Nicole Robichaud, a lawyer and caregiver from Ottawa, reflects on the enduring significance of a folk art calendar in her family’s Christmas tradition. For more stories like this, refer to CBC’s First Person FAQ..
Nearly three decades ago, the tradition of gifting a folk art calendar to Nicole Robichaud’s mother began, with the calendar becoming a cherished annual present. In her childhood in Toronto, amidst festive celebrations, her mother’s admiration for the colorful paintings, especially December’s snowy scenes, stood out.
In 2015, at 68 years old, Robichaud’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, having previously supported her father through the same condition. Despite the challenges of memory loss and cognitive decline, her mother’s positivity and resilience shone through.
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Over the years, as the disease progressed, Robichaud’s parents relocated to a retirement home in Ottawa, and eventually, her mother moved to the memory care unit due to her escalating needs. Even as her mother’s condition deteriorated, the tradition of the cherished calendar continued.
Despite her mother’s reduced cognitive abilities and physical limitations, Robichaud found solace in moments of humor and connection, such as her mother’s delight in imaginary visits from the Queen.
