Nicole Robichaud, an attorney and caregiver in Ottawa, shares her personal journey with a cherished family tradition that has evolved over the years. Nearly three decades ago, a folk art calendar became a staple Christmas gift within her family. Despite the onset of Alzheimer’s in her mother in 2015, the tradition of gifting the calendar persisted as a reminder of happier times.
Transitioning from joyful holiday celebrations in Toronto to navigating the challenges of Alzheimer’s in later years, the calendar remained a constant in Robichaud’s mother’s life. With disease progression, moving to a retirement home and later to a memory care floor, her mother’s connection to the calendar faded as her condition worsened.
Despite the heartbreaking changes in her mother’s health, Robichaud continued the tradition of buying the calendar each year. Finding solace in the routine, she now uses it as a way to connect with her mother during visits, even though verbal communication is no longer possible. The calendar serves as a symbol of love and a link to their shared past, providing a sense of purpose and continuity amidst the challenges of Alzheimer’s.
In the face of a debilitating illness, Robichaud finds comfort and hope in the simple act of turning the page on the calendar, symbolizing her enduring connection to her mother and their shared family traditions. Through this annual ritual, she expresses her belief in the power of love and spiritual connection, offering a sense of peace and familiarity to her mother in a world where memories fade but love endures.