Store specializes in little things that mean a lot

Published 9:00 pm Monday, October 4, 2004

On an errand for my Dad, I was introduced to Rainbow’s End, the only serenity store between Everett and the Canadian border.

At the 12-step shop, which features products for those in recovery programs or those who love inspirational doodads, I bought a guardian angel figure mounted in a clear stone.

On Sept. 23, my daughter, Kati, was rushed to the hospital, to give birth to my first grandchild. Before Kelbi Lynne was born two weeks early via Caesarean section, I thrust my new purchase into Kati’s hand.

As my daughter labored, she clutched the guardian angel tight in her fist.

Before Kati was whisked to the operating room, her grandfather arrived at the hospital. He had a special coin in his pocket from Rainbow’s End that signified 29 years of sobriety. He carried the coin in his change pocket to remind him to never take the first drink.

Folks in anonymous recovery programs may gasp, because my dad was willing to go public with his sobriety. If it helped just one person, it was worth it, he said. My father worked in the Alcoholics Anonymous archive area and is a well-known mentor who helped countless folks follow 12-step programs.

The power of the coin came to him in a dream.

“I was on a business trip out of town, staying in a hotel,” Dad said of his dream “The next morning, force of habit, I went into the bar and ordered my favorite, bourbon and coke. When it came time to pay, I extended the change from my pocket, including my AA coin.

“The bartender picked it out and mentioned aloud ‘What a strange coin.’ Realizing what I was about to do, I replaced my coin in my pocket, left my drink untouched, and left the bar for a safer place.”

He said an alcoholic is never cured, and so can never retire.

“But after 29 years of sobriety and constantly working the program, and being 84 years young, I feel as close to being retired as possible,” Dad said. “I would be uncomfortable without my AA coin in my pocket for security.”

Rainbow’s End owner Carolyn Adrian sells recovery products at the Everett shop and through a mail order business at 4024 Hoyt Ave.

The shop carries written material for those addicted to alcohol, drugs, over eating, nicotine, gambling and sex. Any parent of a new driver might want to hang a charm from the rear view mirror that reads “Never drive faster than your guardian angel can fly.”

Merchandise includes rocks engraved with the words Joy, Empower and Listen. The prayer, “God grant me the serenity … ” is found on bookmarks and pictures. AA and Narcotics Anonymous symbols dangled from bracelets.

Magnets read “The art of living.” There is a motivational guide for a life without smoking.

Adrian, who’s been in business for more than 10 years, said the recovery business is pretty steady. The Cascade High School graduate gets to hear success stories from customers when they dropped by to purchase marks of achievement.

“I’m a good listener,” she said. “A lot of times the stories touch me. I love watching people grow in recovery.”

So did my dad, who said an AA group resembled a ship at sea, with a sober crew that kept the ship sailing smoothly and old timers, in terms of sobriety, who helped steer through troubled waters. Passengers got on and off at any port.

“Passengers were encouraged to become crew members,” Dad said. “The only requirement was willingness.”

When a crew member fell over, or started drinking, crew members welcomed them back on board.

“We dried them off with compassion, warmed them with our love and treated their guilt with sharing, understanding and also with a prayer that if they lost their equilibrium again, they stayed away from the railing.”

Some benefited from a special life preserver in their pockets.

Columnist Kristi O’Harran: 425-339-3451 or oharran@ heraldnet.com.