Lawrence's letter read,
[To the family I can call my own, thanks to my son;
If you are reading this now, it could only mean that I am dead. I know it's going to be too sudden for you all to take in, but I hope you don't feel sad or guilty over my death. I don't want any of that for you. I'm sorry I didn't tell you all about the state of my health. I just couldn't bring myself to do that. I do not know if my heart will make it through the night, but if it does, then I will come to see you all one last time after my speech in the morning. But again, if you're reading this, it means I didn't make it. I am as disappointed in myself as I know you will all be when you hear that Dawn is my daughter. Forgive me.
To my dear son, Desmond: