Crepe Girardeau: A Heartwarming Story of Community, Resilience, and Honoring a Life Lost

In the heart of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, a food truck named Crepe Girardeau is serving up more than just delectable crepes. It's a place where a simple gesture has the power to bring light and healing to those who have experienced unimaginable loss.

Honoring a Life, Nourishing the Soul

A Tribute to Baby William

At the Riverfront Farmer's Market, the Crepe Girardeau food truck is a familiar sight, even on rainy Saturdays. But behind the savory and sweet crepes, there's a story of profound grief and the transformative power of community. Isabelle Schott, the owner of Crepe Girardeau, has created a menu item that pays tribute to a life lost too soon – "The William."The story behind "The William" begins with Sarah and Ross Freeman, who were eagerly anticipating the arrival of their first child in 2021. However, their joy turned to unimaginable heartbreak when, at 37 weeks pregnant, Sarah experienced a stillbirth. Their baby, William, had passed away due to a listeria infection. The loss was sudden and devastating, leaving the Freemans grappling with the unthinkable.

A Gesture of Compassion and Remembrance

In the midst of their grief, the Freemans found solace in the support of their community, including their friend Isabelle. Recognizing the profound impact of their loss, Isabelle decided to create a crepe that would honor William's memory and keep his name alive. "The William" is a savory crepe made with local sausage, local eggs, chihuahua cheese, avocado crema, sriracha, local green onions, and cilantro – a combination that reflects the Freemans' love for their son.Isabelle's thoughtful gesture has had a profound impact on the Freemans and the community. Every time someone orders "The William," Sarah and Ross are reminded that their son's legacy lives on. "It's amazing that people go up and order and his name is said again and again and again. That's a fear of parents who have lost a child that they will be forgotten," Sarah shared.

Healing Through Community

The Crepe Girardeau food truck has become a place of healing and connection, not just for the Freemans, but for others who have experienced similar losses. Isabelle recounts a conversation with a customer who had lost his own daughter, and how sharing their stories brought a moment of pause and reflection. "I'm telling William's story. He [the customer] said he lost his daughter at a month old and you know that sparked from talking about a crepe and of course I have to ask, 'What was your daughter's name?' And he said 'Eleanor' and it gives you a second to pause, 'Eleanor.' Like I'm thankful to be serving more than just crepes," Isabelle said.The Freemans have since welcomed their daughter, Caroline, into the world, a light that has helped them navigate the grief of losing William. But the memory of their firstborn son remains a constant presence, and the Crepe Girardeau food truck continues to be a place where his name and story are honored.

A Lasting Legacy

The story of "The William" is a testament to the power of community, compassion, and the enduring love of a family. Isabelle's creation has not only provided comfort and healing to the Freemans but has also touched the lives of countless others who have experienced similar losses. As long as "The William" is served at the Crepe Girardeau food truck, William's memory will live on, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the light of community can guide us through.