A widower has penned a heartbreaking tribute to his wife who died unexpectedly as they were getting ready for their son's first day of preschool.
Lauren Watts, a 40-year-old mom from Queensland, Australia, sadly passed away on Tuesday morning, leaving behind her husband Drew Duncan and children Olivia, Will, Jimmy, and Jude.
Her husband is yet to reveal how exactly his beloved wife died, but he has written a poignant open letter to his late wife.
"My love, my partner in life, my partner in crime (before the kids came along) and amazing Mum to our kids," Duncan wrote on Wednesday, per the Daily Mail.
"You were the heart of our family, and kept it beating with your love. Unfortunately, I think you must have used up all of your own beats on everyone else," Duncan continued. "You kept fighting for the best for all of us when c**p cards kept getting dealt our way."
"Your passion was on show in everything you did. You always put everyone before yourself. You worked harder than anyone should have to to make our family, your career and our life together."
"We had more challenges than most, and met them head on together... Love you, Baby. For ever and ever."
In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe has been set up by Jacqueline Lawson, a friend of Watts, to cover funeral costs and to help support Duncan's family financially while he takes time off to support his grieving family.
The description for the fundraiser reads: "On 24th January, Lauren Watts was taken far too soon at the young age of 40. Lauren was full of life and love. Even through the difficulties life threw at her, she never stopped smiling and laughing. Her caring spirit was felt by all who knew her.
"Drew and Lauren spent a lifetime together and built a wonderful family. They stood together facing everything the world could throw at them.
"Drew not only lost his partner, but their 4 young children, Olivia, Will, Jimmy, and Jude, lost their wonderful mother.
"We are starting this GoFundMe as a way that people can help Drew and the kids to be able to take the time they need to say their goodbyes. The money will hopefully help them pay funeral costs, and maybe some bills whilst they hold each other and figure out their way forward."
"Thank you for contributing and if you know anyone who might want to contribute or you could share this, it would help a hurting family greatly."
Lawson concluded the description by paying tribute to Watts, saying the "world is a little less sunny without" her "light".
The fundraiser has surpassed its initial goal of $30,000 by $648 at the time of writing.
Our thoughts are with Watts' family at this difficult time.
