It feels unfair that beloved star forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were taken from us 10 days ago. Unfair because we lost our leading scorer from each of the past two seasons - but more unfair because of the quality of the great men that died so young.
Today's memorial service was a reminder of that. As we watched and listened to Madeline and Meredith Gaudreau pour their hearts out, remembering their husbands in loving - often humerous - eulogies, I found myself appreciating the fact that we were even allowed to look into this window of their lives.
I can't imagine the strength it must have taken from them, to even put together such speeches over the last week or so. Let alone read them aloud in front of so many people.
This family owed the hockey world no more than what they'd already given us. As an NHL star, Johnny became a public figure; but remained extremely approachable and friendly to fans across the hockey world. While he didn't reach the same level of personal success on the ice, Matthew also dedicated his life to the sport; most recently getting involved with coaching.
Since the accident, we've been blessed with so many amazing stories about both of them: proof that family absolutely came first. Yet still, they allowed us to glimpse even further into their world. At their most vulnerable, emotional moments, we were allowed to tune in and grieve along with them.
For that, we should all be forever thankful. For Madeline, Meredith, and the rest of their friends and family to allow themselves to be open in such a public fashion, is an amazing thing. Today, we all felt like part of the Gaudreau family.
Which is exactly what Johnny and Matthew would have wanted. It was a beautiful service, and both men were proven to be loved and appreciated by so many people. Whether we knew them or not, they touched our lives in many ways.
We will always be thankful that Johnny chose Columbus, and remember the on-ice moments. But more so, now, we'll remember Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau for what they were off the ice. Men with tremendous family values. This memorial service was affirmation of that.