Tulsa Mother Honors Son’s Story Through Special Donation To Library

A Tulsa mother makes a big donation to the Tulsa City-County Library in honor of her son.

Library employees said they are doing something special inside of each book to make sure a little boy’s story is read by as many people as possible.

The goal was to collect 377 books.

"We dropped off 407," said Sam and Lincoln’s mom Sydney Meeks, "The goal that we set was 377, one for every day that Lincoln was alive."

Lincoln is Sam’s big brother. Sam is helping his mom honor Lincoln on what would have been his 3rd birthday.

"A therapist once told me that parenting doesn't end when Lincoln died, that I have to find a new way to parent him and his memory,” Sydney said. “So this was a great way to honor that and to celebrate his life and his love of books.”  

A new book for a child for every day Lincoln was alive.

“We want to do something special and not make it a sad day. We wanted to do something happy for him," said Sydney.

After 377 beautiful days on this earth, Lincoln passed away.

"Happiest child--biggest belly laugh that you can imagine. Brightest smile. Big blue eyes and hair- lots and lots of hair," said Sydney.

Now, his mom is trying to do all she can to spread awareness for SUDC, Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood.

"It receives no research dollars from the federal government. It is all privately funded research and I don't want any parent to have to experience what we have," said Sydney.

Lincoln went to the library every week. He loved to read. Now kids all over the community will be able to read some of the books that made Lincoln laugh, that helped his mom and dad explain the new family dynamic to Sam.

"We got several copies in English and Spanish," said Sydney.

"Every single person who got involved in this project has been incredibly, incredibly touched by the fact that we are going to be able to be involved in remembering Lincoln," said Sarah Peterson, System Wide Products Director for the Tulsa City-County Library.

Inside every one of these books will be Lincoln's name and a little bit of his story.

"The books will be spread out through the whole county and we just want to make sure his reach is far and wide and that as many kids as possible get the chance to read and enjoy these books," said Sarah.

“It makes my momma heart happy," said Sydney.

If you end up checking out one of Lincoln's books at the Tulsa Library, his family would like you to post a picture of the book on social media with the #lovefromlincoln.

For more information on Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood, visit this website here.