MUSKEGON, Mich. — Following the tragic loss of their son, Michael McCabe, at the age of 18, Stacey and Alan McCabe have established a poignant way to maintain their connection with him. Michael, who was beginning his first year on scholarship at Muskegon Community College, died unexpectedly last October. The couple discovered the shocking news when Alan found a gun casing in their bedroom, leading to a heartbreaking moment that changed their lives forever.
Stacey described Michael as a “happy kid” and “a free spirit.” Their lives took a sudden turn, with Stacey reflecting, “People complain about being empty nesters. We never got to have to go through that. It happened like a light switch for us.” With their son taken from them abruptly, Stacey and Alan sought solace in a familiar place—the bike trail where Michael loved to ride.
Creating a Space for Remembrance
The trail runs along the lakeshore, an area rich with memories for the McCabe family. “He loved riding his bike on the bike path. When he rode down, he used to stop out here every time,” Alan recalled fondly. To honor their son, the couple installed a unique tribute known as a “wind phone,” located on Lakeshore Drive in Muskegon County.
This wind phone, designed as a disconnection point for emotional calls to loved ones, allows users to speak to those they have lost. “It is a phone that is a real phone, but is disconnected,” Stacey explained. “And it is a spiritual call that you would make to your loved one, that the wind carries your voice away to them.” The McCabes wanted to ensure that the wind phone served not just their needs, but also those of others grieving in the community.
Sharing the Healing Process
On a recent visit to the wind phone, Alan entered the booth first. Taking a deep breath, he picked up the receiver and spoke to Michael. “Hey buddy. Getting ready to go a year and a half without you. I miss you. I miss you a lot, kid,” he said, his emotions evident as he wiped away tears. Alan expressed his longing to hear Michael’s voice again, concluding with, “I love you. Alright buddy, dad will talk to you later.”
Stacey followed suit, her voice trembling as she addressed her son. “Hi Michael Anthony, it’s Mom. I miss you so much,” she said. She shared details of her life, hoping to maintain a connection despite the distance. “Tomorrow, I think dad and I are gonna go to an indoor soccer game… I really wish we could be watching you,” she added, highlighting the void left in their lives. “I love you forever. I’ll talk to you again soon, okay? Bye sweetheart,” she concluded, placing the receiver back down.
The wind phone serves as more than a personal outlet for the McCabes; they hope it provides comfort to others navigating similar heartache. “We didn’t put it in just for us,” Stacey noted. “I just hope that it gives people a little better sleep at night, knowing that they could have that last moment to be able to say something or even just to tell somebody about their day.”
As the McCabes continue their journey of remembrance, the wind phone stands as a testament to their love for Michael. Those who visit the trail are encouraged to think of him when they make their calls. The couple has transformed their grief into a lasting legacy, fostering a space where memories can be cherished and connections can endure despite loss.
