Nicole Robichaud, a lawyer and caregiver in Ottawa, reflects on the enduring tradition of a folk art calendar that has been a constant in her family’s Christmas celebrations for nearly three decades. The calendar, a cherished gift exchanged amongst family members each Christmas, holds a special place in her heart.
Growing up in Toronto, the festive season was always a joyous time for Robichaud and her family. The art calendar, with its vibrant paintings, particularly resonated with her mother, who took pleasure in admiring the colorful scenes, especially the snowy landscapes of December.
In 2015, at the age of 68, Robichaud’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Despite knowing the challenges ahead due to her experience caring for her own father with the same condition years earlier, her mother remained optimistic and cheerful, even as the disease progressed over time.
The family eventually relocated to Ottawa, where her mother’s condition necessitated a move to a memory care facility. Despite her declining health and cognitive abilities, the art calendar remained a constant presence in her life, accompanying her through each transition.
As the disease advanced, Robichaud witnessed her mother’s diminishing connection with the calendar and the world around her. Despite the challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, she continued the tradition of ordering the calendar annually, finding solace in the familiarity it brought to their visits.
The simple act of turning the calendar’s pages and sharing memories of its past significance became a meaningful ritual for Robichaud. Even as her mother’s ability to engage with the gift waned, the gesture of love and continuity it symbolized remained important to both of them.
In the face of the heartbreaking realities of Alzheimer’s disease, the calendar served as a tangible expression of love, connection, and hope for Robichaud. Through this enduring tradition, she found a way to honor their shared past, create a sense of home for her mother, and find solace in a challenging journey.
Despite the profound changes brought about by the disease, the art calendar continues to serve as a beacon of comfort and a reminder of the enduring bond between mother and daughter, transcending the limitations imposed by Alzheimer’s.