Alfie

My only boy Alfie Tomlin 

Passionate (nice way of saying temperamental!) sporty, emotional and a typical boy/man. His cheeky grin can melt you in seconds and all will be forgiven. Nan's favourite and can do no wrong in her eyes.

Named in honour of my amazing Grandad he was the longed after son to finish the brood (although I always felt/knew I wanted five children).

Alfie was kicking a ball before he could walk

Alfie taught me its in the genes the way we are. obsessed with a ball it was inevitable he would play football. Although not as good as his dad at football, i think his cricket talent is wasted. Unfortunately living where we do, gifted children often get overlooked, especially with the 'posh boy' sport of cricket. You have to be at private school to get into the county team. Something i could never afford to do.

With his mothers temperament we clashed regularly

Like red rag to a bull, being so similar, we would often fall out. So so stubborn and defiant, he is just like i was at his age. Once he has something in his head, thats it, thats what he is going to do. He stands by his principles and will not let anyone persuade him to do something he does not want to do. 

Especially when he made the choice to live full time with his dad. I was gutted beyond belief. I knew the day would eventually come,

But I wasn't ready for it

Alfie isn't the most tactful of people and like me, will shy away from difficult conversations so much so he will avoid them and not deal with situations honestly. Because of this he has taught me we have to have those conversations to progress in life and to prevent frustration and resentment.