Nicole Robichaud, an Ottawa-based lawyer and caregiver, shares her personal journey revolving around a cherished folk art calendar that has been a recurring Christmas gift in her family for almost three decades. The tradition of gifting this calendar annually to her mother, who is battling Alzheimer’s, holds a special place in their hearts.
Originally hailing from Toronto, the holiday season used to be a joyous occasion for Nicole’s family. The calendar, adorned with vibrant paintings, particularly resonated with her mother, who took delight in admiring each artwork, with a fondness for the snowy scenes of December.
In 2015, at the age of 68, Nicole’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, a condition she had witnessed in her own father years before. Despite the challenges that came with the disease’s progression, her mother maintained a positive attitude, even as memory loss and physical limitations took their toll.
Over the years, as the disease advanced, Nicole’s parents relocated to an Ottawa retirement home, and eventually, her mother moved to a memory care unit. Despite her mother’s diminishing cognitive abilities, the tradition of the calendar continued, symbolizing a connection to cherished memories of the past.
As time passed, Nicole’s mother’s condition deteriorated, reaching a point where she could no longer engage with the calendar or even recognize the images. Despite these heartbreaking changes, Nicole continued to order the calendar each year, finding solace in the routine and the memories it evoked.
In the present day, Nicole faces the emotional challenge of visiting her mother, who is often unresponsive and lost in her own world. The act of flipping through the calendar and sharing its artwork with her mother provides a sense of purpose during these visits, offering a touchstone to their shared history and traditions.
Although her mother may no longer actively participate in the tradition, Nicole believes that the love and care behind the gift still resonate on a deeper level. By surrounding her mother with familiar comforts, like the beloved calendar, Nicole hopes to create a sense of home and connection, transcending the limitations imposed by the disease.
In a situation where much feels beyond control, the annual ritual of the calendar symbolizes hope, comfort, and continuity amidst the turmoil of Alzheimer’s. For Nicole, this simple yet profound gesture serves as a reminder of the enduring power of love and the importance of nurturing spiritual connections in the face of adversity.