NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – During the holiday season, people often hear the classic phrase, “it is better to give than to receive.” But when caring for a loved one, the expectations can carry a special burden.
Norfolk resident Jacky Robinson cares for her son Knox Garvin, who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma three years ago, at their home. Garvin is also on dialysis and has a weakened immune system.
“[Garvin] used to teach,” Robinson said. “He was teaching at Norfolk Academy when he got diagnosed.”
Robinson told 10 On Your Side’s Tom Schaad about the difficulties of getting the family together during the holidays.
“It’s difficult for me to arrange with my other two children, my daughter, Grace, and my other daughter who lives in North Carolina, to be able to get together family wise.”
Robinson said it is difficult because she doesn’t want to expose her son to germs that could make him even more sick. For Jacky Robinson, the holidays are all about compromise.
“We make up for it,” Robinson said. “We get together whenever weather is warm and we’ll have lunches and stuff and get together and talk. And I get to see the kids.”