The holidays are upon us, and with them all of the activities, events, traditions and memory-making. But for some the holidays can be hard. Especially if a loved one has passed away since last Christmas. There are many helpful ways to deal with grief - journaling, talking to a trusted counselor or member of the clergy, or attending a support group.
An unconventional mode of grief support, the “Wind Phone” is now available in many communities. A wind phone is a special phone booth equipped with a disconnected telephone and a bench or chair and may include artwork and other comforting features. Wind phones are usually placed in secluded, natural surroundings. The purpose of the wind phone is to provide a space where people are able to “call” their deceased loved ones and talk to them.
While perusing social media one Sunday in mid-November, Dodie Stark, of Coldwell Banker Anchor Real Estate in Hart, read an emotional story about a family in the Muskegon area who had utilized a wind phone to help one of their family members deal with a recent loss. Sharing the story with fellow staff members the next day got them thinking. Could they set a wind phone up in Hart, and if so, where? Could they bring the gift of healing to their community this Christmas?
Through the generosity of staff members and friends, a “The Healing Garden Wind Phone” was ordered shortly after and installed Friday, Nov. 28, in the Healing Garden of Main Street Spa, located at 302 Hanson St. in Hart.
The first wind phone on record is located in Ōtsuchi, Japan, when in 2010 a man set up a “phone booth” in his garden as a way to grieve the loss of his cousin. In 2011, following the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, the gentleman opened the booth to the public as a way to help others process the devastating losses of the event. Since then, wind phones have been installed all over the world.
The Healing Garden Wind Phone comes equipped with a handicap-accessible door, a vintage telephone and a whiteboard for jotting down thoughts, shared Stark. “The wind phone is dedicated to the family and friends of Coldwell Banker Anchor Real Estate, but is open and available for anyone to use,” Stark said. “Please note, it is an enclosed structure, but it’s not heated, nor is the path to it always shoveled.”
The Healing Garden Wind Phone Facebook page headliner reads, "This phone will never ring. It is a Wind Phone, connected to nowhere and everywhere at once. It is for all who grieve someone they love and lost. It is to share memories, say 'I love you,' say 'I miss you' or to say the goodbye you never got to say. If you have words to send on the wind, pick up the handset and dial their number or spell their name.”
According to mywindphone.com there are currently 391 wind phones in the United States, including the one installed in Hart. The next closest wind phones are located in Muskegon and Manistee.
