Nicole Robichaud, a lawyer and caregiver based in Ottawa, reflects on her family’s enduring Christmas tradition involving a folk art calendar that has been a constant for nearly three decades. The calendar, a cherished gift to her mother each year, holds sentimental value as a reminder of past joyful holiday seasons in Toronto with her family.

In 2015, at the age of 68, Robichaud’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, a condition she had previously witnessed in her own father. Despite the challenges that came with the progression of the disease, Robichaud’s mother remained resilient and optimistic, adapting to changes with a positive attitude.

Over the years, as her mother’s condition advanced, adjustments were made in their living arrangements, eventually leading to her mother residing in a care facility. Despite her mother’s diminishing ability to engage with the calendar or even recognize its significance, Robichaud continued the tradition of gifting it each Christmas.

As her mother’s cognitive abilities declined, Robichaud found solace in the routine of sharing the calendar with her during visits, even though her mother’s responses became limited. The act of turning the pages and discussing the artwork served as a meaningful connection to their shared past and family traditions.

For Robichaud, the annual ritual of presenting the calendar symbolizes a deeper connection beyond the physical realm, conveying love and familial ties that transcend the challenges posed by Alzheimer’s. Amidst the uncertainties brought by the disease, the calendar serves as a source of comfort, purpose, and hope, embodying a belief in the enduring bond between loved ones.

Looking ahead to the coming year, Robichaud anticipates the simple yet profound act of turning the page to 2024, embracing the continuity of this tradition that embodies compassion, resilience, and unwavering love within her family.