16 days. In 16 days it will be the one year anniversary of Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau’s tragic passing. On August 29, 2024, the hockey community was heartbroken when the brothers were tragically hit and killed by an alleged drunk driver while they were biking in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. A year on, both families and the sports community continue to feel the loss. Johnny, who made it to the NHL All-Star game seven times, and Matthew, a former professional player turned youth hockey coach, were fondly remembered for their skills on the ice and their dedication as loving husbands and fathers. But even amidst the grief, the Gaudreau family have found pockets of joy.

Meredith and Madeline Gaudreau, their widows, have been navigating the tough journey of raising their kids on their own, all while dealing with the huge gap that their husbands’ absence has created. Nearly a year after the crash, Madeline Gaudreau shared her experiences about the everyday struggles of raising their son, Tripp Matthew, who arrived four months after Matthew’s passing.

During an emotional conversation with ABC News’ Will Reeve, Madeline shared the touching milestones of fatherhood that her husband sadly missed out on. “My father-in-law watches Tripp during the day when I work, so he’s like, you know, his favorite toy is a hockey stick. I need to take him to the rink, but that’s challenging just because I knew Matt was super excited to do that with Tripp,” she said, her voice stuffed with emotions.

Introducing their son to the sport Matthew loved has turned into a bittersweet reminder of what could have been—a dad sharing his passion with his kid. She talked about how she writes letters to Matthew every night, filling him in on their son’s milestones, like getting his first teeth and his new love for hockey sticks. It’s a sweet routine that highlights her everlasting bond with her late husband.

With the one-year anniversary of the tragedy coming up, Madeline’s words really hit home: grief isn’t just about what is lost, but also about the life that goes on around it. For Tripp, hockey is definitely a big part of his legacy, but the rink will always carry the sound of a father’s unfulfilled dreams. However, the interview isn’t the first time she has shared the emotional hardships she is going through without the presence of her husband.

Madeline’s never-ending love for her late husband Matthew Gaudreau

Madeline Gaudreau showed her deep love for her late husband, Matthew Gaudreau, in her touching thoughts almost a year after his tragic passing. The couple met when they were teenagers and spent 15 years together, three of which were as husband and wife. They created a life focused on shared dreams and strong support for each other.

So, after the hockey star’s unexpected passing, their son, Tripp, has really become a living reminder of Matthew’s legacy. She frequently posts memories of her husband on social media, like a touching Instagram story where she said, “But if you ask me what he truly means to me … He is the one who knows me-every part of me. He has seen my best and my worst, yet his love has never wavered.”

These moments in their relationship show a love that goes beyond tragedy. Madeline keeps Matthew’s memory alive with little acts of remembrance, like holding onto the name they picked for their son and celebrating the milestones Tripp hits without his father.