Vincent Beach seems an ordinary man from ordinary beginnings. Look deeper, however, and you'll discover a special human being. Vincent left his native Jamaica in 1944 and enlisted in the Royal Air Force. Yearning to be a jazz musician, he bought an old clarinet and practiced. Through his perseverance, he found his way to America and a career for 22 years as a bandsman in the U.S. Air Force. Becoming an educator, he served the children on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona, and later enjoyed teaching in community college. Share the joys and woes of an ordinary man in his storied autobiography.
Acknowledgments xi
Preface xv
Part 1 1924-1944
1 Foundation 3
2 Mas T 7
3 Miss Rosa 11
4 A Typical Day 15
5 Mea Culpa 19
6 Business Ventures 23
7 Other Lessons 27
8 Work 29
9 The Death of Mother 33
10 Goodbye, Jamaica 37
Part 2 1944-1956
11 The SS Cuba 47
12 Royal Air Force 51
13 First Time 53
14 Music 55
15 Practice Somewhere Else 59
16 Slowaway 63
17 Debut 67
18 A Campaign for America 69
19 Indianapolis 73
20 Hunter 77
21 Land of the Free? 81
22 Re-entry 85
23 United States Air Force 89
Part 3 1956-1977
24 My Search for a Bride 99
25 Murphy's Law 103
26 Two Sons 107
27 Texas 111
28 The Mexican Connection 115
29 Worries 119
30 Clark Air Force Base 123
31 Third Son 125
32 Bandsman in the Philippines 127
33 Fourth Son 131
34 Colorado 133
35 Olive Street 135
36 Quest for Education 139
37 The American Dream 143
38 Go Faster, Dad! 145
39 No Diagnosis 149
40 Retirement 151
41 Transitions 155
Part 4 1977-1984
42 Arizona 163
43 Lupus 167
44 Flight 169
45 Wings of the Dawn 173
46 Sanjay's Testimony 179
47 Divorce 181
48 Three Grown Sons 185
49 A Letter from my Heart 189
Part 5 1983 - Present
50 Kinlichee Principal 195
51 Flag Ceremony 199
52 Crossroads 203
53 Life Began Again 209
54 A New Home 213
55 Around the Table 217
56 New Life, New Work 221
57 Is This It? 225
58 Dreams 229
59 Go, My Son 233
60 Love you, Lal 237
61 John 15 243
62 Wide Receiver 247
63 Strings 251
64 Tattoo 253
65 La Forza del Destino 257
66 My Golden Years or This IS it! 261
67 Son-in-Love 265
68 Grandpa's Asleep 269
69 Daughter ant Friend 273
Thoughts of an Ordinary Man 277
The Family Circle 281
All Will Be Well 297
About the Author 299
About the Co-Author 301
About the Publisher 303
Eoiloeue - I'm Still Here 305
0015 309
Simple Box of Pine 313
DON'T THROW AWAY YOUR STICK TILL YOU CROSS THE RIVER
(The Journey of an Ordinary Man)
As you read this book you will find that Mr. Beach's life story is anything but ordinary. In fact it has been an extraordinary adventure for eighty plus years. I felt that in each chapter the author was trying to teach us all a lesson.
Vincent was born in a small village called Knollis, in Jamaica. His family was poor but I feel he learned a lot of life's lessons that helped him as he grew. His mom was abusive, but always told him "Don't throw away you stick, till you cross the river." I found that bit of advice to be profound. His father was a quiet man that did not talk a lot but loved his kids. His family life was not one that was filled with affection. Yet as a child he longed for it.
His thirst for knowledge would take him far in life; as well as his love for music. As in some non-fiction books there can be many lessons that we can take to our hearts and use it. This book is no exception.
In my humble opinion this book is a must read. On a sad note I have found out that Vincent Collin Beach has passed away. But his life story is still alive and is still available for all to read and learn about this amazing man.
Overview
Vincent Beach seems an ordinary man from ordinary beginnings. Look deeper, however, and you'll discover a special human being. Vincent left his native Jamaica in 1944 and enlisted in the Royal Air Force. Yearning to be a jazz musician, he bought an old clarinet and practiced. Through his perseverance, he found his way to America and a career for 22 years as a bandsman in the U.S. Air Force. Becoming an educator, he served the children on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona, and later enjoyed teaching in community ...