HELPING HANDS
It’s not a cemetery with physical vestiges beneath the ground, but,
more conspicuously, a room filled with hands. The room is in a house on Cape Cod, situated in a
picturesque West Falmouth neighborhood.
The hands are not
grotesque. Rather, they are
meaningful symbols representative of the principles and practices of Heather
Massey, a home funeral guide and educator. In fact, the name of her education and consulting services, “In
Loving Hands,” sums up the basis of her hands-on ministrations – lovingly guiding
families who want to learn about caring for their own life companions upon
death.
A massage table that’s the
central feature of her training room is used for demonstrations, but has also
been occupied by individuals for whom she provides integrative massage therapy. Her bodywork practice incorporates
various physical approaches coupled with subtle energy elements and verbal
components.
The diverse sorts of hands in this room are captivating, compelling curious exploration. They decorate the environs in all shapes and sizes, lining the walls on bookshelves and colorfully accenting the windowsill. A large one that’s configured as an abbreviated chair even implores an onlooker to come and have a seat. Through the years, the collection of hands has grown, thanks in part to contributions of others who know about it.
Festooning the wall are
varieties accented with a heart in the open palm of each hand. Different cultures assign their own
meaning to the combination. In
Shaker tradition, as a nod to its founder, it represents the ideology of a
simple life of hard work and spirituality, putting one’s hands to work and
hearts to God. The Amish have a similar
interpretation, regarding it also as a symbol of welcoming and friendship. Among others, it overtly implies healing
by means of caring hands.
The most inclusive
interpretation may simply be the symbolism of an open hand as a signal that “I
am here for you.” Those simple
words encapsulate the attitude motivating the physical and educational provisions
of Heather's “In Loving Hands” focus, reflecting “service with love and integrity.”
Heather Massey contact: inlovinghandshomefunerals@gmail.com, 508-457-1612
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