Nicole Robichaud, a lawyer and caregiver based in Ottawa, reflects on a cherished family tradition that revolves around a folk art calendar gifted to her mother annually for nearly three decades. The calendar, a constant in their Christmas celebrations, holds sentimental value as a source of joy for her mother, who has been battling Alzheimer’s since 2015.

Despite the progression of the disease and her mother’s declining cognitive abilities, Robichaud continues to purchase the calendar each year. The act of turning the pages and sharing the colorful images with her mother during visits provides a sense of purpose and connection to their shared past. While her mother may no longer be able to engage with the calendar in the same way, the tradition remains a poignant reminder of their enduring bond and family traditions.

As Robichaud navigates the challenges of caring for her mother in advanced stages of Alzheimer’s, the annual ritual of gifting the calendar serves as a symbol of love, continuity, and hope. It represents a constant in their evolving relationship and a tangible expression of her unwavering commitment to providing comfort and familiarity in her mother’s world.

In the face of the uncertainties and hardships posed by the disease, the simple act of sharing the calendar transcends its material form, embodying Robichaud’s spiritual beliefs in the enduring power of love and connection beyond physical limitations. Looking ahead to the new year, she finds solace in the ritual of turning the page to 2024, embracing the calendar as a beacon of light and source of solace in the midst of adversity.