A Beacon of Light

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  • My name is Kevin Carroll. I was born and raised in San Francisco, California, where I attended Saint Ignatius College Preparatory. I am a graduate of both Santa Clara University and the University of San Francisco. Following a 40-year career in teaching and pastoral ministry, I launched a new career as a writer and speaker.

    I live in San José, California. My wife, Kathy, and I have three adult sons and five precious grandchildren. I have much for which to be grateful.

    I can be reached via email at kmc43sjc@gmail.com

    My books are available for purchase online from Amazon. I also have copies of some of these titles at my home for those who would like to buy them directly from me.

    A Moment’s Pause for Gratitude  (2017)

    Cherries in the Summer  (2021)

    The Ambassador of 38th Avenue  (2022)

    Dad: 12 Questions…  (2023)

    A Focus on Gratitude  (2024)

    Through the Lens of Gratitude  (2024)

    A Bahamian Odyssey (2026)

  • Unexpected Rain

    “The best thing one can do 
    when it’s raining is 
    to let it rain.”
    Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

    I know that there is a forecast of rain for Nassau, but not until next week. The rain that began to fall at 6:15 this evening was not predicted on my weather app. So…

    I took a late afternoon walk down to the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel across the street from Junkanoo Beach. That’s where I’ve stayed during my last three visits to the island. I’ve gotten to know a number of the hotel employees — front desk workers, bartenders in the restaurant, and a very charismatic hotel concierge named Clyde. I was just going to stop by for a social visit.

    As fate would have it, the hotel was hosting a complimentary reception for Bonvoy Club members from 5:00 to 6:00. Even though I’m not staying at the Courtyard this time, I am a Bonvoy Club member, so I joined in the festivities. There was a local musician providing music on a steel drum. Complimentary drinks and appetizers (conch fritters) were being served. Instead of having the event in the restaurant/bar area, it was being held outside poolside. The weather was ideal and the event was quite successful.

    When I arrived, I was greeted warmly by one of the front desk clerks. She remembered me from my previous visits. When I walked out to the pool area, I could see that Mico was the bartender for the event. I felt quite welcome when he greeted me by name, as did two of the servers who were assisting with the event. 

    As I prepared to walk back to my condo on St. Alban’s Drive, a 30-minute walk from the hotel, rain began to fall. It wasn’t just a drizzle. It was pouring. I don’t mind getting a little wet, but with the heavy rain comes flooding along the curbs of many of the local streets, as well as mud on some of the dirt pathways I’d taken to get to the hotel. 

    While I agree with Longfellow that the best thing to do when it rains is to let it rain, the second best thing to do is to hail a taxi. As I exited the main entrance to the hotel, a taxi driver had just dropped off a small group of people. I asked if he was available to drive me to St. Alban’s Drive. He graciously agreed.

    He was quite a talker. He asked if this was my first visit to Nassau. I explained that I’d been here several times over the past fifty years, and that I used to teach on the island. Suddenly, he looked back at me and said, “I know you! We met outside the British Colonial Hotel one evening when you were walking by. You taught up at SAC!”

    Indeed I did, and indeed we had met previously. It was just about a year ago. I’d been downtown for the afternoon and decided to walk back to the Courtyard. As I passed the British Colonial, this gentleman was sitting in his cab with the door open waiting for his next fare. We got to talking. As I mentioned, he’s a talker, and so am I, so we’d enjoyed a lively conversation about life in the Bahamas. He, too, is the product of a catholic education. He attended Aquinas College here in Nassau, graduating in 1977. We had more than just a few mutual friends and acquaintances.

    While I still plan to do a lot of walking during my stay in Nassau, I now have a driver to call anytime I need a taxi. 

  • Back Again

    Wednesday, March 11, 2026

    I caught a late-night flight out of San JosĂ© last night, arriving in Atlanta around 6:00 this morning. From there, I boarded my flight to Nassau, which departed Atlanta at 9:30 and arrived in The Bahamas around noon time. The line to get through Bahamian Immigration was long, but it moved along at a pretty good pace. After that, I picked up my suitcase at baggage claim and went outside to catch a taxi to the condo I’m renting for the next three weeks. 

    Check-in time is 4:00, but I arrived around 2:30. It turned out not to bed a problem. I got into my unit, left the luggage there, and walked down to get some lunch at the Bone Fishin’ Bar & Grill at Arawak Cay. I decided to go Bahamian, ordering jerk chicken, mac and cheese, and cole slaw, along with an ice cold limeade drink.

    I returned to the condo, got everything set up here, then took a brief nap before greeting my friend, Christine, who had done a bit of grocery shopping for me. There’s a small convenience store just around the corner from the condo, but in order to get everything I’ll need for my stay here, a trip to the larger supermarket was much more practical.

    Now I’m ready to get some sleep. I’m usually able to sleep on planes, so I was counting on getting a good night’s sleep last night between San José and Atlanta. For whatever reason, that didn’t happen, so I’m feeling it tonight. I’ll be able to sleep-in tomorrow.

    I’m grateful to be back in Nassau — my home away from home.  

  • Departure Day

    “All my bags are packed 
    I’m ready to go.” 
    John Denver

    Tonight is the start of another trip to The Bahamas. It is also the beginning of the end of a long, wonderful journey. For more than fifty years, I’ve cherished the memories of my students and colleagues from Saint Augustine’s College in Nassau in my mind and heart. For more than fifty years, I’ve savored vivid recollections of living in a foreign country, adapting to a new culture, enjoying the tropical waters of the island, and making friends in this hospitable island nation. And now I’ve published a book in which I share this life-changing experience with readers.

    The purpose of this visit to Nassau is to promote A Bahamian Odyssey, which was published by Balboa Press last month. Having read the published version of the book, I’m a bit embarrassed by the quality of my writing. I will readily admit that I was in a hurry to finish the manuscript and get the book published so that I would have it to sell in Nassau this month. In my haste, I repeated a couple of stories unnecessarily. Those familiar with my writing will most likely notice a difference. Despite this, however, the story is a good one, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share it with those in The Bahamas and with family and friends here at home.

    I had 200 copies of the book shipped directly from the publisher to The Bahamas. They arrived last week. I’m looking forward to a couple of weeks of marketing the book, sharing it with friends who are mentioned in it, and getting it set up in the Logos Book Store, a highly respected establishment in Nassau. I will do one official “meet-the-author” book-signing event at Logos, and another in the library on the Saint Augustine’s College campus. 100% of the proceeds of the books sold at SAC will be donated to the school. 

    Of course, there’s a social aspect to this trip, as well. Through the years, I’ve been privileged to maintain contact with dozens of former students, all of whom are now in their 60s, as well as a few colleagues. There are also a number of other Bahamians I’ve met through the years. I’m looking forward to getting together with some of them for coffee, lunch, or just a quick visit. Several of them are mentioned in my book.

    In the coming days, I will use this blog to share some of the interesting places in and around Nassau, as well as to introduce some of the individuals who impacted my life in a positive way. I hope you enjoy the experience.

  • Monday, 03/09

  • Generational Love

    “Cousins by blood,
    friends by choice.”
    Darlene Shaw

    As a child, “the cousins getting together” meant that my brother, sisters, and I were getting together with either our Kelly cousins from my Mom’s side of the family, there are six of them, or my cousin Dan, my only first-cousin on my Dad’s side. Whichever was the case, we always knew we were in for a good time.

    As a parent, “the cousins getting together” meant that Kathy’s and my three boys were getting together with my sister Peggy’s three boys. Yes, six boys born over a period of eight years. When they got together, it was what one might describe as organized chaos. We never quite knew what to expect from them, except for the fact that they enjoyed being together. We quickly learned that just about anything can be repaired.

    Now, as a grandparent, “the cousins getting together” has taken on a whole new meaning. Our sons’ generation has produced nine grandkids so far, five for Kathy and me, and four for Jim and Peggy. Today was an opportunity to get them (most of them, anyway) together for a picnic at Frontierland Park in Pacifica. The sun was shining, the temperature was comfortable, and the kids had a blast!

    My sister, “Auntie Cathy,” the matriarch of the family, joined the fun and brought a delectable variety of cookies to share from Copenhagen Bakery in Burlingame. 

    A warm Sunday afternoon at the park with three generations of the family… It doesn’t get much better than that.

  • So Fast

    “Life is like a roll
    of toilet paper.
    The closer you get
    to the end,
    the faster it goes.”
    Andy Rooney

    When I graduated from high school in 1972, my entire adult life was ahead of me. I had no idea, at that time, that things would turn out as they have. I wasn’t a goal-setter. I wasn’t working on a timeline. I was literally taking life one day at a time. Much to my surprise, a number of incredible opportunities were presented to me.

    These were not opportunities for which I had planned or dreamed. They were out-of-the-blue, unexpected, and undeserved opportunities which required only one thing from me — to respond “Yes!” In doing so, my life has unfolded in ways far beyond anything I could have imagined or desired.

    A group of my S.I. classmates and I were sitting in the Carlin Commons on campus enjoying lunch one day when we began reflecting on the future. Just four years earlier, the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey had been released. 2001 was such a futuristic number. I remember talking about the fact that we would be 47 years old in 2001. That was so far in the future, it was difficult to imagine.

    It’s now been 54 years since my classmates and I accepted our diplomas at Saint Ignatius Church, on the campus of the University of San Francisco. At that graduation ceremony, about a dozen members of the class of 1922 received their Golden Diplomas. As they walked toward the sanctuary to be recognized, I couldn’t help but notice how old they were. Some used walkers, while others relied on canes. These guys were old. Yeah, well four years ago, my S.I. classmates and I received our Golden Diplomas. Could we possibly be that old? Already?

    The strangest part of all of this is that I don’t feel old. I don’t think old. I don’t act old, yet I’ll celebrate my 72nd birthday in June. 

    That little quip by Andy Rooney quoted above is the absolute truth. It’s difficult for me to comprehend that I’ve been retired from teaching for more than ten years already. It’s startling to me that my oldest son will turn 40 in May. These little tidbits of information remind me that, even though I’m not old, I’m old enough — old enough to recognize and acknowledge that my days are numbered. How many do I have left in my life? I don’t know. And strangely, I don’t worry about this.

    I am extraordinarily content with the life I’ve lived. I’ve had more amazing experiences in my lifetime than I could ever have expected. I’ve worked hard. I’ve accomplished things in my lifetime that I would never have thought possible back in 1972. And I remain open to new experiences in the future.

    It’s just that it’s all happening… so fast.

  • Some Day

    “You only need to stand
    near the ocean to feel the
    power of the universe
    and a closeness to the
    one who created it.” 
    Susan Gale

    The prophetic words of Jacques Cousteau have proven to be true throughout my lifetime. He said, “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” It most certainly does.

    I spent the first eighteen years of my life living within walking distance of the Pacific Ocean in San Francisco. Sadly, I took it for granted. In the years since that time, I’ve realized the validity of Cousteau’s words.

    There is something magical about large bodies of water. Due to the cold water and dangerous undertow at Ocean Beach in The City, in my high school years, my friends and I would often drive to Santa Cruz to spend time at more user-friendly beaches. In 1971, I had the privilege of experiencing the Caribbean Sea while visiting Jamaica. In 1974, I moved to The Bahamas for one year. The Bahamas is geographically located in the Atlantic Ocean, not the Caribbean, but it is culturally and politically considered part of the Caribbean. Like the water in Jamaica, the Bahamas is blessed with clear, warm, aquamarine seas. This might explain why I’ve been to Jamaica twice and to The Bahamas eight times, with another trip planned for next week. 

    For many years, I’ve also had the dream of renting a beach house for a month-long writing retreat. While I am definitely drawn to the ocean, I’m not a big fan of the beach. I enjoy being near the beach, just not on it. I prefer setting myself up on a patch of grass, an outcropping of rocks, or even a concrete patio where I can sit, read, reflect, and, occasionally, write. So when I saw the house in the image above, I thought it would be perfect for my writing retreat. Sadly, I have no idea where the house is located, nor whether it is available for rental use.

    American artist Robert Wyland’s experience of the ocean mirrors my own, which is why I am convinced that a home with an ocean view would be the perfect writing venue. Wyland wrote, “The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination, and brings eternal joy to the soul.” 

    Writing can do this, too.

  • Date Gone Wrong

    “Life is not so short
    but that there is
    always time enough
    for courtesy.”
    Ralph Waldo Emerson

    I don’t recall her name. I have no recollection of where we met. What I do remember is that it was the worst date of my life. For the purpose of this article, I will refer to her as Heidi. 

    I was about 28 years old at the time — single and not in a relationship. Somewhere in my travels around the Santa Clara Valley, I met Heidi. I’m usually pretty good about remembering names and where I first met someone, but in this case, I draw a blank. I apparently was attracted to her, because I invited her out to dinner, and she accepted.

    On the evening of our date, I pulled up in front of her Los Gatos home, parked my VW bug in front of her house, got out, and walked up to the front door. I don’t recall having to wait, so I’ll assume she was ready to go. This is the point at which my memory kicks into “vivid” mode.

    As we approached my car, I unlocked the passenger side door with my key and opened it for Heidi. Once she was comfortably seated, I began to close the door. At that moment, her right arm shot out straight to her right, preventing me from closing the car door. As she did this, she continued to look straight ahead with no emotion whatsoever on her face.

    “I am more than capable of opening and closing a car door myself,” she announced bluntly.

    After the initial shock of her statement, I walked around the back of the car and got into the driver’s seat. The first thought that crossed my mind was to get out of the car, walk back over to the passenger side, and just stand there, assuming that, at some point, she would get the idea, open the car door herself, get out, and go back into her home. I didn’t do that. Instead, we went on our dinner date, as planned.

    The fog of the evening returns as I have no recollection of where we went to eat or what I ordered. All I know is that when the meal was over, we returned immediately to my car. I opened the driver side door, got in, and unlocked the passenger side door. Heidi opened her door and got in. I drove her straight home. When we arrived at her house, I didn’t bother to get out of the car. I thanked her for a nice evening, she departed, and I drove off. Needless to say, I never saw nor heard from Heidi again.

    In my formative years, my father taught me some basic social skills, which I practiced with my family when we would go out. I would open the car door for my mother, and even for my sisters. It wasn’t because I thought they were incapable of doing so themselves. It was simply a matter of courtesy.

    Theodore Roosevelt nailed it when he said, “Politeness [is] a sign of dignity, not subservience.”

  • Tuning-In (or Out)

    “Wherever you are,
    be there totally.”     
    Eckhart Tolle

    I was in The City to meet my friend, Tom, for lunch yesterday. To avoid the worst of the commute traffic, I got an early start and arrived at Java Beach CafĂ© on Sloat Boulevard at 7:15. I would be meeting Tom at Java Beach CafĂ© on Judah Street a few hours later. I enjoyed a bowl of oatmeal, chatted it up with a few people who were there, then put my backpack in the trunk of my car before walking along Sunset Dunes from Sloat to Judah Street. 

    It was a pleasant day for walking in The City. The clean ocean air, the cool breeze, and the sound of waves crashing against the beach created a peaceful environment. Dozens of other people were walking (alone, with friends, or with their dogs), riding, or jogging along the Dunes, as well. A thought crossed my mind which I’d considered many times before. I couldn’t help but notice how AirPods, ear buds, or headphones, whatever term you want to use, are a significant obstruction to communication.

    In an article published in Psychology Today, Dr. Jim Taylor mentioned that “the presence of earbuds seems to now be the rule rather than the exception.” I’ve noticed the same thing. As I made my way toward Judah Street, I couldn’t help but notice that people of all ages were plugged-in to music, podcasts, or some other type of programming while they walked. I’ve done this myself, but I don’t do it anymore. Earbuds interfere with connecting with others.

    When I’m out walking, I like to acknowledge the presence of those I encounter along the way. A simple “Good morning,” or a nod of the head accompanied by eye-contact, enables me to let the other person know I see them, that I’m aware of their presence, and that they matter. When people are using earbuds, it’s rare that they will acknowledge me in any way.

    It is this situation which leads Dr. Taylor to make the claim that “the simple act of wearing earbuds and listening to whatever you listen to is causing potentially irreparable damage to ourselves psychologically, emotionally, and socially.”

    Social connection is a key component of our health and overall happiness. When our attention is focused on what we’re listening to, it is likely that we will fail to notice those around us. 

    There have been countless times when I’ve wanted to greet someone, but because they were wearing earbuds, and I didn’t want to disturb them, I didn’t bother making the connection. I consider earbuds a signal to others that they don’t want to be disturbed.

    I’m saddened to see young people today sitting in a restaurant with their families with earbuds in their ears. I see it when I’m driving, too — Mom or Dad is driving the young person to school while the young person is focused on what’s streaming through their earbuds. It’s sad. It seems that the increase in the number of people using earbuds is resulting an a decrease in authentic human connection.

    “Ultimately, it is up to each of us to decide what we value, what our priorities are, and the kind of lives we want to live,” Taylor writes in his article. “The only real power we have to influence our own lives is our ability to make choices that we believe are healthy and life-affirming.”

    “Just being awake,
    alert, and attentive
    is no easy matter.
    I think it is the greatest
    spiritual challenge
    that we face.”
    Diana L. Eck
    Encountering God

  • Monday, 03/02

    A M D G