Nicole Robichaud, a lawyer and caregiver from Ottawa, reflects on the longstanding tradition of a folk art calendar in her family, gifted to her mother nearly 30 years ago. Every Christmas, this calendar has been a cherished present in their household.
Growing up in Toronto, the holiday season was always joyous for Robichaud’s family. The art calendar held a special place in her mother’s heart, with each colorful painting, especially December’s snow-filled scenes, being admired with fondness.
In 2015, at the age of 68, Robichaud’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Despite the challenges that followed, she remained positive and tried to stay cheerful.
Over the years, as the disease progressed, her parents relocated to a retirement home in Ottawa and later to a memory care floor. Even as her mother’s condition deteriorated, the calendar remained a constant presence.
As time went on, her mother’s ability to engage with the calendar diminished. Despite this, Robichaud continued the tradition of ordering it each year, finding solace in the routine it provided during her visits.
The calendar serves as a purposeful connection to her mother, even in moments of limited communication. It symbolizes enduring love and family traditions, offering a sense of comfort and familiarity to her mother amid the challenges of Alzheimer’s.
Through this simple act of gifting the calendar annually, Robichaud finds a way to express her spiritual beliefs and provide a source of hope and comfort amidst the uncertainties of the disease. The tradition continues to be a meaningful and unchanging thread in their evolving relationship.
