November 8, 2025 marks 10 years since my beloved mother left us to join the angels
Gladys Vaz Morais
May 8, 1923 – November 8, 2015
My sister, Elaine/Sushie, sent me a message on this anniversary of our mother’s passing to say she still wears the Croc sandals I had bought my mum more than 10 years ago. “They still look good,” she says and “I am happy to be walking in her shoes and be reminded of her constant, loving, supportive presence in our life.”
Yes, this is the best kind of immortality: to be remembered every day in every way. I find her in my kitchen when I cook and when I bake, trying to approximate the skill with which she produced creations like this delicately iced fan cake for my niece, Jacqueline.
My mother was a person of unwavering, unostentatious faith. All of us counted on the power of her faith to move mountains –or just get us through the many small challenges in our lives. As we faced those hurdles, she would often say, “Trust God. Just go. Do it. All will be well.” And indeed it was, even if not always in the ways we intended. A feminist before one spoke of being one, she insisted her daughters get the same opportunities for a university education as her sons. For that, and the wisdom that she was able to offer us in words, or by her example, I remain profoundly grateful. I know I learned how to be a mother from her. And today I remember her every time I love and cherish, play and pamper my grandchildren the way she did my children. I cannot begin to repay what I owe her. I can only pass it on. I know it is what she would expect of me.
This photograph was part of my first travel document as my mother journeyed back to then British Malaya with me in her arms at six months. How fortunate for me that she did not yield to my grandmother’s entreaties to temporarily leave me with her in Kerala where I was born, though I am very proud to call that my ancestral homeland.
Dawn Morais 
We were so fortunate to have the mothers given to us. I
Wonderful tribute to mum Dawn. You captured the essence of mum so well. Great memories to comfort us as we move along.
A most loving remembrance of our beloved mother, dearest Dawn.All that she was,said & represented for us remain forever inscribed in our hearts. I shall send you the picture of the delicious crab cutlets I made based on her famous recipe. How blessed we were to have had her as our mother & how fortunate I am to have been born on her birthday. Her presence, spirit and light continue to guide, support & protect us every day of our life. I tried to post this as a comment on your blog but it did not appear. Much Love & prayers & with all of us in spirit always.Su
Dearest Dawn, Please send me this 10th anniversary blog post on our beloved mother on what’s app. Would like to share it with close friends. Love & prayers,Su
A beautiful tribute, Dawn. Thank you for sharing this …. Wally
Thank you all for reading and for your words of appreciation.
Jean–I so enjoy your memories of your mum too–and the way you see her through the lens of both humor and love. Thank you for your poems.