Man builds special place for hikers to process grief during holiday season

The holiday season can be one of the most difficult times to deal with grief. Memories and traditions of the past may no longer be as the loss of a loved one and its permanence is felt. So Mark Beaulieu (@sparkybeaulieu), a paramedic for 40 years, decided to build a Wind Phone on a popular hiking trail in his area to help those struggling with grief this holiday season. In a video shared by his daughter, Sydney Beaulieu (@sydneybeaulieu), she captured her dad clearing snow from a bench in front of the phone–located in North Bay, Ontario at Canadore College on the Sugar Shack hiking trail. "My dad built this in our favorite hiking spot & it's perfect for those who are grieving this holiday season," she wrote in the video.

There is a rotary wall phone located inside a wood stand, with a touching plaque explaining the purpose of the Wind Phone. "A Wind Phone is for anyone who has lost someone special in their life," it reads. "We hope you find comfort in expressing feelings, sharing memories and saying the goodbyes you never had the opportunity to say."

It goes on to encourage visitors to speak freely and as openly as they wish. "As you talk with your loved one, let the wind carry your words over the trees and into the beyond. Grief is a natural response to loss and is unique to everyone. Give yourself permission to feel what you feel, without judgement."

The video got an incredible response from viewers, many sharing how helpful it would be to have access to it. "instant tears. my mom has been gone for nearly 4 years now and it hurts just as bad today as it did when I lost her. this would be amazing to use," one viewer commented. Another added, "I wish I could use this phone, would love to talk to my mom 😢." Another viewer shared, "The funny thing is, even after nearly 30 years, I still remember my grandparent’s phone number. Now I can call anytime. This is so beautiful. 🩶"

And Mark was praised for building the Wind Phone. "Your dad seems like a lovely, empathetic, generous, kind human. You are lucky to have him. This is a gift to the earth and that’s really lovely," one viewer commented, and Sydney replied, "I agree, I am very lucky." Mark added a comment himself, sharing his 'why' behind building the Wind Phone. "As the creator and a 40 year Paramedic, I walk with death daily. I have watched [families] grieve and ask for one more minute," he wrote. "This is not only for them, it has helped me heal from psychological trauma."

Sydney created a separate video with more details about why her dad decided to build the Wind Phone. She wrote, "He's dedicated his life to helping others. With that comes watching family's say goodbye over and over and wishing they could say more and have more time. This was his way to help everyone process their grief and them in their journey."

The original video's caption asked viewers what Sydney and Mark should add to the Wind Phone, and many expressed their suggestions. In a follow-up video, they showed all the additions, including: a wind chime, a guest book for visitors to sign or share their stories, and tissues.

And one grateful viewer summed it up best: "No matter alterations going forward, (I thought it was perfect to begin with) your sentiment is deeply appreciated. Wish there were more for those who need it. ❤️"