Nicole Robichaud, a lawyer and caregiver in Ottawa, reflects on the enduring tradition of a folk art calendar that has been a part of her family’s Christmas celebrations for almost three decades. The calendar, a cherished gift given to her mother annually, holds sentimental value as a reminder of past holiday seasons filled with joy and togetherness.
In 2015, at the age of 68, Robichaud’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Despite the challenges posed by the progressive nature of the illness, Robichaud’s mother remained positive and resilient in the face of increasing cognitive decline. Over the years, as the disease advanced, her mother’s ability to engage with the calendar diminished, eventually reaching a point where she could no longer appreciate the artwork.
As her mother’s condition worsened, Robichaud continued the tradition of ordering the calendar each year. The act of turning the pages and sharing the images with her mother during visits provided a sense of purpose and connection, even in moments of limited communication. The calendar, once a source of shared joy, now serves as a symbol of enduring love and familiarity in the midst of a challenging journey.
Despite the profound changes in their relationship brought about by Alzheimer’s, Robichaud finds solace in the belief that the act of giving the calendar communicates a deep sense of love and connection that transcends verbal communication. In the midst of uncertainty and loss, the tradition of the calendar offers a sense of continuity, comfort, and hope for the future.