Tag: remembrance

Posted in Celebrate Today, Celebrating Existence, Celebrating Life, Family Moments, Inspiration & Motivation, Life, Love and Blessings

September 6 — A Day in History, Love and Possibility

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

What is so special about September 6?

Every date on the calendar has a story. Some dates are remembered for important events, remarkable achievements and moments that changed the world. Others become special because of the people and memories we associate with them.

September 6 is one of those dates for me.

As I looked at some of the events, achievements and milestones connected to this day throughout history, I found myself appreciating just how much meaning a single date can hold.

🌍 September 6, 1522 — A journey around the world

On September 6, 1522, the Victoria, the only surviving ship of Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition, returned to Spain, completing the first recorded circumnavigation of the globe.

It was an extraordinary journey of courage, uncertainty and perseverance.

Magellan did not survive the expedition, but Juan Sebastián Elcano continued the voyage and brought the Victoria home.

Sometimes, the greatest journeys are completed because someone chooses to keep going.

⛵ September 6, 1620 — A new journey begins

On September 6, 1620, the Mayflower departed Plymouth, England, beginning the voyage that would become one of the most famous journeys in American history.

It is another reminder that every great journey begins with a first step into the unknown.

👩🏽 September 6, 1870 — A step forward

On this date in 1870, Louisa Ann Swain became the first woman recorded as legally casting a vote in a U.S. election under Wyoming’s new women’s suffrage law.

Her vote became part of the much larger story of women’s political rights.

Progress often begins with one small but significant step.

🛒 September 6, 1916 — An everyday revolution

On September 6, 1916, Piggly Wiggly opened in Memphis, Tennessee, widely recognized as the first self-service grocery store.

Something that seems completely ordinary today was once an innovative idea.

It reminds us that what we take for granted today was once someone’s vision of a better way.

❤️ September 6 — A day of love

September 6 has also been a special day for couples beginning their lives together.

Among those who married on this date are Theresa May and Philip May in 1980, Trinidad and Tobago-born actress and singer Heather Headley and Brian Musso in 2003, and Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka in 2014.

Different couples. Different stories. One date.

And then there is a September 6 love story that is especially meaningful to me.

On September 6, my parents got married and began a new chapter in their lives.

That day became the beginning of a journey that would eventually include a family, countless memories, laughter, challenges, celebrations and a lifetime of moments that could never be captured by a photograph or recorded in a history book.

Their wedding may not appear in the pages of world history, but it is part of my history.

And sometimes, the most important history is personal.

There are dates that millions of people may know, but there are also dates that belong quietly and profoundly to individual families.

September 6 is one of those dates for me.

🌸 The people born on September 6

September 6 has also given the world many remarkable people, including social reformer and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Jane Addams, inventor Wilson Greatbatch, barcode co-inventor Norman Joseph Woodland, musician Roger Waters, actress Jane Curtin and actor Idris Elba.

Their lives remind us that there are countless ways to make a difference.

Through science.

Through creativity.

Through service.

Through art.

Through perseverance.

Through simply touching the lives of others.

🤍 What September 6 means to me

Perhaps that is what makes September 6 so beautiful.

It is a date connected to journeys, beginnings, progress, innovation, achievement and love.

But beyond everything recorded in history books, it carries something far more personal for me.

It reminds me that before I was here, there was a beginning.

Two people chose each other.

They started a journey.

And from that journey came a family and the life I know today.

I can look at September 6 and see not only an ending, but a beginning.

And perhaps that is the beauty of memory.

Love does not stop being part of our story simply because someone is no longer here to tell their side of it.

Some stories continue through the people who remember.

Some love continues through the lives that grew from it.

And some dates remain forever in our hearts.

✨ September 6, 2026

Today, September 6, is another chapter.

It is a day we are fortunate enough to live.

One day, it too will become history.

Someone will remember this day because of something that happened.

A decision.

A celebration.

A new beginning.

A conversation.

A kindness.

A moment with someone they love.

So today, I choose gratitude.

For journeys completed.

For journeys begun.

For progress.

For innovation.

For love.

For family.

For memories.

For the people who came before us.

And for the privilege of being here to write another chapter.

Every date has a story.

Some are written in history books.

Some are written in the hearts of families.

And some are written in both.

September 6 will always be one of those dates for me. 🤍🕊️🙏🏽

Posted in Celebrate Today, Celebrating Existence, Celebrating Life, Indian Arrival Day, Life, Love and Blessings

Indian Arrival Day 2026: 181 Years of Heritage, Legacy, and Reflection

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Today, May 30, 2026, Trinidad and Tobago commemorates 181 years since the arrival of the first Indian indentured immigrants to our shores. It was on May 30, 1845, that the Fatel Razack arrived carrying men, women, and children whose courage and determination would forever shape the history and identity of our nation.

Indian Arrival Day is not simply about remembering a date in history. It is a time to reflect on the sacrifices, resilience, faith, and perseverance of those who left their homeland and journeyed across the Kala Pani in search of opportunity and a better future. Between 1845 and 1917, thousands of Indians arrived in Trinidad under the indentureship system, contributing significantly to the social, cultural, agricultural, and economic development of the country.

As someone deeply interested in understanding my roots, Indian Arrival Day carries a personal significance. Learning about the experiences of our ancestors has inspired me to explore their journey more deeply and appreciate the sacrifices that made life possible for future generations. Discovering stories about indentureship, researching family ancestry, and reflecting on the lives of those who crossed oceans with little certainty has strengthened my connection to my heritage.

One of the most meaningful experiences in this journey of discovery was visiting the Indian Caribbean Museum in Carapichaima. The museum offers an insightful look into the lives of indentured immigrants through preserved artifacts, photographs, documents, and historical records. Walking through the exhibits provides a powerful reminder that behind every statistic was a real person with hopes, dreams, and challenges. It transforms history from words on a page into a living story that continues to influence generations today.

Trinidad and Tobago is also home to many significant landmarks that stand as symbols of Indian heritage and cultural preservation. The majestic 85-foot Lord Hanuman Murti at the Dattatreya Yoga Centre in Carapichaima is one of the most recognized icons of Hindu spirituality in the Caribbean. Towering above the landscape, it serves as a reminder of the faith and devotion that many indentured immigrants carried with them despite the hardships they faced.

Equally significant is the Temple in the Sea at Waterloo, a monument to perseverance and unwavering belief. Built through the determination of Siewdass Sadhu, the temple remains one of the country’s most treasured landmarks and a symbol of dedication, sacrifice, and spiritual commitment. These sites represent more than architecture; they embody the enduring spirit of a people who preserved their traditions while contributing to the multicultural identity of Trinidad and Tobago.

The year 1917 marked the official end of the indentureship system, closing a 72-year chapter in the nation’s history. Yet the legacy of those early immigrants continues to thrive in our festivals, food, music, religion, language, family values, and national development. Their influence can be seen throughout every aspect of Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural landscape.

As we celebrate 181 years of Indian Arrival, we honour not only the arrival of our ancestors but also the legacy they built through hard work, sacrifice, faith, and determination. Their story reminds us of the importance of remembering our history, preserving our cultural heritage, and passing these lessons on to future generations.

Indian Arrival Day is a celebration of resilience, identity, and gratitude. It is an opportunity to reflect on where we came from, appreciate the journey that brought us here, and recognize the countless contributions made by generations of descendants who continue to enrich Trinidad and Tobago.

As we commemorate this historic milestone, may we continue to honour our ancestors with pride, preserve the traditions they carried across the oceans, and celebrate the rich cultural legacy that remains alive 181 years later.

Happy Indian Arrival Day 2026.

181 Years of Heritage. Legacy. Reflection. Pride.

Posted in Celebrating Existence, Celebrating Life

Forever in Our Hearts: Remembering My Dad

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Today is seven (7) years since the day our dad, Ramchit Ramesh Thomas, passed away When he passed away on September 15, 2018, it changed all our lives not because we are unaware of what death is but because it added a whole new reality. Although he is physically gone, his presence is still deeply felt in our lives. Not a day goes by when he is not thought of. Time has moved forward, but the love, lessons, and memories he left behind remain with us as powerful as ever.

As I once wrote: “Dad was my hero.” That truth has not changed. If anything, with each passing year, I appreciate even more the man he was, the values he lived by, and the legacy he left for us. I miss him and we all do, but we know he is in no more pain, and he fought a brave fight, standing with integrity and courage till the very end. For me, I remember our conversations, his last words to me, his last hours, his final moments and all that came before that in the live he lived.

A Man of Integrity

Daddy lived by every message he shared with us. Preparation, discipline, honesty, and hard work guided everything he did. He believed in showing up, being ready, and following through. Those lessons still echo in my life every single day.

What few would know would be how committed he was to ensuring that there was electricity in Coromandel.

While I provide the image from the 1985 article, allow me to share snippets from it:

“A beautiful thank you card and letter were sent in to ACTION LINE recently from Ramesh Thomas of Southern Central Road, Coromandel Village, Cedros, for assistance he received from this column concerning the electricity supply he has been seeking from TTEC since 1972.”

“Thomas’ problem was carried in this column in March 1985…”

“Ramesh has applied for electricity supply since November 1972 for an electricity supply. Since then he has been applying to TTEC constituency office… He kept on applying and was called in during 1976 but was told his application was still in the office…”

“After being dated February 21, 1978 it was accepted as the first on the supply under the Rural and Remote Electrification Programme. It bore reference number D46/402/EC but up to now nothing had been done.”

“Yesterday, we received a beautiful thank you card and letter from Ramesh Thomas, to you and your Action Line team… My humble thanks for your noble intervention with TTEC. We have been waiting for electricity in Coromandel Village since 1972, but thanks to you our village has now been blessed with a supply.”

“It was with great delight I read your column in the Express on Monday March 11, 1985 concerning TTEC. Action was taken and our village was successful. May Almighty God bless you and your noble work always. Once again, very many thanks.”

“Thank you very, very much. —Ramesh Thomas.”

In my 2024 Father’s Day reflection, I wrote about how much he shaped me: “Dad’s love was not just in words, but in his actions, in his sacrifices, in his unwavering dedication to his family.” Those words still ring true because his example continues to guide how I live, love, and serve.

A Life of Giving

Those who knew him would know that this is who he was. Dad gave so much of himself—not only to us, his family, but also to the people around him. He always found a way to help, whether through his roles in the community or in the quiet, simple ways he supported those in need.

Those who knew him would be able to recall that the Coromandel Shiv Mandir was very dear to him and in the 20 years he served as President, he remained every committed to ensuring that the structure was continuously improved and the amenities too. Mom was always by his side and continues to be present in the Mandir. He wanted it to be a place where devotees who attended the Mandir- whether they were from the community or were visiting- could be in a safe space and worship in comfort. Over the years, the progress he made in realizing this dream became more and more evident. Thankfully, he was able to see a lot of it!

One story I did not share much is that last year when I began my playwright incubator’s course, the play I wrote earned its title from a part of Daddy’s life post-retirement. This play made it to the final round of staged readings in Barbados at the Daphne Joseph Hackett Theatre. The play is titled, “Shattered Dreams and Silver Linings”. It is a major undertaking but also one I will continue to work on to share my Dad’s story with the world.

In my 2018 tribute, I wrote: “He was selfless, dedicated, and disciplined. He gave of himself without ever expecting anything in return.” That is who he was at his core. Even when he was ill, he continued to encourage and support others. He taught us that true strength is not measured in what you keep for yourself, but in what you give to others.

The Little Things I Miss

When I think of Daddy, I remember not only the big lessons but also the quiet, everyday moments:

  • His smile that could light up a room.
  • His laughter that brought joy into our home.
  • His encouraging words that reminded me of my own strength.
  • His stories, filled with wisdom and sometimes humor, that connected us to our roots.
  • The way he showed us to reason situations.
  • The way he taught us to remain calm.
  • His love for each of us.
  • His passion for all that he did.

Those simple, ordinary moments are treasures now. They are reminders of his presence, even when he is no longer here physically.

His Legacy Lives On

In 2024, I shared that “Even though he is no longer here, I honour him by living the values he instilled in me—integrity, kindness, humility, and perseverance.”

That remains my daily goal. Every time I face challenges, I hear his words about preparation. Every time I choose kindness, service, or honesty, I know I am carrying him forward.

Dad would never want us to remain in sorrow. He would want us to live, to give of ourselves, and to walk with courage. That’s how I honor him—with my life, my choices, and my actions.

Forever Remembered

Daddy, we miss you dearly, but we know you are at peace. Your love continues to guide us, your lessons continue to strengthen us, and your legacy continues to shine through all who knew you. He was a gentle giant who touched many lives.

Thank you, Daddy. We love you. We honor you. We will never forget you.

We are grateful for all the time we had with our Dad! Physically gone but never to be forgotten! We are also grateful that we have Mummy with us! We are forever blessed to have them both as our parents!