Nicole Robichaud, a lawyer and caregiver in Ottawa, shares her experience with a cherished family tradition involving a folk art calendar that has been a constant in her mother’s life for nearly 30 years. Every Christmas, the calendar is a sentimental gift exchanged within their family. Growing up in Toronto, the holiday season was always special for Nicole and her family, with her mother taking particular delight in the colorful paintings, especially the festive snow-filled scenes in December.
In 2015, Nicole’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the age of 68, having previously supported her own father through the same illness. Despite the challenges of memory loss and progressive decline, her mother remained positive and resilient. Over the years, as the disease advanced, her parents relocated to a retirement home in Ottawa, and eventually, her mother moved to the memory care floor due to her worsening condition.
Despite her mother’s cognitive decline, Nicole continued the tradition of gifting the folk art calendar each year. As her mother’s ability to engage with the calendar diminished, Nicole found solace in sharing the pictures with her during visits, reminiscing about their shared love for the artwork. Even though her mother may not respond as before, the act of continuing this tradition holds deep significance for Nicole, providing a sense of connection and purpose in their evolving relationship.
In the face of the emotional challenges posed by Alzheimer’s, the annual ritual of the calendar symbolizes a constant and enduring bond between mother and daughter. By surrounding her mother with familiar and cherished elements, Nicole aims to create a comforting and loving environment that transcends the limitations of the disease. This simple yet meaningful gesture serves as a spiritual expression of love, hope, and continuity amidst the uncertainties brought by Alzheimer’s. Nicole looks ahead with anticipation to the next year, eagerly awaiting the opportunity to turn the page to 2024.