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 constant gift for her mother for nearly three decades. The annual gift has been a cherished part of their holiday celebrations, with each colorful painting bringing joy to her mother, especially the festive scenes in December.
In 2015, when her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the age of 68, Robichaud witnessed the gradual progression of the disease. Despite the challenges, she remained positive and resilient, even as her mother’s condition deteriorated over the years, eventually leading to her move to a memory care facility in Ottawa.
As her mother’s cognitive abilities declined, Robichaud continued the tradition of giving her the folk art calendar each year, even though her mother could no longer appreciate or engage with it as before. The calendar became a symbol of continuity and connection for Robichaud, offering a sense of purpose during her visits and serving as a reminder of their shared traditions.
Despite the heartbreaking changes in her mother’s condition, Robichaud finds solace in the belief that the love and care behind the annual gift still resonate with her mother on a deeper level. The calendar has become more than just a simple present; it represents Robichaud’s spiritual beliefs in the enduring connection between loved ones, providing comfort and hope in the face of a challenging disease like Alzheimer’s.
