William Michael Freeman, the first child of Sarah and Ross Freeman, and grandson to Cindy and Michael Lamb, and Susan Sheets and Michael Freeman, was brought into the loving embrace of our Lord and Savior Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021. Deeply loved from his conception, his life on earth was brought short due to an umbilical cord tragedy at 37 weeks, 1 day gestation. A perfectly healthy baby boy who was determined to be perfect by his parents (and the nursing staff at that), he was 19.5 inches long and weighed 6 pounds, 13 ounces.

Although their dreams are now nightmares, their hopes despair, and their joy sorrow, his parents' love for William remains. And despite the fact they will never hear him giggle, or see his first step, or be able to watch him at his first sports game, their love for him will grow forever. And he will always be in their hearts and their minds.

Surviving William are his parents, four great-grandmothers, three grandmothers, two grandfathers, six aunts, seven uncles and five cousins. He was and is so loved.

A private memorial service will be held Sept. 25 at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

If you would like to support others in this situation, please consider donating to Southeast Health Foundation -- Share. All donations to this particular fund will help provide support for bereaved and grieving parents. Checks may be sent to 1849 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, or you may donate online on their Facebook page at facebook.com/groups/1244312469327138/.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.

His family says: "We love you, William. And we will all go on that long fall walk someday."