Muskegon Couple Creates ‘Wind Phone’ to Connect with Late Son

URGENT UPDATE: A couple in Muskegon, Michigan, has created a unique way to connect with their son, who tragically passed away at just 18. Stacey and Alan McCabe unveiled a special “wind phone” along a lakeshore trail, allowing them and others to send messages to loved ones who have died. This emotional tribute marks a new chapter in their grieving process.

After losing their son Michael last October, the McCabes have found solace in their regular visits to the trail where he once rode his bike. “He loved being down here,” Alan said, reminiscing about their son’s joyful spirit. The couple’s heart-wrenching journey began on a fateful evening when Alan discovered Michael unresponsive in their home. “When you lose someone unexpectedly, you’ll do anything to feel that connection,” Stacey explained, her voice filled with emotion.

The wind phone, located at 1700 Lakeshore Drive, is not a typical phone. “It is a real phone, but is disconnected,” Stacey clarified. “It allows for a spiritual call that the wind carries away to your loved one.” This innovative device offers a space for people to express their feelings and memories, creating a unique opportunity for closure.

As they approach the one-and-a-half-year mark since Michael’s passing, both Stacey and Alan have taken turns stepping into the booth. Alan shared a heartfelt message, saying, “Hey buddy, I miss you a lot, kid.” He expressed his longing to hear Michael’s voice again, a sentiment that resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced loss. Stacey followed, sharing her daily life and memories. “I really wish we could be watching you,” she said, referencing their son’s past soccer games.

The McCabes hope the wind phone serves a greater purpose beyond their own grief. “We put it in for everybody,” Stacey said. “I just hope it gives people a little better sleep at night, knowing they could have that last moment to say something.”

This emotional initiative is gaining attention as it highlights the universal struggle of coping with loss. The McCabes’ story is a poignant reminder of the human need for connection, especially in times of sorrow.

As the leaves fall and the winds carry their messages, the couple invites others to visit the wind phone. They believe it is a place where memories of loved ones can be cherished and shared, offering a moment of peace amid the pain of loss.

The wind phone is easily accessible along the Muskegon bike trail, providing a safe haven for all who seek to remember those they have lost. As the community comes together to honor these memories, Stacey and Alan McCabe continue to advocate for healing through connection.