MUSKEGON, Mich. — After the tragic loss of their son, Michael McCabe, at the age of 18, Stacey and Alan McCabe found a poignant way to maintain their connection with him. The couple has established a unique memorial along a lakeshore trail in Muskegon, Michigan, where they often reflect on their son’s vibrant spirit.
Michael lost his life last October, an event that shattered the McCabe family’s world. “He was a happy kid. He was a free spirit,” Stacey recalled, her voice heavy with emotion. The couple discovered their son after a tragic incident at their home, a moment that changed their lives forever. “And that’s how we found out that he just is gone now,” Stacey shared, revealing the deep pain that has settled in their lives since then.
As they navigate their grief, the McCabes frequently walk the trail where Michael enjoyed biking. This location has become a sanctuary for them, a place filled with memories of their son. “He loved riding his bike on the bike path,” Stacey said, smiling through tears. The trail, lined with trees and near the water, provides solace during a time when they feel profoundly lost.
Creating a Space for Connection
In memory of their son, the McCabes installed a winds phone at the trail, a unique structure designed to facilitate a spiritual connection with lost loved ones. “We had put this wind phone in for Michael and had the bench put in for Michael,” Alan explained. “He loved being down here.” This phone, while physically disconnected, symbolizes a way for parents to speak to their child, allowing their voices to be carried away by the wind.
Alan stepped into the booth and took a moment before lifting the receiver. “Hey buddy,” he began, his voice trembling. “Getting ready to go a year and a half without you. I miss you. I miss you a lot, kid.” As he spoke, tears streamed down his face. “I love you,” he concluded, expressing a sentiment that resonates deeply with any parent who has lost a child.
Stacey followed, her heart heavy as she stepped inside the booth. “Hi Michael Anthony, it’s Mom. I miss you so much,” she said, her voice breaking. She shared details about their lives, reflecting on the activities they once enjoyed together. “I really wish we could be watching you,” she added, her memories filled with nostalgia.
Stacey emphasized the wind phone’s purpose extends beyond their personal grief. “We didn’t put it in just for us,” she stated. “We put it in for everybody.” The McCabes hope that this space offers comfort to others who are grieving, providing an opportunity to share thoughts or simply connect with lost loved ones.
A Community Tribute
The wind phone, located at 1700 Lakeshore Drive in Muskegon, stands as a testament to remembrance and healing. The McCabes encourage visitors to take a moment to reflect on their own losses and share their thoughts through the phone. “I just hope that it gives people a little better sleep at night,” Stacey said, hoping the installation can help others navigate their grief.
As the leaves fall and the Michigan winter approaches, the McCabes continue to honor their son’s memory along the trail. Their journey is one of love, loss, and the enduring bond between parents and their child. Through the wind phone, they have created a lasting tribute, ensuring that Michael’s memory remains alive in the hearts of many.
