THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, May 24, 1995 TAG: 9505240489
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY NANCY LEWIS, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Medium: 89 lines
Had Eric Lincoln lived, his father is certain the boy would have grown up to become a police officer.
The 4-year-old died peacefully Tuesday morning in his family home after a long and valiant struggle against leukemia. It was a battle that had taken half his young life.
When Eric heard the sirens of a sheriff's patrol car Sunday, he ``just loved it,'' his father said. A Norfolk Sheriff's Department cruiser came by so that the dying boy could enjoy one of his favorite sounds.
As the cruiser pulled away from the Lincoln home and its siren began the familiar wail, Eric was stretching his neck ``as high as he could'' and even managed a weak smile, said his father, Wayne Lincoln.
Eric wanted to be just like his dad when he grew up. Lincoln is a Norfolk deputy sheriff. The visit by the cruiser was arranged by Sheriff Robert McCabe, who was moved to help the Lincolns when he recently became aware of their tragedy.
Last week, McCabe told Wayne Lincoln to take as much time as he needed, with pay, to cope with his son's illness and death.
Unbeknownst to each other, both Wayne Lincoln and his 15-year-old son, Wayne III, had prayed Monday night asking God to take their beloved son and brother Tuesday, freeing him from his pain. Eric had undergone chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, but last month the cancer returned with a vengeance and doctors told the boy's parents that his death was imminent.
Wayne III had been picked up at Green Run High School Tuesday by family friends when it became apparent that Eric didn't have long to live. He arrived home just as his little brother passed away.
When Eric drew his last breath, Sherry Smith, wife of the family's pastor, was singing ``Jesus Loves Me'' and patting Eric's head.
Eric opened his eyes and looked at his mother, Sharon Lincoln, then closed his eyes in peace.
Sheriff McCabe was one of many who have been touched by the boy's struggle and have rallied to help the family.
Money from throughout Hampton Roads has poured into the memorial fund, which the Lincolns' fellow parishioners at Pembroke Manor United Church of Christ hope will help the families of other victims of terminal childhood diseases.
McCabe said that he plans to try to raise enough money to help the Lincolns pay off whatever portion of the roughly $500,000 in medical bills their insurance does not cover. And he will send the Lincoln family on a return trip to Walt Disney World.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation recently sent the family to the Florida resort so that Eric could meet Mickey Mouse, his fondest wish. Eric did meet Mickey, but he became so ill that the family had to return home three days early.
Wayne III didn't really get to enjoy the vacation, said his father. He was too busy helping to make his brother's dream come true.
The Lincolns also have received other help. Lee's Friends, a cancer support group, will pay for repairs on the family cars, which, like much else in their lives, had to be put on hold for two years.
Sherry Smith, whose devotion to the Lincoln family helped sustain them through the two-year struggle, said Tuesday, ``Eric's life and strength was a living testimony for so many people. He fought a good fight, and we all kept the faith. Eric instilled in all of us a lesson of perseverance and determination regardless of the consequences.''
Her husband, the Rev. Bruce Smith, said, ``As much as the church has done for Eric and his family, it pales in comparison with what he's done for us - his witness of strength and endurance.''
Eric's funeral will be at 3 p.m. Friday at Holloman-Brown Funeral Home's Lynnhaven Chapel. The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Eric Lincoln Memorial Fund, c/o Pembroke Manor United Church of Christ, 600 Independence Blvd., Virginia Beach, Va. 23462. ILLUSTRATION: [Color Photo]
Courtesy of the Lincoln family
Eric Lincoln and his father, Wayne Lincoln, share a moment at their
Virginia Beach home in happier times.
by CNB