Nicole Robichaud, a lawyer and caregiver in Ottawa, shares her personal experience with a longstanding Christmas tradition in her family. Nearly three decades ago, a folk art calendar became a cherished gift in their household. Despite her mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease, the tradition of gifting this calendar continued each Christmas.
In her youth in Toronto, holiday seasons were joyful for Nicole and her family. The art calendar stood out as a favorite for her mother, who would spend time admiring the vibrant paintings, especially the snowy scenes in December.
In 2015, Nicole’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the age of 68. Despite knowing the challenges ahead from her experience with her own father’s illness, she tried to maintain a positive outlook. Over the years, as the disease progressed, her parents relocated to a retirement home in Ottawa before her mother eventually moved to the memory care unit due to her worsening condition.
As the disease advanced, Nicole’s mother lost the ability to engage with the calendar she once cherished. Despite this, Nicole continued the tradition of ordering the calendar annually. The simple act of turning the pages and discussing the artwork during her visits gave her a sense of purpose and connection with her mother.
Even though her mother’s condition deteriorated to the point of being unresponsive, Nicole found comfort in upholding this tradition. She believed that the love and effort put into the gift were still felt by her mother on a deeper level, keeping their bond alive amidst the challenges of Alzheimer’s.
In the face of the unpredictability of the disease, the annual calendar gift symbolized hope, comfort, and a reminder of enduring family traditions. It served as a means for Nicole to express her spiritual beliefs and provide a sense of familiarity and love to her mother during a difficult time. Despite the hardships, she looked forward to continuing this tradition in the coming years.