In wonderful ways, life is always providing us opportunities of overcoming amidst chaos. I met a man, Captain Ed, who had a brain aneurysm in 2014, and describes himself as a walking miracle. After hearing some of what he has been overcoming, I asked him, “What were you saved FOR?”
He went on to share about his business! Imagine a pirate-themed candy store, connected to a furniture store, run by a guy who loves dressing in character, a mindful man who has great passion to help kids love and learn to read. Welcome to Captain Ed’s Furniture in Michigan City, Indiana. From the website:
Captain Ed’s began as a TV and Radio shop in 1960. It still carries TVs, but has added several products to its inventory including living room furniture, appliances, dining room, bedroom and kids room at affordable prices. We offer several financing options on all of these items including layaway and rent-to-own. Captain Ed’s also features a Candy Store with the world’s largest ship shaped candy counter, vintage record shop and entertainment exchange.
Captain Ed’s gives back to its community whenever it is possible. It sponsors community events such as the Michigan City Cardboard Boat Dash, The Michigan City Police Department’s Easter Egg Hunt and Boo at the Zoo. It also sponsors local charities such as The Worthy Women Recovery Home and The Sandcastle Homeless Shelter. Captain Ed’s also operates a children’s’ reading program through its candy store. The program awards “Golden Tickets” to elementary students good for 1/4lb of the world’s greatest gummies from Albanese Candy Factory.
During the school year, the local schools award these “Golden Tickets” to students based on how many points they earn when they take their Accelerated Reader tests. During the summer Captain Ed’s passes out “Captain Ed’s Ship’s Reading Logs” which are initialed by the child’s parent or guardian for reading 15 minutes a day, 7 days in a row. When a child brings in a “Golden Ticket” or reading log they also get to pick out a book from Captain Ed’s Library. In 2014 Captain Ed’s awarded 2 tons of candy through this program.
I do not know who Ed was before his near death experience, but it is well-recognized that we do change. 31 years ago, Lesley Lupo died for 14 minutes after being trampled by horses, but it’s what happened in those 14 minutes that many people have a hard time believing, because not everyone has had a near death experience.
“I popped out of my body and I stood about 15 feet away, and this was mind-blowing for me because I didn’t have any spiritual inclinations,” said Lupo, who wrote the book, “Remember, Every Breath is Precious: Dying Taught Me How to Live”.
Tara Brach knows this truth.
If you would like to strengthen this truth, enjoy True Refuge, a podcast with Tara Brach, and learn a process of self-compassion she gives the acronym RAIN:
Recognize what you are feeling
Allow (give your consent to) the experience of unease and discomfort
Investigate your underlying beliefs and inquire into what you need
Non-identification with the story of the “small self” that is failing at this or that, and a return to open, loving presence
Captain Ed knows this truth….
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