In Ottawa, Nicole Robichaud, a lawyer and caregiver, shares her experience with a folk art calendar that has been a cherished part of her family’s Christmas tradition for almost three decades. The calendar, a yearly gift to her mother, holds sentimental value as a constant presence during the holiday season.
Despite the joyous memories associated with the calendar, their family faced a challenging turn in 2015 when her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 68. Over the years, as the disease progressed, her mother’s condition deteriorated, and the once-beloved calendar became a symbol of changing realities.
The family’s journey with Alzheimer’s led them to relocate to Ottawa, eventually moving her mother to a memory care facility. Despite her mother’s diminishing cognitive abilities, Nicole continued the tradition of gifting her the folk art calendar each year, finding solace in the familiar routine.
As Nicole navigates the emotional strain of witnessing her mother’s decline, she finds purpose in sharing the calendar with her during visits. While her mother may no longer express recognition or appreciation for the gift, Nicole believes that the act of giving the calendar communicates love and preserves a connection to their shared traditions.
In the face of the profound challenges posed by Alzheimer’s, the annual ritual of presenting the calendar serves as a source of comfort, hope, and a reminder of the enduring bond between mother and daughter. Nicole’s unwavering commitment to this tradition reflects her belief in the power of love and the intangible connections that transcend physical limitations.