Wind phone used as tool to communicate with deceased or lost family members
CTV
A new phone booth now stands outside of Regina’s Lakeview United Church. This particular phone is called a wind phone, and it is intended to be a way to communicate with a loved one who has died or is missing.
A new phone booth now stands outside of Regina’s Lakeview United Church. This particular phone is called a wind phone, and it is intended to be a way to communicate with a loved one who has died or is missing.
The idea came about after Kim Wilson and Betty Ann Pottruff attended grief classes at the church following the death of their daughter Michelle in 2022.
“We were trying to think of a way that would carry her on. I’d read about wind phones and so I thought well, I wonder if this would be something that would carry on how she liked to help people,” Pottruff said.
Pastor Carla Blakley was immediately in favour of the idea as she wanted to provide more tools for those experiencing grief.
“One more way to help them grieve. And it’s healthy to grieve, and we all grieve differently, it’s very unique so I was thrilled,” Pastor Blakley said.
Following Sunday's service, an official opening of the wind phone was held, which included a smudging ceremony. For Wilson and Pottruff, it was a meaningful moment.
“I was going through all of my old text messages with her this morning and I think this is something she would have really liked,” Wilson said.
