A surprising announcement made by Johnny Gaudreau’s widow at his memorial service has shocked many people online.
Johnny Gaudreau, a 31-year-old ice hockey player for the Columbus Blue Jackets, passed away recently. His memorial service was held on Monday, September 9, where his widow, Meredith Gaudreau, gave a touching eulogy.
In her speech, Meredith revealed that she is pregnant. This news has added a new layer of emotion to the already heart-wrenching event.
During her eulogy, Meredith Gaudreau talked about how much she treasures the six months she had with her late husband, Johnny Gaudreau, and their time together as a family. She highlighted one special week that stood out, saying, “There’s specifically one week that I will cherish forever — it will be my favorite week of my life out of those six months.”
Meredith then shared some surprising news: “We’re actually a family of five. I’m in my ninth week of pregnancy with our third baby.” She explained that the pregnancy was a “total surprise” and added, “John was beaming and so excited. His reaction was just immediately kissing me and hugging me.”
Meredith and Johnny Gaudreau also have a daughter, Noa Harper Gaudreau, born on September 30, 2022, and a son, Johnny Edward Gaudreau, who was born on February 22, 2024.
Meredith said, “It doesn’t even sound possible, but I see it as the ultimate blessing. How lucky am I to be the mother of John’s three babies? Our last one is such a special blessing, even in these difficult times.” She also told her kids how loved they were and continue to be by their late dad.
Upon hearing about Meredith’s pregnancy, people online expressed their sadness and offered condolences. One Facebook user commented, “This is heartbreaking ,” while another added, “So very sad. Condolences to all concerned.”
A netizen added, “So so tragic.” Another person wrote, “What a complete tragedy . All because one guy couldn’t wait to get home to get drunk. Hope he never drives again,” referring to the unfortunate circumstances surrounding Johnny and Matthew’s deaths.
The tragic accident occurred on August 29, the night before Katie Gaudreau’s wedding. Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were riding their bikes in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, when they were hit from behind by a suspected drunk driver. The driver, 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins, struck the brothers at 8 p.m., and both Johnny, who had played 10 seasons in the NHL, and Matthew were pronounced dead at the scene.
Sean M. Higgins faces serious charges following the tragic accident. He is charged with two counts of death by auto and reckless driving. He also faces additional charges for consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle and possessing an open container. Although his blood-alcohol level hasn’t been released yet, the criminal complaint notes that Sean failed a field sobriety test. He is currently being held in a Salem County jail.
When news of Johnny and Matthew’s passing became public, Johnny’s hockey team released a heartfelt statement on social media. They expressed their deep sadness over the tragedy and highlighted how much Johnny was loved and admired. The team praised Johnny’s talent and his impact on the team, reflecting on the profound loss felt by everyone who knew him.
The Columbus Blue Jackets shared a tribute to Johnny, saying, “Johnny played the game with great joy and a genuine love for hockey. From Boston College to the Calgary Flames, Team USA, and the Blue Jackets, he brought excitement to every team he played for. He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could.”
The Columbus Blue Jackets also sent their heartfelt condolences to Johnny’s wife, parents, children, friends, and all his loved ones. They emphasized that even though Johnny’s life was tragically cut short, the remarkable impact he made on his community and his career would be remembered and cherished forever.
Amid the outpouring of support from coaches and sports stars like NBA superstar LeBron James, who sent prayers to Gaudreau’s family, Meredith also shared a touching wedding anniversary post on Instagram on September 4.
As the Gaudreau family navigates through their immense grief, we extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers to them. Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau may no longer be with us, but their memory will forever remain in our hearts. Rest in peace.
My Friend Kicked Me Out of His Wedding, His Reason Stunned Me
So, I sold it. The buyer, Ben, seemed like a good guy—enthusiastic about fixing up the place. We shook hands, and just like that, the house, along with its memories, was no longer mine.
A week later, I received a letter via courier. To my surprise, it was in my grandfather’s handwriting. The paper was yellowed with age, as if it had been sitting, waiting for the right moment to be delivered. My hands shook as I opened it. The message was simple but intriguing: “Check the basement of the house.”
Without wasting time, I called Ben. “Hey, it’s Alex. I need to come by the house—there’s something I need to check in the basement.”
Ben, a little puzzled but still friendly, replied, “Sure, come over. The basement’s just as you left it.”
When I arrived, I barely recognized the house. Ben had already started making improvements. The yard was cleared, and the house had a fresh coat of paint. He greeted me at the door, and we headed straight to the basement. It was still dimly lit and musty, filled with cobwebs and old furniture. Ben watched me search, amused but curious.
“You sure your grandfather wasn’t just messing with you?” he joked.
I was beginning to wonder the same thing. But then, I noticed a loose brick in the wall. Behind it was a small, dusty box containing old letters and a key. Ben peered over my shoulder. “What do you think that key unlocks?” he asked.
“I’m not sure,” I replied. But I had a feeling it was important. After thanking Ben, I took the box and key home, determined to figure out the mystery.
The next day, I returned to the house with a plan. As Ben opened the door, surprised to see me again, I made a bold offer. “Ben, I’d like to buy the house back.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Really? I thought you said it was a burden.”
Taking a deep breath, I explained. “At first, I thought selling was the right choice. But after receiving my grandfather’s letter, I’ve realized this house means more than I ever thought. It’s not just a building; it’s part of my family’s history, a legacy I need to preserve. I can’t let it go.”
Ben considered for a moment. “Well, I’ve already put in a lot of work. You’d have to offer more than what you sold it for.”
I knew this wouldn’t be easy. “How about five grand more?”
Ben shook his head. “Not enough. The market’s good, and I could sell it for a profit. How about twenty grand more?”
My heart sank. Twenty grand was a lot. But I couldn’t lose the house now. “Deal,” I said, though it hurt to agree.
Over the next week, I finalized the paperwork to buy the house back. During this time, I met Clara, a local historian with a passion for old homes. Over coffee, I shared the story of my grandfather’s house, and she was instantly intrigued.
“Your grandfather sounds incredible,” Clara said. “If you ever need help restoring the house or researching its history, I’d love to assist.”
I gratefully accepted her offer. Clara’s enthusiasm breathed new life into my project. Together, we spent hours sifting through old documents, photos, and memories, piecing together the story of the house and its significance.
Finally, with the house back in my name, I returned to the basement, key in hand. Moving aside an old wardrobe, I discovered a hidden door. The key fit perfectly. Behind the door was a small room, and in the center was a modest chest. My heart raced as I opened it, expecting treasure.
Instead, I found a letter in my grandfather’s familiar handwriting and an old poker chip.
The letter read: “I knew you would sell the house, you fool! I always taught you to honor your ancestors and remember your roots. Yet, you sold it off without a second thought. Let this be a lesson to you.”
At the bottom, in a playful tone, it said: “P.S. I put something in here, so here’s an old poker chip—worthless! Consider it a lucky charm.”
I sat there, the letter in hand, disappointed at first, but then understanding hit me. My grandfather, ever the trickster, had orchestrated this whole experience to teach me a valuable lesson. The house wasn’t just about property or money—it was about honoring the past and valuing what truly matters.
With a renewed sense of purpose, I decided to keep the house and turn it into a family retreat. What I once saw as a burden now felt like a treasure—a connection to my roots and a place where future memories would be made.
Over the months that followed, the house underwent a transformation. With Clara’s help, I restored it, blending its old charm with fresh beginnings. The house, once dilapidated, became a place of laughter and love—a symbol of family heritage.
As the final touches were added, Clara and I grew closer, spending more and more time together. The house wasn’t just a part of my past anymore—it had become a symbol of our future, a place filled with love, memories, and the lessons my grandfather had so cleverly imparted.
In the end, my grandfather had left me far more than a house. He’d left me a legacy, a lesson about family, roots, and the importance of holding on to the things that truly matter.
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