Nicole Robichaud, a lawyer and caregiver in Ottawa, reflects on a cherished family tradition involving a folk art calendar that has spanned nearly three decades. The calendar, a recurring Christmas gift, has held sentimental value for her family, especially her mother who particularly admired the colorful paintings each year, with December’s snowy scenes being a favorite.
In 2015, at the age of 68, her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, having witnessed its effects on her own father years before. Despite initial frustrations with memory lapses, her mother remained positive and resilient. Over time, the disease progressed, leading to her relocation to a retirement home in Ottawa and eventually to a memory care floor due to her deteriorating condition.
Despite her mother’s declining cognitive abilities and physical health, the tradition of the folk art calendar persisted. Even as her mother became increasingly delusional and reliant on assistance for daily tasks, Robichaud found moments of humor in their interactions.
As her mother’s condition worsened, Robichaud continued the tradition of ordering the calendar annually, finding solace in the routine and the connection it symbolized. Despite her mother’s diminished capacity to engage with the calendar, Robichaud found purpose in sharing the pictures with her during visits, hoping to evoke past memories and maintain a semblance of connection.
Amidst the challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, Robichaud sees the act of giving the calendar as a way to express love, preserve family traditions, and create a sense of comfort and familiarity for her mother. In the face of a disease that strips away memories and abilities, the annual gift serves as a tangible link to their shared past and a source of solace and hope for the future.