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.
Aww. I shed some tears as I read your post. I loved my grandma’s – heck, I love all grandmas! Thanks for sharing yours with us. Praying for your heart as it’s feeling the pain of your loss.
Sorry for your loss.
Bless Her soul and the love she shared with those around her.
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss. What an amazing lady!
I am so very sorry for your loss. She was a special treat on Hip2save and I loved seeing pictures of you two together. She will be dearly missed Collin.
Thanks for sharing your “ma” with us. She seemed like a very special lady ❤️
I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Oh, I’m so sorry for your loss. Much love to you. Hope your birthday is as happy and fulfilling as it can be.
So sorry for your loss. It reminds me of my grandma and I. We were super close, she was a school teacher. She was 95.
And Happy Birthday!!!
Thinking of your family. My condolences.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I obviously only know Ma from your videos but I have tears running down my cheeks. What a special thing it was for her to live her life to the fullest with such an amazing granddaughter. I hope that I too can have such energy as she did at that age!
I’m so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed when you featured Ma on your blog. Her spunk and enthusiasm was contagious. What wonderful memories you and your family have! Sending happy thought and prayers your way.
Oh my goodness, I am so sorry for your loss! I love the carefree spirit she had, she was truly one of a kind (you shared her with us so much that I feel like I almost knew her). I hope you can have a wonderful Birthday, reflecting on all of the memories shared!
Sorry for your loss. I always enjoy your videos with her and I know it will be hard, but I do hope you have a nice birthday.
So sorry. It was always special to see the two of you together. Her importance to your family was always apparent in your work. She will be missed by so many.
As I sit at my cube at work, tears are streaming down my face at the loss of your Ma. I am praying for you and your family.
So sorry for your loss. I enjoyed seeing the pictures and videos you made with her so much. You and your family will be in our prayers.
Oh Collin I want to cry with you. I am currently ten weeks pregnant and so emotional…I am just so sorry for your loss. Know that she is smiling down on you and is so very proud of you. She will never leave your side and will always leave or show you signs that she is always with you. My mother passed this past February at the young age of 63 from early onset Alzheimer’s. She leaves me pennies head side up, ladybugs, and heart shapes in the clouds. I just love that she never leaves me. My deepest condolences:(
Thoughts and Prayers to you and your family! She will be missed by us all. She was a great highlight and I loved watching her shop with you. She reminded me of my mom and aunts. You are so blessed to have had her as long as you did. Big Hugs from Texas!
So sorry. I loved her in the videos. She will be missed.
My heart literally just sank…..I am so sorry for your loss. I loved your Ma in all of your fun videos and she will most certainly be missed by all of your hip2save members. Prayers are being sent your way…….and have a blessed birthday!!
Mine too, I literally opened the page and my heart just sank!! You are definitely in our prayers Collin!!! ❤️❤️
I am so sorry for your loss. Your “Ma” was really special. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family. <3
Sorry for your loss. She was very special. We all felt it.
Oh Collin my heart breaks for you! I loved your Ma’s spunk and infectious smiles! Thank you for sharing her with us! I pray for God’s peace and comfort for you and your family! Big hugs!!
Big hugs Collin. I think we all felt like we knew her. She will be missed.
Colin- My thoughts and prayers are with you. I lost my mother at age 46(she was 46), August 18th,1974. Thankfully Ma lived a long and clearly happy life!! Happy Birthday to you. I am sorry for your loss.
Susan
Oh my God! I am with Raizi. I can’t say that I know Ma, but from what you shared with us, she has become apart of my life just as any other beloved family member. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers and knowing how strong you are, you will get through this.
Ma got to witness how amazing of a woman you blossomed into! She will proudly look down on you from Heaven. <3
Sorry for your loss Collin
Prayers for You and family. May you find peace and comfort in your many wonderful memories and pictures you shared together.
So sad for your loss Collin. Grandmothers are very special people who mean so much to us, cherish the memories that you have from over the years and know she’s in a much better place! Just know, it’s not goodbye…it’s see you later! Will place your family in my prayers
Oh sweet Collin, I am so sorry that you have last your dear Grandmother. Hip2Save will not be the same without her. Hugs and much love as you walk this road and Happy Birthday! Smile for her as you blow out your candles today. I could always see that she adored you.
Oh Collin, my deepest condolences. Please know that your love for each other brought joy to so many of us.
So Sorry to hear about Ma’s passing. She will truly be missed. She was an amazing person and so are you! Happy Birthday Collin!
So sorry for your loss. I loved seeing Ma in your videos!
Grandmas are super special. I’m so glad you were able to know and love yours. She is always with you.
So sorry for your loss, Collin! Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Oh Collin I am so sorry for your loss, I too lost my grandmother who was my world on May 17th of this year. So I know exactly how you feel! At first I was okay because I was happy that she wasn’t in pain or Alzheimer’s was taking its toll. But now I miss her so much!! I pray for peace and love for you and your family!!
I never met Ma, but from all of the pictures posted on Hip2Save it was obvious that she was full of life and loved you beyond words. Prayers for your family.
She was so wonderful, and your tribute is beautifully written! I have gleaned from a distance from her the things you write that she taught you in your life. What a joy to have a grandmother like her! I’m sorry for your loss but celebrate with you her beautiful life!
I’m so sorry for your loss. I lost my precious Grandma in December and miss her dearly everyday. It does get easier. Hugs! Happy Birthday also! Try and celebrate, as that’s what your Grandma would want. Remember it’s not a goodbye but an I’ll see you later.
I am so sorry to hear about your loss! She always out a smile on my face😊
My condolences to you and family, we will also missed Ma.
Thank you for sharing you Ma with all of us. I wish you an open, healing heart and some solace in dealing with your loss. Hugs to you and yours.
Praying for peace for your family Collin. I always enjoyed watching Ma in your videos. It was obvious she loved you and was very proud of you. Hugs and love!
Collin, so sorry for your loss. My grandfather, one of the greatest loves of my life, passed away yesterday. May your fondest memories and knowing she’s with her love once again give you comfort in this hard time.
I am so sorry for your loss. Yes, she was such an amazing lady and I can tell that thru this Collin’s blog by just seeing her big smile.
Prayers and hugs from TX!
I’m sorry for your loss. I enjoyed watching the two of you in your videos, and i know you must be missing her a lot.
I am so sorry for your loss. She was a very special, and I could see how much you loved eachother.
May your find comfort in the memories you shared. Prayers to you and your family. 💗