth surrounded by love.
I loved watching your Target videos with Ma. She was so adorable and you certainly took after her – I can see the family resemblance and you have her fun-loving attitude. Ma will be missed by Hip2Save readers. I’m very sorry for your loss.
Collin-We are all so deeply sorry for your loss and heaven’s gain. You were truly blessed to have all those wonderful years with ma and you said it in the caption A BEAUTIFUL LIFE.
So sorry for your loss! My condolences to you and your family.
What a wonderful lady she seemed to be this while time! You are one lucky lady to have had her in your life.
Sorry for your loss. We’ll all miss her.
So sorry for your loss.
Thank you for sharing such a special lady with us! Ma made me laugh and smile every time I saw her! Wishing you and your family peace during this sad time.
You’re a beautiful woman. Inside and out. I can definitely see where you get it from
You and your family are in my prayers ❤
I am so very sorry! I told you a couple of times how much Ma reminded me of my own grandmother who passed away many years ago. Watching you with her brought me so much joy because you two seemed to have the same relationship we had.
I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. You have created such wonderful memories and you have many precious photos and videos too. Thank you for sharing her with us! She was a special lady!!
Tina H.
Praying for you and your family.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your beloved Ma, Collin. May she rest in peace.