Nicole Robichaud, a lawyer and caregiver in Ottawa, reflects on her family’s enduring Christmas tradition involving a folk art calendar that has been a constant gift for her mother for nearly three decades. The calendar, filled with colorful paintings, has held a special place in their holiday celebrations, especially cherished by her mother for its festive scenes.
In 2015, at 68, Nicole’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, a disease she had witnessed in her own father years before. Despite the challenges as the disease progressed, Nicole’s mother remained positive and cheerful, adapting to the changes. The family eventually moved to a retirement home in Ottawa, where Nicole’s mother transitioned to a memory care floor and later into a smaller suite, all while the calendar continued to be a part of their lives.
As Alzheimer’s took its toll, Nicole’s mother’s ability to engage with the calendar diminished over time. Even in her current state of immobility and reduced responsiveness, the tradition of gifting the calendar each year persists. For Nicole, the calendar now symbolizes a connection to her mother’s past and a way to infuse their shared space with love and familiarity.
Despite the limitations of their interactions now, the calendar serves as a tangible link to their shared memories and family traditions. Nicole finds solace in the continuity of this ritual, believing that it conveys love and provides a sense of comfort and belonging to her mother, even amidst the challenges of the disease.
Looking ahead to the coming year, Nicole anticipates the simple act of turning the page on the calendar as a gesture of hope and continuity in the face of uncertainty. In a situation where so much feels beyond control, this annual tradition becomes a source of purpose, solace, and a reminder of the enduring bond between them.