Gavin Crawford, the host of the CBC podcast Let’s Not Be Kidding, shares a touching and humorous anecdote about his mother’s experience with Alzheimer’s disease. In 2018, Crawford noticed a significant change in his mother’s behavior as her short-term memory began to fade, and her interest in shopping waned.
Known for her expert browsing skills without making purchases, Crawford humorously recalls an incident at a mall where a gas leak evacuation failed to deter his mother from trying on clothes. Over time, her disinterest in shopping became a clear sign of her illness progression.
During a Christmas visit to Toronto, Crawford observed his mother’s altered behavior at the Eaton Centre, realizing that her usual shopping routine had shifted. Despite her memory loss, she continued to express wonder and delight at the sight of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, repeatedly suggesting that it should be marketed as a new invention.
Throughout the visit, Crawford witnessed his mother’s repetitive yet joyful reactions to the tree, finding both distress and humor in her insistence on promoting it. Despite the challenges of Alzheimer’s, these moments of rediscovery brought a mix of emotions to Crawford, highlighting the bittersweet nature of the disease.
As memories of his mother now bring comfort, Crawford fondly credits his husband for the idea of the decorated tree, reflecting on the lasting impact of those cherished moments shared with his mother during that memorable Christmas season.