Nicole Robichaud, a lawyer and caregiver in Ottawa, shared her experience with a folk art calendar that has been a cherished part of her family’s Christmas tradition for almost three decades. Initially unsure of the calendar’s origin, it became a recurring Christmas gift for her mother, who particularly admired the colorful paintings, especially the festive scenes in December.
In 2015, at the age of 68, Robichaud’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Despite her previous experience with the disease while caring for her father, she faced the challenges with positivity and cheerfulness, even as her condition progressed over the years. Eventually, she moved to a retirement home in Ottawa with her husband, and later to a memory care floor before transitioning to a smaller suite as her mobility declined.
As Alzheimer’s took its toll, Robichaud’s mother lost the ability to engage with the calendar or even appreciate its pictures. Despite these changes, Robichaud continued the tradition of ordering the calendar each year, finding solace in the routine it provided. In her visits to her mother, she would turn the pages of the calendar, sharing memories of how much her mother had loved it and discussing the beautiful scenes depicted.
For Robichaud, the act of giving the calendar each year held a special significance. It served as a tangible expression of love and connection, bridging the gap between past traditions and their current reality. In a situation where communication and interaction were limited, the calendar became a symbol of continuity and comfort in their evolving relationship.
As Robichaud navigated the complexities of caring for her mother with Alzheimer’s, the calendar remained a beacon of hope and purpose, symbolizing her belief in a deeper connection beyond physical limitations. Looking ahead to the new year, she found solace in the simple act of turning the page, embracing the continuity of the tradition and the enduring love it represented.
