URGENT UPDATE: A heart-wrenching story from Muskegon, Michigan, highlights a couple’s innovative way to stay connected with their late son. Stacey and Alan McCabe have installed a unique “wind phone” at 1700 Lakeshore Drive, allowing them and others to communicate with lost loved ones through a spiritual connection.
In a deeply emotional moment, the McCabes shared their tragic loss of their son, Michael, who died unexpectedly at age 18 last October. “He was a happy kid. He was a free spirit,” Stacey recalled, as both parents wiped away tears. The couple found Michael unresponsive after Alan discovered a gun casing in their home, a moment that shattered their lives forever.
Now, every day, the McCabes can be found walking along the bike path where Michael used to ride. “He loved being down here,” Alan said, reflecting on their son’s joy. The wind phone, which is disconnected from traditional service, allows them to speak into the receiver, sending their voices away on the wind to Michael.
In an emotional call, Alan stepped into the booth, took a deep breath, and said, “Hey buddy, I miss you. I miss you a lot, kid.” With tears streaming down his face, he expressed his longing for their conversations, closing with, “Alright buddy, dad will talk to you later.”
Stacey followed, her voice shaking as she said, “Hi Michael Anthony, it’s Mom. I miss you so much.” She shared updates about their lives, wishing for her son to be with them as they planned to attend an indoor soccer game. “I love you forever. I’ll talk to you again soon, okay? Bye sweetheart,” she concluded, leaving her heartfelt message in the booth.
The wind phone is open to everyone grieving a loss. “We didn’t put it in just for us,” Stacey emphasized. “I just hope that it gives people a little better sleep at night, knowing they could have that last moment to say something.” This thoughtful gesture aims to provide comfort and connection to others facing similar heartbreak.
The wind phone stands as a poignant reminder of love and loss in Muskegon, offering solace to those who may feel isolated in their grief. Visitors to the trail are encouraged to remember Michael and share their own messages with loved ones lost.
As the McCabes continue to navigate their profound loss, their initiative offers a unique space for healing and remembrance, making it a critical addition to the Muskegon community. The wind phone symbolizes hope and connection, even when the physical presence is no longer there.
