Columbus, Ohio (WSYX) — Ahead of Father’s Day, Meredith Gaudreau has published an emotional letter to her late husband, Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau, in The Players’ Tribune.
The essay offers an intimate reflection on their love story, life as young parents, and her grief following the deaths of Johnny and his brother-in-law Matthew last year.
In her letter, Meredith recalls their first meeting in Avalon, summers in Calgary during Johnny’s time with the Flames, and their decision to move to Columbus to be closer to family. She describes their joy in welcoming daughter Noa and sons Johnny Jr. and Carter, calling Johnny a devoted, hands-on father and a gentle, loving husband.
“I promise you I will raise them to be the best versions of themselves,” she writes. “They will know how remarkable their dad was.”
The letter also recounts the tragic day last August when Johnny and Matthew died by a suspected drunk driver in their home state of New Jersey while riding bikes a day before the family was planning to gather for their sister’s wedding, leaving Meredith and her sister-in-law Madeline to raise their children without their partners.
Meredith writes candidly about her pain, but also about the strength she finds in her children and the support from the hockey community.