Lawrence,
From the moment you were born your father and I knew you would be the complete opposite to William. Unlike your brother it took us hours to settle you each night, and then as you grew up holding your attention for more than a few moments was near impossible. However, it doesn't mean that we have ever loved you any less. We have always ensured you're both loved equally and fairly.
Having being bought up by two parents whom quite obviously no longer loved each other I always promised myself that my own children would feel loved and accepted for who they are. I hope you feel I achieved this. As you grew up we were all more than happy to indulge your new hobbies and interests in the hope it would give you some sort of direction in your life. Rugby, it turned out, is where your heart lay. Your skills on the pitch far outweighed any academic talent you showed. I know you won't mind me saying that because we have always spoken openly and frankly about it. Lawrence, you excelled in some subjects and in others it was a nightmare getting you to do the homework required. I wouldn't change a moment of it though. Seeing the world through your teenage eyes always was a beautiful experience.
As you have grown into this strong and thoughtful young man I see before me I have been blown away by the compassion you show to others. I can't pinpoint the exact moment you grew up; one moment you were moaning about going to school and the next you had moved out to train with the under 21's England Rugby team. Seeing your eyes light up when they accepted you to train with them made my heart burst with pride. You, my dear boy, had worked so hard to gain a place and your dream had come true. Then, weeks later, watching you walk onto the pitch in front of the tens of thousands at the stadium and then the millions watching from home, I knew this is what you were meant to do with your life.
Your acceptance of my marriage to Kate and the arrival of Flora-Grace proved to me that underneath that hard exterior was a boy with great emotion. We all love you so much. Flora idolises your existence and takes great pleasure in announcing to her friends that her big brothers plays for England, I'm not sure she completely understand what it means just yet though. We frequently find her running around in the oversized strip you bought her to grow into.
As for Kate and I, and your father along with William, we can't wait to see where your life will continue to take you. Helping you move into the house you had worked so hard to buy was monumental. I knew then you were no longer my little boy.
Yesterday I visited you at the private Harrogate hospital where we were greeted by the sight of you sitting in your private suite cradling your newborn daughter. Zara was lying in her hospital bed beaming ear-to-ear, the happiness written in her eyes. The role of dad suits you perfectly. I can only expect over the next eighteen years of your daughter's life you and Zara will create your own rules for parenthood; a fair but strict father with madness, love and laughter thrown in for good measure.
You make me beyond proud, Mr Lawrence Elliott.
Mum xx