(DailyAnswer.org) – Meredith Gaudreau, widow of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, shared an emotional surprise at a memorial for her husband and his brother, Matthew, on Monday. She revealed that she is expecting their third child. Johnny, who played for the Columbus Blue Jackets, passed away in a tragic accident just weeks ago, but Meredith said she was able to tell him the news before his death, and his reaction brought her great comfort.
At the service, Meredith spoke about the joy of their family life, saying, “John and I had the best six months as a family of four. These will forever be the best six months of my life. There’s one week in particular that I will cherish forever. It will always be my favorite.”
She then announced, “We’re actually a family of five. I’m in my ninth week of pregnancy with our third baby.” She called the pregnancy an unexpected blessing and reflected on their short but full marriage. Their oldest child, a girl, will soon turn 2, and their youngest, a boy, was born earlier this year. Meredith added, “In less than three years of marriage, we’ve created a family of five. How lucky am I to be the mother of John’s three babies? Our last one being such a blessing despite these heartbreaking circumstances.”
Johnny and Matthew were both killed in a bicycle crash in Salem County, New Jersey. They were struck by a suspected drunk driver, Sean M. Higgins, just one day before their sister Katie’s wedding. Higgins has been charged with two counts of death by auto, along with reckless driving and other related charges.
Adding to the family’s heartbreak, Matthew’s wife, Madeline, is also pregnant.
The hockey community has rallied around both families. A fundraiser for Madeline has already raised over $350,000. While the pain is immense, both families are finding hope in their growing families, even as they cope with such unimaginable loss.
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