"Watch the Ice"

I wrote the following to be included in my mother's funeral service this week:  

While my sisters and I were growing up we lived in a house that faced north and so in the winter when the snow and ice would melt off the roof there usually was a patch of ice on the front walkway most of the coldest winter months.  As we were leaving through the front door to catch the bus in the morning for school one of the last things we heard from Mother was “Watch the ice.” 

As we entered our teenage years that phrase usually got an eye roll and an adolescent sigh response from us but Mother continued to say it.  It became a source of humor for us as we grew older.

Then as I became an adult, moved away and eventually had a child of my own the phrase still followed me.  When I would leave my parents’ house after a visit in the winter one of the last things I heard from Mother was “Watch the ice” even if there was none in sight.  As our parents grew older and our roles reversed, with me watching out for their safety, I often found myself saying to Mother and Dad “Watch the ice” as we went out on a winter day during one of my visits.  I was fortunate for many years that even though l lived in Indiana my work brought me to Columbus or Ohio so I could include a visit to them.  Thinking back I now cherish those times together when we would sit in their living room or in the gazebo at their last house talking, laughing and reminiscing.  

Now as we are saying goodbye to our mother as she has left this life I was reminded of “Watch the ice.”  I realize now it become a code for “Take care, be safe, I love you”  

I know Mother has left this life and moved on to Heaven.  I’m also pretty sure there are no icy sidewalks in Paradise.  Yet as we say goodbye I want her to know that I have appreciated all her care over my life.  In her own way she loved all of us and communicated that love through everyday phrases such as “Watch the ice.” 

Also, as my life continues and until that moment when I step between this life and the next in Heaven, when I walk on the sidewalks in winter I will hear in my mind Mother saying “Watch the Ice.” 

Now I know it really means  “Take care, be safe, I love you.”  

As I may say that phrase to those I love and the grandchild on the way please know that in saying “Watch the ice” I am expressing my love for my family as love was expressed to me by my mother.