A Whisper on the Wind: How a Wind Phone Could Support Grief and Healing in Parksville

Grief often arrives in silence. After the loss of a loved one, many find themselves yearning for one more conversation—one more chance to say the things left unsaid. While death is a natural part of life, the emotional landscape it leaves behind can feel overwhelming and isolating. As a death doula, I've seen firsthand the healing that comes from creating spaces where grief is not only acknowledged but welcomed. That’s why I believe Parksville could benefit deeply from a community wind phone. What Is a Wind Phone? Originally created by Itaru Sasaki in Japan in 2010, the first wind phone was a disconnected rotary telephone placed in a glass booth in his garden. Sasaki used the phone to “talk” to his late cousin, sending his words into the wind in an act of catharsis and remembrance.

After the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, thousands came to use the phone as a way to connect with loved ones lost in the disaster. Since then, wind phones have appeared across the globe—as quiet sanctuaries for grief, conversation, and connection. Why Parksville? Parksville is a community known for its deep connection to nature and its supportive, intergenerational spirit. Many residents are seniors or caregivers, and the town holds a quiet understanding of life’s full arc—from birth to death and everything in between. But even in a close-knit place like ours, grief can be a lonely journey. A wind phone, thoughtfully placed in a natural setting—perhaps in the forest trails of Englishman River, the peaceful edge of the beach, or even near a community garden—could offer a non-clinical, free, and deeply personal way for individuals to process loss. How It Helps A Safe Space for Expression Not everyone finds comfort in traditional grief counseling or group settings. A wind phone offers an open-ended, judgment-free space for people to speak their hearts—whether it’s a child missing a grandparent, a partner grieving a spouse, or someone reflecting on complex emotions surrounding a loss. Accessible and Inclusive Open to all and always available, the phone can be used anytime.

There are no appointments, no paperwork—just the hum of nature and a place to say what needs saying. Ritual and Healing Speaking into the wind allows for the creation of a personal ritual. The act of picking up the phone and voicing your thoughts can be a powerful tool for healing, transforming grief into something that moves, breathes, and releases. Fostering Community Compassion A publicly visible wind phone reminds the community that grief is not a problem to be fixed, but a story to be honored. It tells those who are grieving: You are not alone. A Project Rooted in Love Setting up a wind phone in Parksville would be a community-led effort—a symbol of care, connection, and emotional literacy. As death doulas, caregivers, and compassionate citizens, we can help create this space together. Whether through donations, land permissions, creative design, or simply spreading the word, your involvement matters. In a world that often rushes past grief, a wind phone invites us to pause—to listen, to speak, and to remember. Because sometimes, healing comes on the breeze. Would you like to get involved? If you're interested in supporting or helping establish a wind phone in Parksville, please reach out. Together, we can build a haven for healing in our community.