Photo: Tristan Williams
After a loved one’s death, how often do we say, “I wish I could talk to …”? Addressing this need is the idea behind the Telephone to the Wind in Darden Towe Park: an unconnected phone booth, next to a bench in a quiet spot under the trees. Anyone can use it, any time; their spoken words or unspoken thoughts are carried off by the wind, along with the caller’s grief, sorrow, longing, and love.
The first Wind Phone was created in Japan in 2010 by Itaru Sasaki, who was grieving a cousin’s death, so he placed a rotary phone set in his garden and used it as a way of handling his sorrow. After the 2011 tsunami, Sasaki offered access to his Wind Phone to the public, and more than 30,000 people used it to seek comfort. Since then, the concept has been implemented worldwide.
Charlottesville’s Telephone to the Wind was set up in 2024 by Hospice of the Piedmont, with the help of Albemarle County’s Department of Parks & Recreation. As an example of its impact, Hospice of the Piedmont shares this comment from Jeanne D’Antoni: “A friend told me about the Wind Phone after my mom passed away. I stopped by to ‘call’ her, and it was such an emotional yet satisfying experience. It was a great way to feel connected to my mom. I look forward to going back for future calls.”
