The grieving process is long and difficult and at some point after the loss of a loved one, most people reach the point where they just wish they could have one last conversation with the deceased.

Debbie Travis, assistant director of the Clinton Township Senior Center, believes the new wind phone, which is expected to be installed and operational by August 21, will help people cope with grief by allowing them to talk about their feelings.

“The idea fits so well with our center and all the things we do,” Travis said. “It’s a therapeutic way to process grief.”

“Pick up this phone and your message will be sent where you want it.”

The project is a collaboration between Dignity Memorial, Lowe’s Store 1716 in Clinton Township and representatives from the Senior Center. Lowe’s has designated the wind phone and recent improvements to the bocce courts as the Lowe’s Hometown Community Project. Dignity Memorial sponsored the purchase of the phone, bench and commemorative plaques displayed in the pergola.

Resurrection Cemetery sponsors a grief support group that meets at the Senior Center, and the idea for the wind phone came in part from that group.

Lowe’s built the 8×8 pergola with three slatted sides, with the south side open and looking out into the forest. A natural bench is located inside the pergola and the red rotary phone is housed in a custom-built box designed to look like a British phone booth.