Plus, Meredith Gaudreau has written a wrenchingly beautiful essay about her life with her late husband, NHL star Johnny Gaudreau. What you may not know is that he played for the Calgary Flames and the Columbus Blue Jackets. In her heartfelt tribute, she recounts their first meeting, describes her love for him, and expresses gratitude for their family life together.
In the essay, Meredith recalls meeting Johnny for the first time, stating, “I remember how everyone gravitated toward you. Everyone wanted to be near you. To see you. And I was like, Who is this guy? I didn’t know a thing about you.” This initial encounter marked the beginning of a beautiful relationship that would lead to their marriage and the birth of their three children: Noa, Johnny Jr., and Carter.
Carter’s arrival on April 1 came barely two months before Meredith penned this moving essay. In the essay, she spoke directly to her dearest husband. She respects Johnny’s devotion to fatherhood. He’s totally devoted to Noa and Johnny Jr., and his devotion to Calgary makes an even bigger impression on her. “You were the best spouse, my life partner forever. Happy first Father’s Day as a father of three!” Meredith wrote in her tribute.
Now as she finds her way through life without him, Meredith co-leads The John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation with Johnny’s family. Beyond Pekel’s advocacy, she has written updates about the growing Gaudreau family, chronicling an unexpected, ever-deepening bond forged from their shared legacy.
In her essay, she expresses an immense sense of gratitude for the time they had together. “Thank you for the very best years of my life. Thank you for making us a family. Thank you for being my best friend, my favorite person, the man of my dreams. I love you so much. Forever and ever,” she wrote. This expression of love embodies the deep connection they shared, even as she faces the challenges of raising their children alone.
Meredith acknowledged the priceless influence of their family and communities. Of all the praise, they were most encouraged by the support shown from Calgary and Columbus over this difficult time. “I’m so sad you don’t get to meet your son,” she cried, stating that baby Carter looks just like his dad. Every time I look at him, I think of you and that can’t be helped. Each time he rewards me with the big smile that makes it all worthwhile! She said these things, and John, I wish you could have held him. I think about it every day.”
Meredith concluded her essay with a poignant reminder of her shock at losing Johnny, stating simply, “There aren’t any words to go here. I was in shock.”
