If you see an unconnected, old school phone while wandering around the Conestee Nature Preserve, it’s there on purpose and has a name: a wind phone. And the story behind it is quite incredible.
What’s a wind phone?
The idea of a wind phone began in Japan in 2010, when garden designer Itaru Sasaki built the first “Kaze no Denwa,” or “Telephone of the Wind,” in his garden as a way to feel connected to his late cousin.
The phone is not connected to any earthly source or system and when people pick up the receiver, it is a one-sided conversation. However, this kind of pouring out of the heart, speaking words unsaid, and expressing things they couldn’t say before can be healing.
Grieving and Healing
An article from Psychology Today suggests that a wind phone can provide an outlet for grief and promote healing on a deep level. Grieving is a deeply personal journey, and having a safe space to express our emotions is vital. Yet, not everyone has access to a grief counselor or someone they feel comfortable confiding in. Wind phones can offer that space.
Much like grief itself, the experience of using a wind phone is unique to each person. For some, it brings catharsis and healing; for others, it offers a quiet moment to reflect on their emotions and memories. Those who believe in God may find comfort in feeling close to their loved one. The wind phone provides a gentle, symbolic way to speak to the departed—allowing your words to drift into the wind and, perhaps, reach the soul of someone you’ve lost.
The Wind Phone that Honors Adele at Conestee Nature Preserve
So how did the wind phone at Conestee Nature Preserve come to be? It was through a devastating loss and a desire to heal and help others heal that the wind phone at the Preserve is in existence. Trigger warning here: the following story deals with infant loss.
Adriana Brooks lives in Greenville and after the birth of her second child, Ava, in December of 2020, she began to experience severe postpartum depression. It was a very difficult time for her and her family and she was hospitalized twice.
In July of 2021, Adriana received unexpected news: she was pregnant.
“That really gave me a new meaning to keep fighting. I knew that I had to in order to bring this new life earthside. I had hope and excitement, something to look forward to,” said Adriana.
But then the unthinkable happened: her baby girl, Adele, was stillborn. The hurt was unimaginable, especially after the long journey Adriana had went through to get where she was and to be so full of joy expecting her baby’s arrival.
“I truly didn’t think I would get out of the hole. I grieved for so long and continued to struggle mentally,” she said.
Throughout that time of grief and loss, she always went to the Conestee Nature Preserve to find peace and serenity.
“It was my place to go and cry, journal, etc. I always knew that I wanted to do something in honor of my daughter,” Adriana said.
Adriana had come across a wind phone in Georgia and fell in love with the concept. She knew that’s how she wanted to honor her daughter and she knew just the place to do it: at Conestee Nature Preserve.
“I pitched the idea to Conestee a few months ago and they were totally on board. I told them not to worry about funding or anything and that I just needed their permission for the space,” she said. “It has been the best experience.”
Adriana’s grandfather passed away in March of this year so the wind phone was also a way to honor him and his memory and help her heal and drive.
Reactions to the Wind Phone
The wind phone was installed at the Preserve in August and the feedback has been amazing. Just recently, Adriana was at the Preserve doing a television interview about the wind phone when a woman was jogging by and she ended up chatting with Adriana, who explained why she and the TV cameras were there.
This woman said, “Are you serious? I’ve been jogging this path every day for the past week to use it. My husband unexpectedly died 11 months ago and finding this has been so good for me. Obviously I can tell my husband I miss him in my head at home or wherever, but there is just something about coming out here and dialing him, that does something. Every time I just cry, but it’s a good cry.”
It was then that the woman who works at the Preserve and was there with us told this woman that Adriana was the reason behind the wind phone. The lady was in tears and asked Adriana for a hug. She was behind herself and thanked Adriana so much for what she had done and told her, “You have no idea what this means to me.”
“If I did it for just her, then that means everything! I hope it helps many!” said Adriana.
Where You Can Find the Wind Phone
The wind phone is located in the Rock Garden, which isn’t far from the 601 Fork Shoals Road entrance (entrance D on the map).
There is no charge to visit the Preserve although they always accept donations.
