A few years ago, we heard a story on NPR about the Japanese Tsunami of 2011 and the poignant story of how some survivors were coping with the aftermath of loss and grief. The “Wind Telephone” was placed in the midst of a beautiful garden in Otsuchi, Japan where mourners could pick up the receiver and talk inside the privacy of a telephone booth. There, they were free to speak about anything they wanted to and let their feelings and emotions out. Those who had lost loved ones felt a need to pick up a telephone and talk with those they lost as a way to remain connected and ease their sorrow. Despite not having a response from the other end of the receiver, the “caller” was able to release their pain and share how much the deceased is missed. It served to provide some measure of comfort and even help to feel closer to the deceased.
Coping with loss takes many forms. Our memories and shared experiences can help to ease the pain of loss. Our connection with our loved ones is but a thought away and we carry them in our hearts always. Thomas Campbell said, “To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.”
We invite you to listen to this story about the “Wind Telephone” that can be heard on This American Life at: https://www.thisamericanlife.org/597/one-last-thing-before-i-go-2016/act-one.