Nicole Robichaud, a lawyer and caregiver based in Ottawa, shares her personal journey with her mother’s Alzheimer’s disease and the enduring tradition of a folk art calendar in their family. The calendar, a recurring gift for nearly three decades, has been a cherished part of their Christmas celebrations. Despite her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2015, the tradition continued as they navigated the challenges of the disease together.

Over the years, as the disease progressed, Robichaud’s mother’s condition deteriorated, and she eventually moved to a memory care facility. Despite her mother’s diminishing ability to engage with the calendar, Robichaud continued to purchase it annually, finding solace and purpose in sharing the familiar scenes with her mother. The calendar, symbolizing love and connection, remained a constant in their evolving relationship, providing a sense of continuity and comfort amidst the difficulties of Alzheimer’s.

As Robichaud faces the emotional toll of witnessing her mother’s decline, she finds strength in the ritual of turning the calendar’s pages, believing that her gestures of love and tradition resonate with her mother on a deeper level. In the face of the challenges posed by Alzheimer’s, the calendar serves as a beacon of hope, offering a source of solace and continuity in their shared journey. Despite the limitations of the disease, Robichaud remains committed to upholding this cherished tradition, finding meaning and connection in these simple yet profound moments.

The enduring presence of the calendar symbolizes resilience, love, and the power of familial bonds in the face of adversity. Through this annual ritual, Robichaud honors her mother’s legacy, creating a sense of home and belonging in a world altered by Alzheimer’s. As she looks ahead to the next year, she finds comfort and purpose in the act of turning the page, embracing the continuity of their shared history and the enduring power of love and tradition.