Nicole Robichaud, a lawyer and caregiver from Ottawa, reflects on the enduring tradition of a folk art calendar in her family. For nearly three decades, this calendar has been a cherished gift exchanged during Christmas in her household. Each year, the vibrant paintings captivated her mother, evoking a sense of joy and nostalgia, with December’s snowy scenes holding a special place in her heart.
In 2015, at the age of 68, Nicole’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Despite the challenges that followed as the disease progressed, Nicole’s mother remained positive, facing each day with resilience. The family eventually relocated to Ottawa, where her mother’s condition necessitated a move to a memory care facility. Even as her mother’s cognitive abilities declined, the tradition of the calendar persisted, a constant presence in their lives.
As time passed, Nicole witnessed her mother’s mental decline, reaching a point where she could no longer engage with the calendar or appreciate its artwork. Despite the heartbreaking reality of her mother’s condition, Nicole continued the tradition of purchasing the calendar annually. In the face of her mother’s immobility and limited responsiveness, the calendar served as a meaningful connection to their shared past.
Although verbal communication with her mother became increasingly difficult, Nicole found solace in turning the calendar’s pages each month, reminiscing about the shared love for the artwork. The act of sharing the calendar became a source of comfort and continuity in their relationship, offering a glimpse of the enduring bond between them. As Nicole navigated the challenges of caring for her mother, the calendar symbolized a tangible expression of love, hope, and spiritual connection during a difficult journey.
Despite the heartbreaking realities of Alzheimer’s disease, Nicole’s annual ritual of gifting the calendar remains a poignant reminder of the enduring power of love and tradition in the face of adversity. Looking ahead to the future, she finds solace in the simple yet profound act of turning the page to a new year, embracing the hope and resilience that the calendar represents in their shared journey.
