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, I am very sorry for your loss. You and your Grandma always made me smile while watching your videos. Even when times where tough, you both would show me how to save, and I would smile and laugh and for this I say Thank you. Keeping you in my thoughts. Linda
Colin, I am so sorry for your loss. Ma was a beautiful person. Even though I didn’t know her personally I feel like I did. Her warmth always came across. Watching the 2 of you together made me smile. I will keep Ma & your entire family in my prayers.
I’m so very sorry for you loss. It seems she lived a very full and happy life. Prayers and blessings to you and your family.
Colin, so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful remembrance of her life.
Colin, I am so sorry! I always enjoyed watching your videos with Ma on your shopping spree videos! She will be missed by all of us!
Sorry for your loss. You have been blessed to have enjoyed so many years with such a wonderful person.
So very sorry for your loss. I loved seeing pictures of her. She had a bright spirit.
Thank you for sharing a glimpse into your personal life. I am truly sorry for your family’s loss.
Collin,so sad to hear about Ma. What a great loss. She was an inspiration to watch on your shopping expeditions. I will really miss seeing her. Hugs and prayers, Linda K.
So sorry for you loss
Sorry for your loss Colin.
Collin and family….so sorry to hear about Ma’s passing. From all you shared of her with us she was so full of life. Those pictures are precious and you have many years full of awesome memories to cherish. May time heal your broken hearts.
So sorry for your loss.
Her smile said it all–I love living life!!!!!
You two had so much fun together. She will be missed by her hip2save family. Prayers for peace and comfort while you and your family mourn her loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. You are right. She will always be by your side.
Glad you were able to have so many wonderful years of fun, learning, and excitement with your Ma. Hoping that you and your family are feeling comfort and support at this time of loss. Remember you will see her again and I’m sure she is watching over your family. Take care today.
I am so sorry for your loss. It was evident in the many videos you posted with her, that you loved her dearly and she loved you just as much. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May she RIP>
I loved your grandmother. She made me laugh and I enjoyed watching the trips yall shared together and who would have known her age! WOW! She scooted around Target with you like she was “60” I surely will miss the posts that you shared with us all.
Thanks for all you do!
Im sitting here sobbing -at the same time smiling at all the pictures you posted- How lucky you were to have her in your life and for so long too! You both always had so much fun during your escapades thru target- you doing your thing and he in her scooter- She seemed to be your biggest fan, and you, hers. God Bless Ma and Happy Birthday Collin (((hugs)))
I’m so sorry for your loss. She seemed like quite a character!
I’m so sorry to hear of Ma’s passing. I always enjoyed your pics and videos-you guys were a great team! Your special tribute to her is perfect, you spoke from your heart…where Ma will always be.
my sister and I would like to express our thoughts and say we are sorry for your lost, we enjoyed the videos that your ma was in shopping at target and other places. We know how it feels to lose a love one, we also lost our mother on August 18, 2015. she is now with our father walking together. we shared the tears of lost a love one with you.
Colin,
I am truly sorry for your loss. “Ma” seemed to be such a delightful person.
I am so sorry for your loss. Me and my daughter loved your Gramma, we used to say that’s how one should live in your 90’s. Will miss her smile and sass for sure.
I am so, so sorry for your loss. We all lost a beautiful light in this world.
I’m very sorry for your lost. Your ‘MA’ is in a better place now and she’ll always smile down on you.
Very sorry for your loss…I really enjoyed watching her on your site. She never seemed to be 93, I hope I can be that much fun when I reach that age! Will certainly keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers during this time!Thank you for sharing Ma with us hipsters!!
Collin – I am so very sorry for your loss. She seemed like such an amazing woman. You were so blessed to have her in your life and now she will continue to watch over you and your family. God bless you all.
I am sorry for your loss. Bless you and your family!
So sorry for your loss! She seemed like such a great woman.
I am very sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed your video with her.
My eyes filled before I even started to read I’m so sorry for your loss truly when we are given a special person in are life’s is hard to let go just know when the wind blows against your back it’s her giving you a lift with a big hug as well may peace be with you and your family 💓
So sorry for you lose, you and your family are in my prayers as you tackle the days ahead of you. Love from Mississippi!
So so so so sorry. She will be greatly missed by us all.
I am so sorry, praying for you and your family!
Awww, Ma! Loved her. I’m sorry, Collin.
Colin, I am so sorry for your loss, I loved watching your videos with you and your grandma. Prayers from Texas.
So very sorry for your loss. The love that you have for one another radiates in your pictures! Prayers for your family during this difficult time.
So sorry for your loss .
You now have an angel. Prayers of strength and comfort to you and your family. Thank you for sharing countless moments with us. She will be deeply missed.
That was the most beautiful post you’ve ever written, Collin. I am so very sorry for the tremendous loss for your family. I loved seeing Ma over the years, especially this last holiday season. She will certainly be missed by the Hip2save community. I also want to wish you a happy birthday, you are such an amazing woman, and I, too, know that Ma is right by your side today, as always. Sending prayers and hugs your way….
So sorry for your loss. I guess you got the jolly spirit from her. She’s so cool like you! Truly will be missed.
So sorry for your loss. I will mis seeing her in your target videos! What a wonderful women! God bless! Hugs from Michigan!
Collin, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. Take care,
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Just remember, she will always be with you. Thanks so much for posting those photos. The one of you and her as Christmas tree and elf is priceless! Just getting a peek at her through you post has enriched my life. You are blessed. I hope she’s hooping it up in heaven.
Carolyn
I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family. Her spark will forever live in you:). Your love for one another was so sweet and precious:). Big (((hugs))) to you, Collin:)
My thoughts are with you as I well up with emotion for your loss. Every time I watched videos of you and Ma, I was reminded of my own wonderful grandmother and the times we shared. We were both fortunate to have such special grandmothers in our lives. Think of her and smile everyday. And, thank you for sharing her with all of us Hip2Savers.
So sorry for your loss!
I am so sorry for your loss. It is plain to see that she enjoyed life to the fullest…and passed that on to you! You, in turn, pass it on to your children…and so the cycle continues, and her Spirit lives on. The physical good-byes are never easy, though. Sending prayers and positive energy to you and yours. XOXO