The Wind Phone: A Beacon of Hope in Hospice Care

In the heart of the Susan M. Law Therapeutic Play Area at a hospice facility, an unassuming old telephone stands as a powerful symbol of connection and healing. This phone, known as the “wind phone,” holds a special purpose, providing solace and comfort to grieving children who have lost a parent, sibling, or loved one. In a remarkable twist of fate, a bird has chosen to build its nest on the wind phone, bringing new life into the midst of a place often associated with farewells. This intriguing juxtaposition serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between life and death, and the profound importance of the wind phone in the context of hospice care.

Sue Farnsworth, Volunteer and Bereavement Manager and the visionary behind the wind phone, recognized the need for children to process their grief in a unique and meaningful way. Inspired by the “wind phone” in Otsuchi, Japan, which became a symbol of healing after the devastating tsunami in 2011, Sue installed a similar phone in the Law play area. Children are encouraged to “call” their deceased loved ones on the wind phone, allowing them to express their emotions, share stories, and seek solace in their loss.

The wind phone serves as a tangible connection between the living and the departed, offering a safe space for children to navigate the complex terrain of grief. It provides a sense of closure, enabling them to express their love, regrets, and unspoken words, while finding comfort in knowing that their messages are somehow reaching their loved ones.

Amidst the somber setting of a hospice facility, the arrival of a nesting bird and the imminent birth of its offspring on the wind phone presents a captivating contrast. The bird’s decision to create a nest signifies hope, resilience, and the circle of life. It serves as a visual reminder that even within the realm of death and mourning, new beginnings can emerge.

This captivating contrast encourages deep contemplation and introspection, prompting us to ponder the inherent duality of life—where joy and sorrow, birth and death, coexist. It underscores the interconnectedness of all living beings, as the wind phone becomes a conduit not only for the children to reach the departed but also for the bird to nurture new life.

The wind phone’s installation in the the Susan M. Law therapeutic play area has had a profound impact on the overall well-being of the children in hospice care. It provides them with a unique outlet for their grief, enabling them to express their emotions openly and without judgment. By encouraging communication with the deceased, the wind phone helps children process their feelings, find closure, and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Moreover, the presence of the nesting bird on the wind phone serves as a gentle reminder to the children that life continues, even in the face of loss. It offers a sense of hope, resilience, and renewal, reinforcing the notion that grieving is a natural part of the human experience and that healing can coexist alongside sorrow.

The wind phone at The Denver Hospice is more than just an old telephone—it is a powerful symbol of connection, healing, and resilience. By allowing children to express their grief and maintain a connection with the deceased, it offers a unique and therapeutic outlet for their emotions. The unexpected presence of a nesting bird and the forthcoming birth of new life on the wind phone highlights the delicate balance between life and death, inspiring contemplation and reflection. Ultimately, the wind phone and its remarkable juxtaposition of new life at a hospice serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of embracing both the joys and sorrows that life brings.