Nicole Robichaud, a lawyer and caregiver in Ottawa, shares her touching experience with a special folk art calendar that has been a cherished part of her family’s Christmas tradition for almost three decades. The origin of the calendar’s presence in their home remains a mystery, but its annual appearance has brought joy to her mother throughout the years.
The festive calendar, adorned with colourful paintings, held a special place in Robichaud’s mother’s heart, especially during the holiday season. However, in 2015, her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, which gradually took a toll on her cognitive abilities.
Despite the challenges posed by Alzheimer’s, Robichaud’s mother continued to exhibit positivity and resilience in the face of her condition. Over the years, as the disease progressed, her mother’s ability to engage with the calendar diminished, eventually reaching a point where she could no longer appreciate its images.
Through various stages of the disease, including moments of delusion and reduced responsiveness, Robichaud remained steadfast in her commitment to preserving the tradition of the folk art calendar. Even as her mother’s condition deteriorated, Robichaud found solace in the continuity of this annual gesture, believing that it conveyed love and connected her mother to cherished family traditions.
The act of turning the calendar’s pages during visits became a meaningful ritual for Robichaud, offering a sense of purpose and connection amidst the challenges of interacting with a loved one afflicted by Alzheimer’s. Despite the changes in their relationship brought about by the disease, the tradition of sharing the calendar persisted as a symbol of enduring love and familial bonds.
As Robichaud navigates the complexities of caring for her mother, she finds comfort in the belief that the calendar serves as a reminder of the intangible connections that transcend physical limitations. Amidst the uncertainties and hardships associated with Alzheimer’s, the annual ritual of the folk art calendar represents a source of hope, comfort, and continuity in their shared journey.