Nicole Robichaud, a lawyer and caregiver from Ottawa, reflects on her family’s enduring Christmas tradition involving a folk art calendar that has been a staple in their holiday celebrations for almost three decades. The tradition of gifting her mother this calendar, which started many years ago in Toronto, has held sentimental value for the family over the years.
In 2015, Robichaud’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the age of 68, following in the footsteps of her own father who battled the same disease. Despite the challenges that came with the diagnosis, her mother maintained a positive outlook and tried to stay cheerful, even as the disease progressed over the years.
As the disease advanced, her parents relocated to a retirement home in Ottawa, and eventually, her mother had to move to a memory care floor due to her worsening condition. Despite her cognitive decline, the tradition of the folk art calendar persisted, symbolizing a connection to cherished memories of holidays past.
Robichaud recounts the bittersweet moments spent with her mother, who now spends much of her time in a state of detachment from the world around her. The simple act of turning the pages of the calendar during visits provides a sense of purpose, allowing Robichaud to reminisce about the past and share moments of joy with her mother, even though the responses are no longer there.
Although her mother may no longer comprehend the significance of the calendar gift, Robichaud continues the tradition each year as a way to express her love and maintain a connection to their shared past. The ritual serves as a source of comfort and hope amidst the challenges of Alzheimer’s, offering a glimpse of continuity and love in a changing landscape.
In the face of a disease that robs individuals of memories and connections, the enduring presence of the calendar symbolizes a beacon of familiarity and love in Robichaud’s journey as a caregiver. Despite the limitations imposed by Alzheimer’s, the tradition serves as a testament to the enduring bond between a mother and daughter, transcending the boundaries of time and memory.