Nicole Robichaud, a lawyer and caregiver from Ottawa, shares her poignant experience with a special folk art calendar that has been a cherished part of her family’s Christmas tradition for almost three decades. Each year, this calendar, which holds sentimental value, has been a consistent gift to her mother.
In her childhood in Toronto, the holiday season was always a joyful time for Nicole and her family. The art calendar gift, in particular, held a special place in her mother’s heart. Even after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2015 at the age of 68, Nicole’s mother continued to appreciate the calendar, although her condition gradually worsened over the years.
Following the progression of the disease, Nicole’s parents relocated to a retirement home in Ottawa, and eventually, her mother moved to a memory care unit. Despite her mother’s declining health and cognitive abilities, Nicole ensured that the calendar remained a constant presence in her life.
As her mother’s condition deteriorated, Nicole found solace in the routine of ordering the calendar annually. Even as her mother became less responsive and engaged, Nicole continued to share the calendar with her during visits, providing a sense of continuity in their relationship.
Though communication with her mother became increasingly challenging, the act of sharing the calendar symbolized love, connection, and the preservation of family traditions for Nicole. It became a way for her to express her spiritual beliefs and offer comfort and hope amidst the difficulties of Alzheimer’s.
Through this enduring tradition, Nicole seeks to maintain a sense of familiarity and warmth for her mother, believing that even in her altered state, her mother can still perceive the love and care behind the annual gift. As Nicole looks ahead to the coming year, changing the calendar page symbolizes continuity, resilience, and the enduring bond between them.
