By: Natalie Hamilton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, KawarthaNOW

A unique tool for managing grief called a wind phone has travelled from its birthplace in Japan to Northumberland County to help people begin healing and find comfort following a loss.

Last Thursday (November 21), Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre held a dedication ceremony for the wind phone in the Cobourg hospice's therapy garden.

Consisting of a wooden gazebo with two disconnected rotary-dial phones, the wind phone aims to provide visitors with a space to reflect, remember, and connect with their loved ones who have passed away, Community Care Northumberland noted in a media release. 

Sherry Gibson, the director of hospice services at Ed's House, told kawarthaNOW about the origin of the wind phone and explained why it's an important component of the garden.

"The idea of a wind phone originated in Japan, to deal with grief following loss suffered in the 2011 earthquake and tsunami," Gibson said. 

"The phone has gained popularity and is a comforting outlet for those dealing with a loss, as a way to connect symbolically with loved ones. Ed's House grief and bereavement program has embraced the concept and will ensure the wind phone is accessible to all who need comfort."

The wind phone is said to work by "connecting" people to those they can no longer see, offering solace during grief.

"It provides a space to express emotions, share cherished memories, and say goodbye," according to Community Care Northumberland. "This profound concept allows our words to be carried on the wind, honouring the memories of those no longer with us and expressing our love for them."

The project was made possible at the hospice as a result of RTOERO (formerly RTO - Retired Teachers of Ontario) District 30 Northumberland, which donated $4,000, enabling Ed's House to bring the feature to its garden.

"We are incredibly grateful to RTOERO District 30 Northumberland, local donors, and garden volunteers for their generosity and support in making the wind phone a reality," said  Community Care Northumberland CEO Trish Baird.  "The wind phone is a powerful symbol of remembrance and healing, and we are so thankful for the community's commitment to providing a space where individuals can process grief and feel a connection to their loved ones."

Lori Groves, therapeutic garden coordinator at Ed's House, took the lead in the vision and maintenance of the garden. Ed's House also recognized volunteers who contributed their efforts and talents, along with the Northumberland Master Gardeners for offering its time and expertise.

The original wind phone was created in Japan by Itaru Sasaki in 2010 while he was grieving his cousin who died of cancer. He purchased an old-fashioned phone booth and set it up in his garden. He installed an obsolete rotary phone that was not connected to wires or any "earthly system" and called it kaze no denwa (Japanese for "phone of the wind").

After the Tohoku earthquake the following year caused a catastrophic tsunami that "obliterated the coast of Japan," destroyed towns, and killed more than 15,500 people, Sasaki opened his wind phone to the public so visitors could speak with their loved ones who had died in the disaster.  

Since then, more than 30,000 people have visited Sasaki's wind phone. Other wind phones have been installed around the world, including in Europe, the U.S., and Canada. The wind phone has also inspired books and films.

As for Ed's House, it strives to provide a comfortable setting to receive palliative support from early engagement through to bereavement support at no cost to hospice clients and their families. 

An integral service of Community Care Northumberland, Ed's House acts as a centralized hub for the interdisciplinary hospice services team by providing visiting hospice volunteers, health system navigation, supportive care, grief and bereavement counselling, and 24/7 end-of-life care in its residence.