A unique feature of a funeral lunch at Salem is the ice. Two women who are often called upon to serve have strong opinions about half-empty bags of frosty ice clumps that taste unpleasantly like the freezer. When a luncheon is requested, these two volunteers spring into action - generating fresh, delicious "homemade" ice cubes to more tastefully chill the water and punch. One uses her refrigerator's ice maker, the other churns them out the old-fashioned way - using ice cube trays. To be fair, I am always careful to taste and admire each kind - I don't like frosty, stinky ice clumps either and am willing to do my part to keep the good ice coming.I recently touted our superior ice to a family as they made plans for their mother's funeral and the lunch to follow. Yesterday, in the midst of the healing chatter and laughter that so often accompany the cold cuts and Special K bars, a mourner from the immediate family asked me to point out the two ice-makers. Since one woman was on vacation, the other was able to take all of the credit while he thanked her sincerely and profusely, telling her how delicious and refreshing he found her homemade cubes.
A few moments later, one of his sisters also offered compliments ("never better") and then another sibling ("so tasty") and another ("best I've ever had"). Seven or eight relatives later, everyone was giggling about the outstanding ice cubes, especially their maker. When the lunch was finally winding down, the flower arrangements and leftover potato salad were divvied up and all of the good ice was gone, I overheard one last daughter, so sad to lose her mom, ask for a few of those delicious ice cubes "to go." Even in the midst of their grief - these adult children could not squelch the laughter and playfulness they had inherited from their mother.
Our lunch crew's hospitality allows families to make themselves at home in our church basement - for an hour or an afternoon. Just once like yesterday or after fifty years of potlucks and annual meetings and Easter breakfasts -- during the best and most painful days life offers.
I am so very grateful to serve alongside them. And the ice cubes really were delicious - I'll have to ask for the recipe.
I heard this story from the man who thanked the ice lady!! Thanks for ministering to this family.
ReplyDeleteI grew up going to Salem and this story reminded me of all the afternoons I spent in the 'basement' or fellowship hall. I remember joining my family and friends in the congregation after Sunday school and church, going through the line to pick up a few too many cookies and something cold to drink. I remember sitting at the round tables in my pre-teen years trying to 'avoid' my parents to appear more cool. I remember getting sick during my confirmation speech I was supposed to do with my mentor (nerves maybe?). I also remember the big lunches that that we would attend with all the food. My Grandma used to make huge batches of German potato salad for such events when she was around. I am sure she would have appreciated the home made ice as well. I have been living in Baltimore with my family for just shy of 6 years; we may be back in Minnesota soon. Thanks for the blog!
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