Coffee Talk
Welcome to Elly's Coffee Talk, where every day we feature some of the comments we get from Lynn's devoted readers, and occasionally we'll share a message from Lynn herself. If you have a comment or a story that relates to FBorFW, please share it by clicking on "Spill Your Beans Here"!


Wednesday August 27, 2008
August 27, 2008

Dear Ms Johnston:

I never, ever write letters like this but I feel like time is running out for me to say this. I just wanted to say thank you for all your years of work and let you know how much your strip has meant to me and mine.

It's a very strange feeling, realizing that this comic strip is about to end.
I know, I know. People will say "it's just a comic strip" but it's been with me my entire life. In fact the very first page of my Baby Book after the hospital photo and lock of hair is a very brown and finger-smudged cut out of the "One cookie" strip.

When I was a kid Mom never cut out Family Circus, no, it was FBorFW that filled in the empty spaces between report cards, Grade A+ papers and our most recent artistic endeavors. I'm about the same "age" as Elizabeth (I'm 28) so we've kind of grown up together. All through middle school and junior high (Elizabeth had Anthony chasing after her, I had a kid called Ken chasing me from Grade 2 until well into our twenties). The bad boyfriends and close calls. The losing of old friends and finding new ones. The loss of grandparents and love/hate relationships with siblings. I went Michael's path though and went into Arts and Media, so even though he's "older" than me I still found strength and a lot of laughs in his starving artist days with Weed (my Weed lives in Seattle now, but she's still my best friend too).

It's very strange but when I think about it .... yeah, there have been a lot of parallels. I guess it goes to show, people are not snowflakes. ; )

Most importantly I wanted to let you know about the strength my family has taken from your work. We grew up in a very religious community and when my adopted-brother was thrown out of his parents house for coming out to them my Mom made him a scrapbook of Lawrence's "coming out" strips and let him move into the basement. If she hadn't he would have ended up on the street or in a Church-Run "Rehabilitation Camp". My father was opposed to it but - again - she used your strips to knock some sense and compassion into him. My brother's real parents took years to come around but Mom was always there for him. Years later when he was running his own clothing store and a success on his own terms he showed me one day over coffee that he had kept the scrapbook. He kept it in his messenger bag at all times (it still goes everywhere with him). He said every time he got beat up at school or his parents hung up on his calls or someone yelled something at him on the street just knowing that they were with him gave him the strength to hold his head up and never compromise on who he was and what he wanted.

I think that's a testament to the quality, realism and heart of FBorFW as much as it is to my mother's compassion and my brother's strength.

And now, after 28 years of waking up and reading the latest strip first thing over breakfast (even if breakfast has devolved from OJ and Sunny Boy into a jumbo coffee and cigarettes) it just feels very weird to know that there will only be 5 more new strips as of today. When you've lived in parallel with something for that long - even if it is imaginary - it's very humbling and saddening (is that a word?) to think that from now on you're going to have to walk the road alone.

So thank you from all of us. Your work has been a morning staple in two generations of my family's homes. It has made the mundane more poignant, the WTF? moments that much funnier, and the hard knocks easier to live with.

I want to wish you the absolute best of health, wealth and adventures in your retirement and just say Thank You.

You made my morning.

Emmy, Winnipeg MN

When my wife and I were married, my favorite Uncle was to sick to make it to the wedding. After our wedding we went to see him in our wedding attire. This really perked him up. I am so glad we did it. He passed away about a month later.
Lynn, thank you for 29 great years. We will miss your present time strips but look forward to reading the new ones.

Tom S, Chattanooga, TN


My great gradnfather was ill and in the hospital a couple of weeks before my mom got married. The plan was for her to stop by in her wedding gown before going to the church. She was his favorite and she would have it no other way. Unfortunately he died a week before, but he insisted that should anything happen to him that she carry on.

Liz is doing what I would have done. Grandpas are precious people.

Nikki, NJ


Right Liz, there is nothing wrong with Liz and Anthony stopping by the hospital on their way to the reception. An explanation from Elly nd John or Mike and Deanna about the situation should be okay with everyone. The reception can start and the brie and groom can arrive a bit later. Once they return to the reception then Elly and John could go visit. However, the entire bridal party with little kids and all shouldn't show up. It would be bit much for a guy who's just had a heart attack.

Marsha, Reno NV


I have read this strip for many years now and have always enjoyed it. The ups and downs of the Patterson's lives are as real as it gets for a comic strip.
I had always wanted Liz and Anthony to get together, and when it finally happened I was incredibly happy. With them finally getting married, it's probably the most enjoyment I've gotten out of any comic strip in awhile. I believe one strip had said their wedding colors were to be teal and lavender (right?) and that made this even sweeter as those were my wedding colors also, something my wife also thought was cool.
Take care, God bless, and keep the adventures coming.

Ray, West Covina, CA


Lynn, I have followed the Patterson's for many years. I just discovered this web site and am delighted with it. I am glad to see Anthony & Elizabeth finally get married. 1. we have the same 1st name and 2. like Elizabeth I went through some diasterous relationships before coming back to my best friend for over 20 years. We have been married 19 years this December. Like many others I am puzzled about Ellie's comments about her father. I think she is on overload because I think a bride's mother always feels like she is supposed to be hostess. But I have faith in Ellie that she will snap out of it and go with Elizabeth & Anthony who are doing the right thing. Of course now would be when she would notice her Grandpa isn't there. Walking down the aisle she would have only had eyes for Anthony. Keep up the great work.

Elizabeth M., Fresno CA


I am on the edge of my seat daily waiting to see what happens next. These people you draw have captured our hearts and attention and I thank you for all the years of enjoyment you have given us.

Kim J, Ontario


Lynn, you really are an artist to evoke emotions from all over the place from the stories you write and pictures you draw. I enjoy reading the positive and negative comments people write about the scenarios in the comic strips. For better or for worse, these situations do happen in the real-world and how people perceive them, and express their personal views is quite an exercise for people to reflect on their own beliefs, values, and morals.

I recently found some DVD's and VHS tapes of the cartoon series and watching them on the big screen, hearing the cahracter's voices and watching their interactions with each other brings these characters more to life.

Your use of real-time to present these real-life, everyday experiences is what allows your comic strip to uniquely stand above all the rest. I love the other comic strips that present real-life dramas and issues though the characters are frozen in time and it works for those comic strips. For Better or For Worse is reflection of the microcosm of a family shared with the entire reading audience.

Tim B, SF Bay Area, CA


It amazes me that a comic strip can make me cry. I really loved everything leading up to the wedding. I was so afraid I would miss it as we were on vacation, and i just found this wonderful web page. I lost my Mother at the same time Elly lost hers. In fact, i still have the strip where Elly asked her to watch over them.thank you so much for all the years of beautiful comic strips. You really are a part of our family. My Mother is the one who got me reading FBorFW. she's gone now, but I still read and when I do, I think of her. Thank you!

Beth M, IL


Lynn, how many times you must have heard: " I have never did this before" but this is true this time, I have never written to anybody but since I found out how your have been going for chages on your life I wanted to tell you as you have been there for me with your FBorFW, I wanted to be there for you. I lived for a long time in US and I discovered your family when Mike and Liz were such a cute funny kids and guess what? I fell in love with such warm real funny comic, I am the kind of person that I rather have a nice comic page that a cup of coffe to start my days.
I came a few years back to my country to have a vist to all my relatives that was 20+ years overdue, guess what I ran into my Elizabeth, an old friend that when we were teen we liked us but it was not posible and now we ran into each other again and now we are a happy married couple. I had followed your beautiful comic and I have been happy and sad and I have LOL at the office and I have cried too, but I know that when I say that your FBorFW is the BEST the VERY BEST "real life comic" I just saying the true. Thanks a lot Lynn for making all my life days so FUN since I have met you @-->-- Best regards,

Mowgli, El Salvador, Central America


Goodness where to begin!

I cannot express to you the love that I have for this 'fictional' family. They have been a part of my life for longer than some of my closest friends. I began reading them after visits to our local Library when my mom would take me and my sister after school while I was in grade one. Even then I always found them to be very funny and I related to Micheal and Elizabeth.

As I grew up it always seemed my major life milestones where mimicked by Elizabeth's. We had boy troubles, graduated from High School and University at the same time. We both have become teachers with jobs working with First Nations peoples. The only event that did not match up it seems is that I beat Elizabeth to the alter :)

My mom and I still share the experience of fbofw through the collections. She usually ends up picking it up and mails it off to me to read. These are collections that sit beside the Calvin and Hobbes and Farside Complete Collections with pride in my library. I look forward to sharing them with my children in the future.

Thank you for all the hard work and effort you have put can continue to put into this family.

Ashley D, Lethbridge AB


When Elly said "Do you have to go NOW?," I took that as "could you wait until later today."

Keep in mind... Liz has no idea of her grandfather's condition. She doesn't know how/why/what, so of course her first instinct would be to rush to the hospital immediately.

We, as readers, know what everyone knows... but, if you were in the story, only Elly, Phil and a few others knew Grandpa Jim was ill.

So, to all the people who say Elly should be kinder, or Liz is spoiled, I think the opposite. Elly wanted Liz to have a wonderful wedding... and Liz wants to share it with her grandfather.

Jim I, Bloomington, IN


I have been reading your comic for a very long time, Elly and I were both pregnant with our 'sunshine surpries' at the same time ... my son Aaron turned 17 in June. It was great to know I wasn't alone all these years with a little one at 40 .... I just turned 56, Elly is a year older than I am.
thank you so much for the support, I really wish she were next door !

Gwyn, Connecticut via New Brunswick


Thanks so much for you wonderful characters and continuing storyline of your outstanding strip. I've been following your work for a long time and have become very attached to the people you portray. You always have a punchline (it's a comic strip, isn't it?) but everything is done with heart and reality. You've taken the ideas of characters aging, as in 'Gasoline Alley', but have taken this further and with real heart. And your art has developed into a distinctive style that is a real treasure to view. Thanks again for everything and everyone!

Greg, Fairfield, California


Thank you, Lynn, for the stories and the lifelike characters. We've enjoyed your strip for many years, since our own "April" was very little. She too had pet rabbits - three are buried under our deck. She's now 25 and teaching special needs students. We've laughed and cried through the years as the events the Patterson's have gone through are so real. You are a talented, observant woman!! I'm glad the strips will continue - it will be fun to read the NEW 're-runs'!!

Karen G, Twin Cities, Minnesota


Lynn, this is for you:
August 24, day before yesterday, I read For Better or Worse before going to church.
I really appreciated and enjoyed it! That is really a great way to state what is supposed to be the reality of marriage! After church I asked the preacher if he took the local paper, he said he didn't. I told him to borrow from his neighbor and read it. It is actually a very good sermon!!! Keep up the good work, and God Bless You.

Bob J, Hoisington, KS


I just saw Wednesday's strip. Liz and Anthony in grandpa's hospital room... and grandpa is awake to see them... LOVE IT!!!

I do wonder where everyone else is though. Please tell me they're waiting outside in the hall for their turn.

Maybe it's just me but doesn't Anthony look much younger than Liz in the last month or so of strips? He kind of reminds me of that boy April is on and off with. Is this foreshadowing on April's future? Will she end up married to someone that is just like Anthony?

And when does school start in their neck of the woods? Where I live, kids went back to school on the 11th of this month. How could Liz's boss possibly be okay with her going on a honeymoon when school has only been in for 2 weeks? Most teachers I know avoided late August for this very reason.

And know that I think about... How could she has such a well put together wedding on such notice? The wedding thus far looks like it took over a year to organize. If a real person were to plan a wedding in 2 months, the event in no way be such a lavish affair mainly because most vendors do their booking well in advance. Even if they had friends and family that decided to gift their services, those people's resources would have to be short handed mainly because of the shortness of Liz and Anthony's engagement.

Toya, FL


Has anyone else noticed that lavender and teal are the wedding colors because they're the colors in the title letters "For Better or for Worse"? (slap on the forehead moment?)

Lillian, Seattle


Bless you, Lynn, you understand what happens at weddings. You realise that brides are so hassled, frantic, trembling, when they walk down that aisle they are lucky to see anybody, let alone everybody. And it is after the ceremony that they and their husbands are so busy signing the official documents that make their marriage legal. THEN they have the chance to see who is there and who is not, and that's exactly what happened with Liz when she saw that her beloved Granpa and Iris were not there. So she and Anthony left everyone and the falderols or the wedding breakfast to rush to Jim's bedside.
Lynn, whil I thought the celebrant's address to Anthony and Liz was brilliant and so moving, I did not cry, but there were tears in my eyes with Wednesday's strip.

And for the life of me I can't see what's wrong with lavender and teal. It beats the fashionable black for bridesmaids down under!

And if I might have just one little gripe, lucky the readers in north America who can read the strip with their morning brekkie and coffee, but down here in Australia I have to waaaaait until just before 6.00pm to read it. Darned time zones!

Shirley, North Sydney, Australia


When Elly asked Liz if she was going to the hospitol "now" was just a reaction from the exciting day. I knew as soon as Liz was able to speak to someone she would ask where her Grandfather was. i did think when Liz and tony walked through the door the grandpa would flash to his wedding picture because of the dress.

Lisa T, Tarpon Springs FL


Writers were concerned about Liz having her wedding without knowing about Grandpa first, but it worked out okay. It seemed like a long span of time on paper, but it looks like Elly found out about her father only an hour or so before the wedding, and Iris did say that he would recover completely. I'll bet Elizabeth and her mom made arrangements that Elizabeth would go see her grandpa for a short period of time, return to the reception, and then Elly could go see her dad while the reception went on without her.

My dad was 84 when my daughter got married, and he got very overheated and overwhelmed at her reception in a private party room at a large hotel, and my husband and I had to take him and my mom out to the car and drive him home before the reception was over. I was sorry to leave the reception of my only daughter, but life went on without me, and it wasn't the end of the world. My dad's leave-taking at the wedding was kind of stressful on the other guests because unlike Grandpa Jim he wasn't quiet and patient; he was cussing and yelling, but we got him out of the hotel reltively quickly, and I think the other guests understood. People know and are understanding about things like this even at a wedding. Incidents like this during a big event just become part of the landscape of our lives.

Karlie, US


I'm thrilled that Liz and Anthony went to the hospital to see Grampa Jim! 27 years ago, my husband and I did the same thing - we rushed to the hospital to see a dear old family friend who couldn't make the wedding. I still remember walking through the hospital and hearing people call out "It's a bride and groom! I saw a bride and groom walk by!".
Our friend was thrilled to see us and after, his wife said that our visit perked him up for days.
So good on you, Liz and Anthony - this visit to Grampa Jim will become part of your very special wedding memories.

Mary Anne S, Doha, Qatar (Middle East)


Grampa Jim's face says it all in the last panel of Wed. strip. He is very happy that Anthony and Liz came to the hospital. I knew the newlyweds would go to the hospital! It is their special day, and they know how special Grampa Jim is and how much he wanted to be at the wedding. In the midst of all the hoopla of the wedding preps, the "kids" have kept their priorities.
I remember taking a detour on my wedding day to the home of an elderly friend of the family. It seemed to be the most natural thing to do, since we had invited her,I knew she had wanted to attend, but couldn't due to her health on the day of the wedding. She was very happy that we came, and we knew that we had made her day by including her. Liz and Anthony have the rest of their lives to celebrate their marriage. Grampa Jim won't be here much longer, and they made an impression by their actions. See, people, they DO have hearts after all!
thanks for a great strip!!

Rose C, Massachusetts


Today's strip bought me nearly to tears. Seeing Elizabeth and Anthony at Jim's bedside in their wedding finery. That was very sensative and touching. It will be a memeory that Liz will cherish. The guests will understand and the festivities will continue on like most wedding until after midnight. So hear, hear Lynn. I was wondering if John, Elly, April, Michael and Deanna going to go up to the hopital? Has April & Michael been told about their grandfather? I hope that will be shown in the strip with maybe a family portrait done with grandpa Jim in it. It would be nice to see some more new material as to Liz and Anthony's life as a couple them bringing in the next generation with their own children. But ending on a high note with the wedding is great also.

Susan, Welland ON


Hi Lynn

Wow Liz's Wedding was a great story line. As so many relate to in this blog I too have followed the Patterson family through it all. I even really enjoyed the TV show, (Still do when I visit Canada). April was born 3 Months before my Oldest Elizabeth. Following the things Beth and April did at the same time was so great. I am looking forwrd to the NEW FBOFW comming next week but I will also miss the old. Good Luck! and I will keep on reading!

Fred, Michigan


I have loved FBOFW as long as I can remember. It has paralleled my own family's life in so many ways. It is a soothing balm to my soul. I go to it first thing in the paper, above the front page, metro or business section. I get tired of reading all the depressing newsbreaking items of the economy, elections etc. Sweet family life does exist and FBOFW brings all that home. The Washington Post ran its article about Lynn's new idea for her Sept comic strip and semi retirement. Wonderful, yes! I would love to relive some of the good old days with the Pattersons. I loved Anthony and Elizabeth's wedding. I felt like it was happening to my own family! Michael's successful new book and the the fact that Elly and John are enjoying being grandparents, just like us! They are family. I love reading ab!
out their adventures so much that the usual Christmas present to me from my husband is another book of past strips so I can enjoy them all the time.
Go Lynn!! Please never stop!

Linda, Woodbridge, VA


Well, Lynn -

Another beautiful tear-jerker. I admire Liz and Anthony for what they did. I would certainly do the same. My real grandfather is quite ill at the moment, and this one just struck a chord with me, so thank you!

Sarah, Montreal QC


Thank goodness Liz and Anthony realized there are more important things than wedding receptions. Things like being there for pun-happy grandfathers, for instance. It's actually kind of nice to see that Jim has kept his sense of humor about things. If this is his last day on earth, he should go out as he lived: making God-awful wordplay.

Paul J, Saint John NB


Lynn,
I don't know how you do it, but I'm simply in awe of FBFW. The story lines are real, rich and deep with the entire expanse of human emotions; the panels on Liz's wedding have been some of the best. And, as a fellow model railroader, I can honestly say no one draws a better railroad cartoon than you.
Your little strip is a real blessing in a world seemingly full of hate, violence, rampant narcissism, and ignorance. Thanks for finding the good in all of us, amplifying it, and sharing it.May God bless!

Dave C, Minneapolis, MN


Started reading FBorFW when it first appeared in the Detroit Newspapers. Loved it from the start. My tears flowed freely with the series containging the final days of Elly's Mother. I was reading them at the same time my mother was in her final days. So many of the panels have brought belly laughs, chuckles and tears. Enjoy looking back also. Keep up the good work, I will always be a faithful reader.

Judith B, Michigan


Each of us has a desire for a do-over on some situation in their life. This idea of yours is fantastic and I truly want to share the ride with you.

My very first tear for a situation was your strip and how it covered handled Farley.

Well, time for another cup of java. Love you Lynn.

Cesta A, Born, Bred Texan working in DC


Today's strip brought back memories of our own wedding. We were fortunate, wedding a bit later in life than most folks, to have three grandparents at our wedding. But our wonderful caterer, who was also a friend, had had to go to the hospital a couple of days before the wedding.

My mom didn't tell me, and she and the women of our church took over the reception and did a fabulous job. But after the wedding, mom told me (she hadn't, like Liz's family, wanted to worry or upset me before the ceremony.)

Well, my (new) husband and I knew there was only one course of action after the reception, and before the honeymoon. We had our driver drop us off at the hospital and brought our fresh selves, covered in bird seed and carrying cake, to our friend.

She, too, was delighted to be "part" of the wedding that day, and said the bird seed we left all over her bed kept her smiling the rest of the day. She recovered from that bout of trouble, and lived a few more years.

So thank you for bringing back a wonderful memory for me. I'm not at all surprised that Liz would leave her reception to be with her Grandad. That's just what folks do.

Stephanie, Atlanta GA


Perhaps a better name for the strip could be
"Life Goes On" After taking care of aging parents with children growing up I know you can't stop weddings or babies or life when loved ones are sick. You do the best you can as the Pattersons are. Yes, Anthony has been married before and that is not unusual anymore. Life is a tapestry of the good and sad.

Denise C


I am so glad to read that you are staying with the strip. While I will miss the progression of the characters I will enjoy the "retro vision". I didn't start reading FBOFW until the late 80's so it will all be new to me. I look forward to it and to not losing one of my favorite comics!

Diane, Falls Church, Virginia


Love it! Love it! Love! Liz and Anthony did not hesitate to go to Jim. He may be in the hospital but he still has his sense of humor. His face said it all - happy and proud to have them visit. You are the best, Lynn!

Sandy, Breckenridge, CO




Take me back to the top!

Tuesday August 26, 2008
August 26, 2008

It is amazing how many people write to you in this coffee talk section. You should be honored and proud that your Patterson family reach and touch so many lives.

I have also enjoyed the Patterson life for numerous years. Laughter, wondering, hoping, sorrow, all the emotions that one goes through with family and friends. To make "drawn" people become a part of so many lives, even if it is just for a few moments a day, speaks volume about your talent.

The death of Farley was the sadest story line for me. I still tear up when i read that story line. Also when April's pet rabbit past away while she was holding it just tore at my heart. The animals in your cartoon have been just as important to me as the people.

Didn't always agree with the story line, didn't always agree with the actions of charactors, didn't always like how some of the charators where drawn, but i ALWAYS read your cartoon first before reading any other thing in the newspaper, including sale ads!

Best wishes to you and your staff. Peace love happiness now and always.

KC M, Kansas


Was Shannon at the Wedding? I thought someon said SHE got married. that would be wonerful, but I wish we'd know sooner, she deserves ever hapiness! We almost cried for Elizabeth I would cry for sure for Shannon, a real "dark horse" bride. I have two such cousins myself and love nothing better than to think they could all have such happy lives with supportive friends like April. We've all read your comic for many years, Lynn, and are so glad for the conclusion. Esp. with a simple, tasteful celebration. Wish Grampa Jim could have seen it. Thank you again!

Lisette, Ohio


My grandmother was the one who got me interested in FBOFW back when I was a kid. Though she would never have accepted the Lawrence controversy had she lived to see it, the strip was a throwback to a long-gone era for me and while it's sad to see it go, the wrap-up brings a kind of a nice closure.

But listen, folks -- some of you are taking this WAY too seriously! Nonexistent families do not need to be congratulated (or speculated about)!

It's always been an interesting experience following this site and Lynn's press, because there's sometimes a huge gap between the feelings and characterizations Lynn envisioned and what I picked up in the strip. I was shocked to read Lynn being quoted in the press as saying Deanna "wasn't very likeable" or was "pampered, pampered, pampered". Nor had I noticed anything particularly different about Lawrence before he came out. I guess there's only so much that can be communicated in a cartoon, but regardless, it's always been an interesting diversion and I wish Lynn the very best in her future plans.

R.P. New York


Lynn, ever since the beginning your family has been so like my own. I thought someone in the family was a closet cartoonist or the "real" Lynn had been eavsdropping on us. The three children boy, girl, girl (with an age gap) have been so like yours, right up to the "See the rabbits" strip about Cedar Rapids. Even the pets brought similar laughs and tears. We all read you and lots of the strips were cut out and pasted on the frig or sent to dorm rooms. The kids are all wonderful adults now and our family is no longer complete, again we have followed the same path. I understood exactly what you were saying with "I promise" at the wedding. However, life does go on and so does our family. The youngest was married last year and the grandchildren are growing. We are struggling with cancer (my son) and I have moved out of the family home. Please don't give up on the Pattersons. So many people need to be assured that families do go on, even though the going is not always as anticipated. There will be plenty more to write about and we will be waiting for your humor to make it all more bearable. Thanks for all the years of sharing.

Nancy K, Amana Iowa


I've been doing some much-needed filing and came across a strip dated Nov. 5,2005. I kept it (along with lots of others) because Elizabeth's current boyfriend talked about his relatives believing every star represents a spirit of someone who has passed away. I hadn't heard that before, but my husband died in 1996 and shortly after, it came to me that he was now part of "Orion", so this strip had a special meaning for me.
Before we moved to the west coast, we lived in Dundas, Ont., just down the street from where Lynn lived and we walked our dog in the park behind her place - where Farley died.
It's been a wonderful journey with this family. Thanks so much.

Nancy O, Victoria BC


Okay, so about the wedding... I find myself in an interesting position. I feel the same way I did when my best friend from high school decided to marry a guy that I felt wasn't right for her. I wished she would open her eyes and see what was right in front of her, and the certain doom her union with him would entail, but at the same time, I couldn't bring myself to say anything about her wedding the man because after all, she was the one marrying the man, not me. So if he brought her happiness, what business is it of mine? She would be the one to live her decision every waking moment of her life. Unfortunately, I wasn't proved wrong. They divorced after 5 years of marriage. But hey, she made her decision so she has no one to be upset with but herself.

Maybe Liz will prove me wrong but it would make great new material if Liz didn't have the same marriage as her parents or even her brother's. (In all reality, she can't because she's no a stepmom. That alone will make things interesting when Frannie is a teenager.)

And I tried to give you the benefit of a doubt about the wedding colors, Lynn, but I agree with others. Violet and teal makes for a horrible wedding color combination. I think I might be the type of person who like contrasting color combinations (a ying and yang of sorts), not color combos that are fairly close to each other. I saw Sunday's strip with the violet and teal everywhere and all I could think was "Well, maybe Lynn picked this color combo because it looks pleasing to the eye in comic strip world. No way would she think someone would actually pick this wedding combo in real life." Then I recalled that when Anthony and Liz danced under the stars at Liz's friend's wedding (I forget her name), the flowers around them were violet and a green sort of color. So maybe that's why violet and teal were picked.

And I can't believe Liz has yet to notice that grandpa isn't in attendance! Monday's strip gave me the impression that the wedding day is coming to a close. (I'm basing this on all the "What was your wish for the day?" stuff. All that gushy talk between the newlyweds usually seems to come when the recpetion is winding down and they are no longer "on display".) How can Liz possibly going on to the reception, stand in the receiving line, chat it up with all her guests, and not realize that she has yet to see her own grandfather's face at the wedding she so adamdantly insisted be moved up just so he could there to witness it? (I really for sorry for April. I can see her crying on her wedding day because grandpa won't be there to witness the event.) If grandpa does die, it would be great if they continued to treat her more like family.

At any rate, even though I'm not 100% happy about Anthony and Liz's wedding going on as planned, I still wish them the best of luck.

Toya, FL


I can not believe how the strip reflects things happening in my own life.
My oldest daughter (27) was about 4 during the winter and every day wanted to wear a sundress. Of course I couldn't let her - it was too cold. She came down one morning with her sweat clothes on and her sun dress over them - A few days later Elizabeth did the same thing!
Now - My middle daughter is getting married next week -
I almost cried at Elizabeth's wedding!
I want to thank you for being part of my life.

P.S. My youngest daughter (20)is an artist and cartoonist. When she was 14 we went to the cartoon art museum in San Francisco where there was an exhibit of women cartoonists. Lynn's work impressed her very much and showed her that cartoonists can reflect the world and change it too.
Thank you for being such a wonderful example for my daughter and other young women.

Lynette S,San Ramon, California


To everyone wondering how Liz doesn't notice that her grandfather isn't there: do you honestly think that during the ceremony, she'd be looking out at her family? In a traditional wedding, the bride is kept hidden until the ceremony begins. And throughout the whole thing, she faces the minister, or her bridegroom. Given that she went from wherever it was she got ready to the ceremony in a limo--and the ceremony probably started immediately--it seems very likely to me that she would not yet be aware of who was there, and who wasn't. I'm sure that once she's at the reception, where newlyweds actually CAN greet their guests and thank them for coming, she'll realize that her grandfather wasn't there.

Erin, Chicago


My son, about Michael's age, named James-Michael and is now in Radio, just as Michael is a Writer. My daughter who is about Elizabeth's age met a wonderful man and father who took his 2nd chance with her.

My youngest (6 months younger than April) is doing very well in school and has a good relationship with her young man.

So now what?? I can't turn them all back to being 2 or 3 years old (or not even born yet!!), but I wish I could....spilled Kool-Aid isn't so bad now, is it?

I look forward to the future of being a Grandmother to many wonderful, healthy, happy children. I hope that again, I'll be able to follow yours too.

Hugs to you all!!

Adrienne, Tucson (Home of the Wildcats!!), AZ


I've been following 'For Better or For Worse' for as far as I can remember.Until now I'm so amazed at how much all of the characters have grown up in their own way.I'm so happy that Elizabeth & Anthony are finally married. I wish them the best of luck.Your site is the first i go to every morning. I look forward to reading a brand new strip every morning.Thanks for all the wonderful years you've brought joy and happiness to your fans.

Stefanie G, Chicago IL


Dear Lynn,
Thank you for all the stories you have told over the years. You are an artist and a fine narrator. I have collected your strip since Liz went up North to teach. You make the characters seem so real that we feel better acquainted with them than with the people we know and love.
Best wishes in the next part of your career.
...from a regular reader,

Margaret, Sarnia ON


Why isn't ELLY going to the hospital to check on her father? I gave her the benefit of the doubt for the ceremony (despite her tasteless joke) but couldn't she at least make the effort now, during the reception? Who would blame her for missing it for a little while? And why in the world would Elly OR Phil listen to Iris's assessment of Jim's condition? She's not medically trained and while it's nice to be optimistic, she doesn't have a firm realistic grasp on his condition.

Of course, if I were Phil, I would not have gone to the wedding. I would have said, "Thanks anyway, Iris, but he is my father and I prefer to stay by his side just as much as you. I'll keep Elly updated by cell phone." No amount of prattle from her would have sent me away at a time like that.
Earth to Elly: YOUR FATHER HAS HAD A HEART ATTACK AND IS IN THE HOSPITAL. Now might not be the best time to gripe that your daughter wants to be with him instead of ignoring him while dancing the night away. And hey, maybe you might want to pop in on him too, you callous shell of a human being. Yes, now.

Chris P, Boston MA


At least Liz is going, I give her props for that at least. Spoiled little priss or not, she's thinking of her grandfather and putting him ahead of a party that should last until she returns. Surely this is a perfectly understandable reason to anyone except boneheaded Elly.

Truman F, Georgia


I cannot believe how absolutely uncaring and insensitive Elly is, expressing distress and disappointment that Liz would put Gramps over a wedding reception. First she makes an entirely inappropriate and insensitive attempt at a joke the other day and now she acts like a wedding reception is more important than her own father. Shame on her! Disgusting. Absolutely disgusting.

Yvonne, Manhattan



I am so glad this all came to this place and that you are not totally quitting... what would I do without my morning glimpse of a family I have grown to love so dearly..... thank you.....

Cindy, Maple Ridge BC


Thank you Lynn for sharing your genius and your soul. You have enriched our lives in more ways than you will ever know.

Doreen B, Montreal Quebec


I can't believe that Elly said "Do you have to go now?" to Elizabeth! How heartless and childish, pouting that Liz would want to go see her very ill grandfather in hospital instead of talking to wedding guests. If the guests were really Liz and Anthony's friends they would understand perfectly that she would want to go see Jim instead of standing around talking to them or even missing the reception. It's shameful that Elly would think of "keeping up appearances" or living out her wedding fantasies before her gravely ill father.

Leda, Brisbane Australia


I'm sorry, but the story arc of Liz and Anthony's wedding was MUCH too long.

I agree that Liz has to be very selfish to not realize that her grandfather did not make it to her wedding- especially when she rescheduled it so he could be there!

In all the years that I have been avidly reading this strip, this is the only arc that I have been disapointed with.

Karla, Vancouver


Thanks Lynn....I just read todays strip where Elizabeth noticed that her grandfather and Iris wasn't in attendance. And her decision to go to the hospital. There had to be a way that would come into play. Liz & Anthony are not selfish and self seeking....or else they would continue the fetivities and then maybe if there was time they would go. Congrats to Liz, Anthony and Francie. I am surprised at Elly's response though. It isn't like Liz didn't know she just got married.....That response seemed insensative from a daughter who is suppose to be close to her father.
But I guess there must be mixed emotions in Elly.

Happy Birthday Elly.

Susan, Welland ON


I'm so tied up in this Wedding that I can hardly wait for the Subsequent Strips!

I was so afraid that Grandpa's ghost was going to be standing there at the Nuptials. whew.

I'm 38 and have literally grown up with FBOFW, and I still think of Farley.

Bless L&A and Grandpa, especially!

Allie B, Wilkes Barre, PA


Thank God, I was hoping Liz would learn about her Grandfather. The Grandfather so far is alive, Liz and Anthony can still share their joy with him. Happy events do not always mean nothing goes wrong, but the main meaning of the event can not be lessened, in this case that would be their vows, which were beautiful.
Thanks again for the strip and real life with humor and honestly.

Jeanne, CT


Thank you, Lynn, for introducing me to my "second family." I have followed your column since my daughter as little, and she is 28 now.

I disagree with the comments that Liz has married the wrong man. Ellie and John have set a wonderful example of how a marriage can be successful. Liz has a close relationship with her Dad. It has been said that young women look to someone like their father when they choose to marry. I think that Anthony is very much like John, and I have never thought that John was boring. I think that they are perfectly suited and I wish them all the happiness.

Thank you for all the years, Lynn!

Linda D, manahawkin, nj



Thank you, Lynn, for the gift of FBorFW. I discovered your collections at my boyfriend's house in 1993...they belonged to his mother. My boyfriend is now my husband, and FBorFW is a common thread for me and my mother-in-law. We have discussed story lines, let each other know when the next book was out, and have given our thoughts on characters' actions. One Saturday, I put your website on her "favorites" list so she can access it with no trouble at all. It's been great to have this special connection to her. We will enjoy your new-runs and have a new appreciation as I have children who are 9, 5, and 3. (BTW, my 3-year old and Elly have the same birthday) Thanks for enriching so many people everyday with your gift of story-telling!!

Christi M, Indianapolis, IN


I think i saw this coming as well as alot of people.Of course Liz would notice that her grandfather wasn't there it's just somthing one does not miss,but i don't think this fact is going to ruien there big day i think it will be sweet to see Liz in the hostipal in her dress going to see her granfather,and am sure he will try if he can that is to give both Liz and Anthony his blessing in his own way.


by the way is Anthony's Bio in who's who coming out soon,i really can't wait for it:)and I also notice that you can now win a print for spilling your beans instead of the mug,but what do you mean by print?

Bridget Q, New Glasgow NS


[Hi Bridget - Anthony's bio will be up very soon. A print is a signed, colour copy of one of Lynn's strips that's been printed out on nice-quality paper.]


I also have enjoyed you comic strip for many years. I am so glad the Elizabeth and Anthony finally got married. I hope that Granpa gets better, but we know in life that does not always happen. Thank you for making my day.

Vicky G, Belton, MO


I've been reading FBOFW since I was in high school and have always enjoyed how I could relate to the characters.
I'm so glad you are going to continue with the strip.
It would be shame to see it go.
Keep up the good work!

Robin C, Redford Township, Michigan


She finally noticed, did she? I might have noticed Jim was missing during the processional, but that's just me.

Danielle Y, Waterbury, CT


To Lynn - thanks for all the philosphy hidden in the comic strip. Life truly is what happens while you make other plans.

Linda H, Southwest ON


Elly,
About today's strip: "Perfect!!!!!"

Edith O-P, Lakewood, CA


The general concensus in the office is that Liz would not be going to the hospital until Wednesday after the receiving line. I always said that Liz would do the right thing by going right after saying "I do!"

P.A. M, NJ


Could this wedding have taken any longer? What a lame way to stretch things out, and it was unnecessary to kill off the grampa just as Elizabeth was finally on her way to the church. It's a good thing you're retiring, ma'am, clearly, you're reaching for material.

Jane S, Denver


Lynn,
Thanks so much for your strips the past few weeks. When I was married 18 years ago, my grandmother had a stroke the week before the wedding and was not able to make it. We almost called off the wedding but at my grandfather's insistence went on with it. Your strip has brought back the wonderful memories of my grandmother and how much she meant to me even though she could not be physically be there on my special day, she was there in spirit.

Lori D, Charlotte NC


Dear Lynn,

I've grown up with your strip and always felt a peculiar affinity towards Elizabeth. We are the same age and hence our big life events have generally coincided. Not only in the more predictable events, such as graduating high school and college, but in fact, she and I both got engaged in March. And married in August. I was married this past Wednesday, and passing around your strip in the weeks before our marriage has been an added delight for me, my new husband, and both our families. You capture the drama and humor of a normal, functional family beautifully. Keep up the terrific work -- You bring great happiness to all our lives on a daily basis.

Sara Libby E, Montreal


I love this morning's strip because I had a similar situation. My maternal Grandmom was my hero and I loved her so much. Well, when I got married in June of 1987, she was unable to attend the ceremony. I knew I had to see her on my wedding day. I told everyone that between the church and the reception, my new husband and I were going to Mommom's house. We set it up with my cousin who was going to take pictures. They whole wedding party agreed to come with us. It was only the second time I had ever seen tears in her eyes. She was so pleased and she knew we were there just for her. I have a picture hanging on the wall of my office with her, Michael and I. I treasure it beyond belief. She passed away eight years later, but I am so grateful that I was able to spend that time with her on our special day. We are still happily married after 21 years. Her love started us on the right path!

Shannon M, Aberdeen, Maryland US




Take me back to the top!

Monday August 25, 2008
August 25, 2008

Thank you, Lynn for allowing us to share your life via FBORFW. It has been a privilege! I have loved getting to know each and every character (Too many? I think not!) and to follow their lives. Though I know full well that they were characters in a comic strip, it was easy to get swept up in their lives. Celebrating their successes, mourning their loss, all of it mattered to the point that I looked forward to reading the strip each day. (And, BTW - I love absolutely everything about the Elizabeth/Anthony story line! My daughter and I cheered when you brought them back together!) Though I would (selfishly) love to see the Patterson Family Saga continue in the present tense forever, your need for time to yourself is understandable. Thank you for not giving up the strip entirely! My daughter was small when the strip started, and so I could really relate to the young Patterson family. My daughter is now the mom of a sweet little one year old, and you're now providing her the opportunity to enjoy the once-again young Patterson family as her child grows with yours. Thanks for so many, many years of laughter, anticipation, and enjoyment!

Becky B, Avondale, AZ by way of Chicago, IL


I have followed "For Better Or For Worse" since the early 80's. I have watched the Patterson Family grow through the good and bad times.
I do hope that Elizabeth and Anthony will have much happiness in their new life together.
If this were on television, it should end the way "Happy Days" ended with Elizabeth and Anthony in the Joanie and Chachi roles.
Thank You for three decades of fun and reading.

Eric Scott I, Brockton, Massachusetts


Bravo, Lynn !!!!!! Enjoy your semi retirement.........

Kelly, Michigan


Knowing Liz and her background and her experiences, she will turn out to be a wonderful mother. She is loving and kind and grounded. Anthony and Francie are lucky to have her join their lives.

Best wishes, Lynn. Thanks for a wonderful family that has helped me see the good and bad in myself as I've grown up.

Kim K, Massachusetts


I was so moved by the wedding story today. The words really seemed they came from your heart. I really felt for you, Lynn, as I read them. I'm sure they were very difficult to write, but you conveyed exactly what marriage is all about. The first thing I do in the morning - get the paper and read FBOW. Thank you for all these years of this wonderful family story.

Beth K, Dallas TX



I have always laughed at people who had time to write comments like this and about a comic strip no less but here I am. I don't know when I started with FB OR FW. Probably near the beginning because my son (another Michael who is now a writer!) was born in 1979 and I was at home more than usual and developed a habit of reading the morning paper comics and all. I didn't think or talk about itbut apparetnly my addition was forming. I did notice several years later when I was vising my mother that she had a collection of the strips on her fridge. I asked her about them and she said she was saving them to send to my sister who had moved someplace where the paper didn't carry FB or FW and that she missed it so apparently I wasn't the only one in the family who was hooked. (this was long before all one had to do was rely on fborfw.com to keep up!) I know by the time Farley died my husband and I were both reading the strip and discussing it. The minute the puppies were born he knew Farley was a goner and he has not had the heart to follow the strip since Farely actually died! That was too much realism for him! I however remained faithful and, once again, didn't really think much about it until I heard I was going to lose the on going story and I realized how much these "people" had become a part of my life! I understand what Lynn wants to do. If I could go back and relive my life from the beginning of my marriage I probably would too and while Lynn and I can't, Ellie and John can! However, I will miss knowing what happens to everyone. I do plan to keep an open mind and keep reading. I can't imagine life without my daily strip fix!
The only thing I am a little confusued about is this.
Is this be an actual time travel back to 1979 or will the characters get their new beginning in 2008? It seems like it would be very difficult to add to and write new strips about family life in the 80's without many anachronisms creeping in. Everyday life has changed dramtically since then.

Laurie, Virginia Beach


It's been fun to watch a family with the same name as mine. I have a nephew Michael, A husband John (tho different last name), and a daughter Robin.

I've loved the strip, but the one complaint I have is something I've not seen others comment on. It's Iris as the sacrificial care-giver to Jim.

This woman has a short relationship before marrying, and a short time with Jim before he fails. Then it's years of caring for him. Yes, she loves him. But this is not the case of a 40 yr marriage where the spouse lovingly cares for her lifetime partner. Yet she's portrayed as radiant and happy to do this constant, difficult, and draining work.

Honestly, I think it feeds into a negative stereotype of women. And it is very unrealistic. In this day and age, many seniors like Jim and Iris just don't get married. And if they do, I don't think many women would take this awful burden. Yes, we all know some woman who does. But she's usually not at all happy to be stuck with 24/7 caring for a man she's married barely a year or two ago.

T.P., Oregon


I love FBOFW. It's so real! Michael is the approximately the same age as my sons and April is one month younger than my oldest daughter. So there have been many similarities between my life and the strip.
I love that Elizabeth is marrying Anthony, he is her first love. Although i hate to see Grandpa have a heart attack, especially on the day of the wedding, it makes the strip more lifelike! Thank you Lynn for many laughs and tears throughout the years!

Dalene, Missouri


The heck with all these kibitzers and second-guessers, kiddo. This has been an unwaveringly delicious storyline from the beginning. You just tell it as you like it, and we'll like it too.
-from one storyteller to another-

Marideth S, of KSMU's "These Ozarks Hills"


I think its nice to have a quick escape each day to see what's going on the Patterson family. I, for one, am thankful for my daily escape from real life.

Melyssa, Texas


My favourite reading since "David, we're pregnant". I relate to it, but so do my kids. (My brother Phil and I both wanted my Mom's organ when she moved to a retirement home.) Today's strip brought tears to my eyes, as I remembered thinking at weddings just as Ellie and John, and the bittersweetness of fiction when life has taken our real life marriages in a different direction now.
Thank you for such great writing, finding the humour in the every day: happy times or sad, with real-life-like imperfect character/ people.

Jean K, BC


I have read your comicstrip since it first came out. Day one. I have seen your "family" evolve...each character one by one. I have even seen the differences in your writing and drawing styles over the years. How you age the characters and change their circumstances. I have always enjoyed the strip, until now.I am so devestated that Lizzie married Anthony! I just wanted see her with a man that was a MORE fun...not so corny and BORING, more sweet and romantic like her and had a more interesting, family background. She's a teacher...The policeman would have been a great fit. He had chivalry and was strong to her soft, a good blend. But that went south- hmm- suspiciously. Even the pilot, flying to be by her side! Taking up to her remote teaching assignment. Instead you took a safe route. I did not like how the cop was made out to be a cheater, and the pilot was made to show up at her house drunk and sloppy.

Mira, MA


I'm still a little confused about how the family is going to "hide" Grandpa's illness from Elizabeth. Unless she is an even more self-centered bride than normal, she will notice he's not there. What other explanation could there be? That he disapproves of her groom?

And, yeah, I stand with those who think this marriage is a mistake. Anthony is not sweet, he's needy.

Carny, CA


Our whole household is hope for Grampa to get better soon. He was doing so good for a time there. Please don't let anything happen to him at this time. I hope he can see the Wedding in some way like a Video. Anthony reminds me of my Husband at are Wedding. So sweet. We love you work, you have made your strip a part of my family. You make me laugh and cry all the time. Elly's is my morning friend. Even on Vacation I have to find a way to see the strip. your fan and friend.

Debbie C, Bay Area CA


How interesting: I have been following FBOFW for a very long time, and today the main story line (Sunday Strip August 24, Elizabeth and Anthony's wedding) happens on my wife's and my 23rd anniversary! Thanks Lynn!

Kevin C


Thank you for getting Elizabeth and Anthony back together. She's had some questionable relationships (haven't we all?), but it was a union that was made to be. I will miss when you retire and stop telling your stories. I've followed FBOFW ever since I was a kid and I can tell you I'm a lot older now. I love this family almost sometimes more than my own (kidding..sort of).
Thank you

Jen, SF CA


Good-bye April! We will miss you! I'm hoping you get at least one more speaking part before September 1. I've watched you grow up with my own daughter. I hope that, maybe in the biographies, we can keep up with what happened to you. It has been so much fun watching you grow up. I'm really sorry to see you go. Say hi to Shannon for me. I'll miss her, too!

P.S. Thanks for everything, Iris. You were one special lady.

Bruce, Texas


First, I must say that I've been reading FBorFW for over 30 years, and I have loved every minute of it.

But surely I can't be the only one who has noticed that Anthony married Therese on August 23 some years ago...really, do you think Liz would pick a date so close to his original anniversary?

I am a sentimental fool, true, but even the most stoic of individuals would at least think about the similarity of the dates. Or is this just a big coincidence that went unnoticed/unaddressed?

With all the trouble that Liz went to for Anthony's wedding to Therese (finding the "right" date, learning to dance and dance really well with him, meeting the bride with grace and poise, etc.), surely someone must notice that Anthony likes to get married on the cusp of August!

Karen V, New Orleans


I have been reading this strip for as long as I can remember. I find myself in tears watching Elizabeth and Anthony finally getting married. Thank you Lynn for many wonderful years!!

Joellen, Long Island NY


Lynn, I want you to know how much I enjoy "For Better or Worse." Though I am 50 years old and newly married (for the third and last time), I look forward to reading the comic strip every day. It's about an every-day family with real life ups and downs and the characters and story lines are believable. I was happy to read that the comic strip will not be coming to an end. I wish you strength and peace during this difficult time in your life.

Tami K, Apple Valley Minnesota


I have been following the strip for years. I just wanted to say that the way Lynne drew Ellie and John on Elizabeth's wedding day (the Sunday strip) is so nice. The pride of both parents shows right through in the drawing. I look forward to the new angles in September!

Anita, Vancouver BC


Dear Lynn, your strip has been a fixture in my life on a daily basis for 23 years. I never got a chance to see the very beginning as the places I lived at that time did not carry your strip. Thank you, for many years of giving me a realistic strip that mirrored life...when Elly's mom died, it was the same as when my mom passed away and some how it helped to ease my pain. I hope you never quit, again thank you.

Barbara, San Antonio TX


Is it my imagination or does the minister presiding over Elizabeth and Anthony's wedding look like newsman Walter Cronkite.
P.S. Elizabeth's marrying Anthony is the absolute right thing.

Kathie A, Norwalk, CT USA


Lynn - I love your strip and will miss it more than you will know. (I'm glad to hear that you are starting over - in a "new way" sounds like fun).
I've always loved FBFW but when April came along it was terrific she is almost the same age as my daughter(just a little younger I think) but it was like they grew up together. And they were so much alike in so many ways, musical, wanting to be a vet, for a few. My daughter just headed off to college yesterday, she though it was somehow fitting that she leave home the day Elizabeth got married.
Speaking of which - I think it's wonderful that Elizabeth is marrying Anthony. I've known they should be together since right before the "fated" New Years Eve. Then there were all those "awful" My goodness I was sooooo afraid she'd end up with one of them. Then when she and Anthony were "Finally" together I was afraid one of them would come along an ruin it. Anthony is terrific and deserves someone like Liz.
Thanks Lynn for the "wonderful" ride. Can wait for the next one to start.

Kim, Salladasburg, PA


August 23, 2008, was our 50th wedding anniversary.A propitious choice for Elizabeth and Anthony's wedding.
amities,

Sylvia W, Montreal


I am happy for Anthony and Liz. Therese left Anthony and moved in with another man. She told him he could have the house and the baby. Liz and Anthony have been in love since high school. They have both gone on with their lives and now they are back together. They deserve some happiness.

Phyllis E, Monroe, LA


I can't believe Elizabeth is really going to marry that dope Anthony! If I could get to Ontario in time, I'd be in back of the church yelling out my protest.

Jim H, Chicago


I just read the latest news bites. I am so excited that I will have the chance to grow with the Patterson's all over again. Having read FBorFW for as long as I can remember, it will be exciting to revisit those events I remember loving so much. Most importantly, I get to see Farley again! I was one of those people who did not enjoy all the flashbacks because it made the comic feel disjointed. Now I am glad Lynn is rennovating her strip from the beginning! Maybe we will get some clues on how John and Elly met!

Oh, and Congrats on your 2008 Doug Wright Award for Canadian Cartooning, Lynn! We all know you deserve it!!!

Genoa, The Berkshires, MA


Congratulations to Elizabeth & Anthony!!!

May they have a lifetime of happiness!!

Jennifer H, Charleston NC


I have to say that I just love your strip. I have been reading it for years now and it is the first thing I do when this computer goes on. Everything that happens in your strip just feels like my life.

My heart broke when Farley left us. He felt like a part of our lives. Very sad. My mom is 95, very sickly and I take care of her, just like Iris. My 19 year old, the youngest of three girls, just got engaged, but, still has two years of college to finish before she gets married, and Liz and Anthony just tied the knot.

Did I happen to mention how much I enjoy your strip? I just love it. Just ask my kids, I am forever sending them a strip that relates to something we have done or is going on.

I feel like I am actually having a cup of coffee with you in the morning and we are just chatting away.

Thanks and keep up the great cartooning.

Your friend in Florida,

Carol B


What a beautiful wedding ceremony for Anthony and Liz. Today they were finally pronounced man and wife.

The words from the minister in Sunday's strip were heartfelt. I re-read the strip several times.

This morning's strip brought tears to my eyes. FINALLY, Anthony and Liz are married.

Thank you so much Lynn for the wonderful writing. For writing this strip during your better times, and your worse times.

Arlene, Clearwater FL


Does anyone in this strip even remember that Anthony was married before? What was that, then, if his biggest wish is to marry Liz? Just hanging fire until his wish could come true?

And does anyone even care that Jim is in the hospital? How come Liz hasn't noticed that her grandfather--her excuse for even having the wedding this summer, the man whose presence was so important to her--isn't even there?

I'm TRYING to like Liz and Anthony, but they both have come off as so selfish, so oblivious, so self-absorbed in the past few years, I simply can't.

Kristen Shaw, Seattle WA


HOW VERY GRATEFUL I AM that these 60 days while I am here in The Netherlands taking care of 2 of my grandchildren while their dad is deployed elsewhere with the Air Force and their mother is attending to a medical situation with the oldest child to be able to log on each morning and see my favorite and familiar comic strip.
THANK YOU

Maria M, Gainesville FL


I am approximately the same age as Michael, and have grown up with the Lynn’s daily stories. Also, my life has managed to parallel some of the major events featured in the comic strip in recent years. My husband proposed to me on the same day Grandpa Jim and Iris decided to get married (August 20, 2002). My wedding day was August 23 (2003) like Elizabeth's, and unfortunately, my husband's grandmother was also taken to the hospital the morning of our wedding. The phrase 'art imitating life' comes to mind! I will definitely miss this comic strip when Lynn retires, and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Emily B, Ontario


What a wonderful moment! Anthony and Elizabeth's vows made me tearful. I loved it!
It brought back memories of my own wedding.

At first, I was a little upset that Elizabeth settled for a safe bet with Anthony, but that is the way it is. He is stable and reliable, while her romance with Paul was the the type everyone wants - romantic and exciting. She really did pick the better one.

Grandpa Jim's aging process has been rough the past year or so and Iris has been like a rock. Jim is very lucky to have her, usually most geriactric patients end up either living with their children or in nursing homes even when they have remarried because the burden of going through illness a second time is too much on a partner.

I love having FBOW to follow on a daily basis - it truly has beome part of my day.

Louise, Philadelphia


Congratulations to Elizabeth and Anthony!!!!! And to the preacher who said HUSBAND and WIFE, not that outdated MAN and WIFE. May the Patterson/Caine marriage last forever!
Thank you, Lynn.

Geri, NYC


The wedding is just beautiful. I am sitting in our trailer staring into the Atlantic Ocean from a PEI campsite and I haven't missed the wedding, thank goodness for WiFi and laptops. I have noticed that Francoise seems to be older or taller than Merrie. Shouldn't she be more the age or size of Robin? It is wonderful that we will be kept in contact with the Pattersons and their lives. Many times I feel that Lynn has been the fly on the wall in our home, just to get more story lines. Keep coming you will always be welcome.

Diane, Barrie ON


woooooHOOOOOOOOOOO

I have been on pins & needles wondering if Liz would go through with it...I am so relieved glad the wedding went off. I know it is just a cartoon but I am a sucker for happy endings.

Those who hate on the Anthony/Liz union better not read "Love in the Time of Cholera"..same dynamic. It is regarded as one of literature's classic, enduring, epic love story/journies. Why should Anthony & Liz be any different? SWEET!!! :-)))

A question for other readers/commenters..where are you guys getting this scoop about Lynne retiring/not retiring? And all the characters past actions. Is there some cliff notes somewhere? I have been reading for years but I can't say I've committed this stuff to memory.

Well, I don't have time to read more than the strip and a few comments every day...I can't really go researching past history, but I have certainly been enjoying it , and wanted to put in some support for the sweet wedding.

Also thumbs up for all the social nuances such as Lawrence, and the developmentally disabled girl. woot! They're married!!!

Holly, NJ


thank you Lynn for a beautiful wedding!!!I am so thrilled about the 2 of them getting together......I hope Grandpa Jim improves,but we all know what will happen,,,,thanks Lynn,, for a beautiful strip daily!!Nina

Nina F, Pennsylvania


Finally! That was the longest wedding ever.

Crystal, Ontario


I love your strip and it's the first thing I read every morning. Love the wedding and yesterday was the first time ever a comic strip brought tears to my eyes.

Looking forward to seeing the "new" strips.

Freda W, Pensacola FL


YEEEESSSSS!!!!! It has finally happened! With all Liz has gone through I was afraid something would come up last minute and put the brakes on the whole thing. I have loved reading these past few weeks of strips even more because I am currently planning my own wedding. I am so glad Elizabeth has finally (re)found the man of her dreams and that the marriage has gone off without a hitch. Now, can they head off to the hospital to see Grandpa Jim?

Genoa, The Berkshires


So what did Anthony wish for at his first wedding, if today is the day that all his wishes came true? Poor, poor Therese never stood a chance with this sap.

Frank, Texas


I can't believe it, but I cried while reading Elizabeth & Anthony's wedding. I just loved it! Thanks.

Karen, Linesville, PA, USA


Thanks for the wonderful story line. My daughter, Natalie, has grown up with Liz and done many things at the same time. I made her a scrapbook with strips of Liz, illustrated by our family photographs. Natalie is getting married next August and I am saving strips for an addition to the scrapbook.

Judy H., Charlotte NC


After all, we all know how serious Anthony is about vows. Not to mention his promises about trivial matters like child-rearing. Of course, when you have the whole Patterclan and their allies enabling him in his eforts to sabotage his first marriage and demonize his wife, it must be admitted that there's plenty of blame to go around.

But there's plenty that attaches to Anthony alone. Let's see: he's manipulative of all the women in his life (Therese, Liz, Francie); he has no regard for the rights or feelings of others; he takes no responsibility for his own foul-ups; he lies, cheats, and breaks promises and puts the blame on others; AND he somehow convinces a sizable number of people that he is a wonderful person. I believe the clinical term is "psychopath."

JRI, NYC


todays strip was picture perfect :)

Bridget Q, New Glasgow NS


Lynn and FBorFW crew,
I've read your strip EVERY DAY since I was in middle school and now, similar to Elizabeth, I am a teacher and preparing for my own marriage. Thank you for bringing laughter and thought into my everyday life. MANY THANKS!

Amber, Florida


I must say, I'm amazed at how the people who write here get so upset about what's going on in the lives of your characters.

I never really thought of things the way these people do, I just read and enjoy, knowing that you will do what's best for the characters in the long run.

I've enjoyed your comic for a long time and I look forward to seeing it from the beginning again.

Jessie, Cambridge ON


Hooray! They're officially married! I thought Therese was going to try and stop the wedding but it went through. Now let's hope Grandpa can hold on to see Liz in that dress.

Kim P, Northeast Ohio


Is Anthony and Elizabeth's wedding date today or Sunday August 24th? Is Elizabeth keeping her maiden name or when school starts is she going to be Elizabeth Caine? Is she going to legally adopt Francie?

Sorry, just curious.

Sarah M, Houston TX


Lynn,
hello I hope you dont think that everyone in Michigan didnt like the FACT that Liz and Anthony got married and the fact that NO ONE DIED! I myself was up early every morning this past weekend peeking,and was very pleased with the out com as of monday morning. Just remember not all michiganders are that evil spirited.

Cynthia, Michigan


This past Thursday was my 14th wedding anniversary! When I look back on that happy occasion, I'm glad that when our officiant pronounced us husband and wife, my parents did not decide to get up, center themselves directly in front of us, and make the event all about themselves. Unlike John and Elly in today's (August 25, 2008) strip.

Katje B, Albany NY




Take me back to the top!

Friday August 22, 2008
August 22, 2008

I am not sure if Lynn knows that her fan base reaches all the way to Sweden... Me and my husband have been following the series online for years, on a daily basis.

My own grandfather died less than two weeks before my first child was born. Although we all knew he was terminally ill, even the doctor believed that he would live to see his first grandchild. But that was not to happen.

Life does this to us too - happiness and sorrow walk side by side. It is brave by Lynn to explore this in a comic strip.

Annika W, Sweden


Your FBorFW is the frist thing I do everyday, I laughed soooo hard when Mike's children took there clothes off and played in the sprinkler****** history repeats itself, I go back to the same thing April did on Mike's wedding day so she would not get her clothes dirty. Love it hope you best of retirement.

Ann K-D, Florida


I don't feel it's wrong to not tell Liz about Grandpa. Either way the wedding day will be shadowed with sadness of his heart attack, but IF the doctor feels he'll make it like last time (as my grandma has done 4 times now) then why make everyone very worried about this change of events? Grandpa Jim requested her not to be told, so it's honorable to honor his wishes.

Sarah


Well, I personally glad some realism was injected into the otherwise saccharine sweetness that is Elizabeth's wedding day (or wedding month with the way the strip is going). Though I think Lynne would never outrage the Elizabeth-Anthony fans, I can only hope Grandpa's absence gives Elizabeth a dose of reality at the ridiculousness of what she is doing.

Despite the above, I loved the strip. Thanks for the extended family!

Sue S, Halifax


Wow. The 8/20/08 strip, with Liz yelling "STOP," appeared to be a cliffhanger. But in light of today's strip, it's clear that she was simply shrieking at the children to get them to stop babbling. Nice. She'll be "Stmother" of the Year no time. 0_o

Katje B, Albany



After losing my grandmother this year, I really related with Liz when she wanted to move up her wedding so her grandpa could attend. I have never been disappointed with FB or FW in all my years of reading it. For once I am disappointed. This should have been a great wedding without making it over dramtic. I truly do think that making grandpa have another heart attack and not being able to attend the wedding, was a poor choice. I look forward to reading more but I am still very upset by the circumstances.

Shannon, BC


It won't be a smooth ride when everyone finds out about Grandpa Jim.

I also hope everyone gets to the church in one piece. I guess when I was a part of weddings everyone took their dresses and suits and dressed at the church. The coursages, bouquets and everything were delivered to the church and picked up there. That way everyone was in good shape when they walked down the aisle - no tears, dirt, broken flowers,or wrinkles.

Marsha, Reno NV


I love that some people from that village Liz use to teach at came to wedding. And I love the comment about wedding being a time for the who's who to meet the who's that?. What are the odds of the other men from Liz's past coming to the wedding? Or would Liz/Anthony be too uptight about them coimg?

I would love it if the last comic strip was a big wedding group of everyone (bride, groom, wedding party, and guests). Even though I'm not crazy about the wedding, I think that would be nice.

I do think it would be sad if grandpa were to die on Liz's wedding day. When my parents were getting married, my mom's favorite aunt died about a week before the wedding. The funeral was held while my parents were on their honeymoon.

Toya, FL


I've figured out a way to make at least three groups happy. When the minister asks if there is any reason the wedding should not go on, have Dennis stand up and say, "Don't do it, Anthony! You know we were meant for each other!" Then Anthony can run to Dennis and they can reveal their relationship to the whole crowd. Elizabeth, left at the altar, will suddenly see Warren and run crying into his arms. The ceremony will go on, but with Warren this time, and everybody will live happily ever after: the readers who want this to be a political/social commentary on gay marriage, those who don't want Liz to marry Anthony, and as a bonus, the Warren fans out there.

I hope I didn't spoil the ending.

Dr. Ned, Minnesota


I hate that Elizabeth is marrying that INSIPID Anthony. I kept hoping he would be the one who'd die on the way to the wedding, not grandpa Jim.

Elizabeth deserves much more than icky Anthony.

Boo. Hiss.

Ana, Michigan


Dear Lynn,
I am so sorry about Grandpa Jim and I'm hoping that it will just be a heart attack and that he will not die on Elizabeth's wedding day. Your comic book characters have become real people to me because they mirror real life issues. Thank you for that. You have used your gift as a cartoonist with responsiblity, creativity and honesty. Blessings

Susan, London ON


I can only echo what others have already said. Francie is not normal for her age. You always did such a good job with children's behaviors...what happened?

Jean, NY


Participating in Lizzy's wedding, to which we have all been invited, I feel heart broken that Grandpa Jim and Iris won't be there. My sister moved up her wedding day so our grandfather could attend, he passed away two weeks before the vent could happen and on Father's Day. I would like Lizzy to have a happy ending/beginning. Reality is over rated.

Ilene S, Endicott NY


Hurray! Just read in our local newspaper that Lynn is not completely retiring. So good for we readers and I hope it will be good for Lynn as well. Thank you for such a great "comic strip"!

Sherill A, Seattle WA


I have read FBOFW since I was a kid, and I will miss seeing the new strips everyday. I have enjoyed it for many years.
As for the Grandpa Jim storyline, maybe this is a plot device to link up the new strips with the old. I believe I read somewhere a while back that Lynn said that no more characters are going to die - maybe the old strips coming back will be Grandpa Jim reliving his grandkids' growing up in his memory.
This is just a guess, but I definitely think Lynn knows what she's doing.

Tika L, Seattle WA


Has everyone forgotten that Lynn said in an interview not too long ago, that she will not have any more of her characters die? Because of this, I think that Jim will recover.

Summerdog, Rural NY


One Man's opinion at this stage of the strip.
Elizabeth deserves an oasis of joy at the wedding.
There can be tears in the desert later.
Jim is to be praised, and Iris is to be respected.

Wesley M, Minneapolis MN


I knew something would happen on Liz's wedding day, but I thought it would be Therese coming in and stopping the ceremony or something.

Kim P, Northeast Ohio


I love FBOFW!
The very first strip that I read was the one where toddler Michael ran out of a dressing room as Elly was trying on clothes. I have been hooked ever since.

I love the way real life issues; divorce, illness, being gay, and especially special needs (Shannon) are incorperated into the strip.
Thank you for sharing the Patterson's life

Michele S, Florida USA


Oh my goodness I see that many Coffee Talkers are predicting that Elizabeth would call off the wedding! NO! This cant be right. Lynne would not do that. And also nether would Elizabeth. This is her day to marry her sweet prince Anthony. She would not change her mind. I dont mean to get persnickty but thats just fittlesticks! This is Liz and Anthony the couple meant for each other they will be together! Just you wait and see Liz would never pass up a wonderfull sweet guy like Anthony she does not have cold feet! My goodness. She is just a little worried about her Gramps and how he will miss the wonderfull wedding and when she might get to see him again. Thats all! NO COLD FEET! That would be rediculous.

Joan from Peoria


I have read this wonderful comic strip for many years (remember when April (as a young child) fell into the creek and John rescued her, while all the time praying that God would let him "do this"?) and I can truthfully say that the writer (creator) has a wonderful insight into human nature. I am 79 years old and I have "bonded" with the Patterson family. Please continue to create all the characters for at least as long I shall live.

Robbie S, De Berry TX


I have been following your strip for so long, I feel like the Pattersons are part of my family. Actually, I wish my family was like them. Two loving parents, smart, devoted children, oh I could go on and on. Anyway, please marry Elizabeth and Anthony. I'm holding my breath until they do!!!

Thanks for all the years of fun. I can't wait until you begin in September again.

Roseanne F, Brooklin NY


Wow! Today's strip - could it be that what Liz was pushing for wasn't what she actually wanted or it's going to fast??? Or am I reading too much into it? I have thought for a while that perhaps she wasn't completely comitted to this wedding. I guess we'll see. Thanks for the good times Lynn - I will miss the strip the way it is now - but change is a part of life.

Carol, Virginia



Do you realize how many times you have your own face and name posted on your website? I grant you, it's your site, and you can do what you wish with it, but have you ever counted how many times the word "Lynn" appears?

As successful as you are, do you have ego problems?

Andrew W, Bronx NY


[Technically, Lynn didn't build the website. You can blame me for the number of instances of her name at www.fborfw.com ;-) - Steph]


Wow Lynn, you are a really great story teller! You've kept so many of us captivated by the lives of the Pattersons over the decades and now as it comes to an end - you are pulling out all of the stops. Fun, cute observations of what goes on before a wedding - with cliffhangers that would surely win an Emmy if it were played out on TV.
Thanks so much for your years of sharing the Pattersons with is - you are great!
All the best for your future!

Kay, Virginia


I've been reading the comments of people not wanting Jim to pass. He was born in 1924 or something like that right? Which would make him 84 years old. Of COURSE he's not going to be in the best shape...

I would be blessed to have just to have my father still around if I ever get married (I'm 29 going on 30 and single as can be).

Both my paternal grandparents are gone, and my mom recently passed away (with a heart attack none the less!) so at least Liz can feel blessed that she has her mother at her wedding.

I will always feel rather duped that my mom won't be with me on my wedding day (I do not believe in being there in spirit- it's NOT the same), and I pray that my father will be around to walk me down the aisle if and/or when that time comes.

So keep that in mind for the people who don't even have their parents around.

On another note: Lynn, so glad you will not be retiring. I would still love to see more of April... she's my all time favorite character.

WD, NY


I've been a devoted fan of FBFW for six years now, and look forward to the strip every morning. Although I am sad to see a conclusion to your story, I was overjoyed to find out you were "starting again" in September from the very beginning! I was only a child when you started writing this strip, so I was never exposed to it "daily" as I am now. This unique opportunity will give me a chance to see the introductions of your beloved characters, hear their stories, and watch them unfold to become what I know of them today. Gord for example, Connie etc. I can't wait to see your new start, to see Farley again, meet Marion, and watch the story itself. You do your fans credit by giving them a fresh start, especially those of us who didn't get the chance to see it first time around. Someday I hope my little girl will have the same opportunity to enjoy this strip as much as I have.

Christina W, Halifax NS


Along with Elizabeth yelling "STOP!!" I'm yelling, "YES!!"

Of course, it could be knowledge, however she got it, of Grandpa Jim's relapse, but it could also be the fact that's she's finally waking up and rediscovering that there's a whole world out there that she turned her back on.

If Elizabeth, in the end, moved away from home, bobbed her hair, and started teaching at a Montessori school and building true friendships, like we saw her do in college, I would be THRILLED. She got most of the way to finding out who she was, and then stopped. That's not good enough for marriage. You need to know all of who you are first.

What makes me think that the remaining part would ditch the creep and go live her life?

To mitigate my disagreement (STRONG disagreement) with Liz's current partner, I have to say that her characterization in years prior to 2006 has been so strong that I've kept reading since then in the hope that she would turn back around. It's in there somewhere.

Elora B, Rocky Mountains, Colorado


Thanks Lynn for your clarifying thoughts on "30" seconds to carry on a story line. As a long time reader I am amazed and appreciate how you draw the reader into the story. I feel excitement at the forthcoming wedding. Thanks for the many years of comic strips that gave me chuckles as well as those which caused me to stop and think. You capture the seasons of life so well.

Barbara, Oregon


Just want to say how much I love reading FBorFW each day. It is THE best comic strip.

Barbara D, Clinton Twp., Michigan


My guess is that Elizabeth yelled, "STOP" because hearing the gibberish words the kids were making up after the "stousins, stooba, stousa, lousa, etc...." it made her realize her grandpa was missing because it is gibberish words such as that which are often spoken by one with aphasia. So, I'm thinking that it made her think of her grandpa, and she either senses that something is terribly wrong, or he was missing from some of the pre-wedding activities she had expected to see him at, or something along those lines. Thus, my completely uneducated guess is that she is going to find out about his condition and move the wedding to his bedside. I guess we'll all find out soon enough!

I just spent most of the day with my mother, who also suffers from aphasia. She has managed to communicate to me time and time again that she'd rather be "done with it" and go be with my dad than to continue this constant battle of trying to communicate and being for the most part unsuccessful. So if Jim does not live much longer, I could only be happy for him as he will be in a much better place without all of his disabilities. I know that is what my mom wants, although I selfishly do not want the same for her.

Thanks again, Lynn, for the way you deal with Jim and his condition. You obviously have really done your homework on aphasia, strokes, and the related issues.

Susan, Twin Falls Idaho


Why do you torture jim? Just let him pass away. And not telling Liz is really cruel, I know cause something similar happened to my friend and when she found out after the ceremony she didn't speak to her parents again for .... actually she's still not speaking to them.....

Michelle, Nevada


Please tell me Liz has finally come to her senses and isn't going through with this! Liz could barely handle being a teacher dealing with kids for half a day, being a stepmom is a lot more work. Anthony is too clingy and almost obsessive about Liz anyway. That's the real reason his first marriage failed. Have Warren come in and take Liz away or something.

Anonymous


I agree with Suzanne. It is unthinkable to interrupt the festivities with bad news this late in the game. Iris used some common sense. While I LOVE this strip that imitates real life with such humor and sensitivity, it is only fiction, and Lynn is the author and it's always interesting to see where she takes the story. All this "nyah nyah" reminds me of small town gossip, where people amuse themselves by discussing what they think everybody else should be doing.

On another note, I want to tell Lynn that since I have moved to Hawaii I have discovered that I can access the next day's strip while it is still only late evening out here. Sometimes it is irresistible, but always a mistake, because I deprive myself of the pleasure of learning what happens next over morning coffee!

Glenda, Kaneohe Hawaii


Dear Lynn,

I just found out that the strip as we know it is ending, and I'm so disappointed! I was looking forward eagerly to finding out how Liz and Francoise's relationship would develop -- I remarried when my daughter was 11 and had to help my daughter and my husband navigate the delicate integration of a new spouse into a tight two-person family where my daughter suddenly wasn't my one-and-only any more. Now I find I'll never get to learn how you work with Liz, Anthony and Francoise to develop a new relationship, and I'll never know how it works out, or how Iris copes with either Jim's loss or the continuation of her burdensome caregiver role, or how April's education and love life will develop.

Since I'm at the same stage in life as Elly and John (I'm only a year older than John), I especially wanted to see what they would do once John was fully retired. As much as Elly loves being with her grandchildren, would she grow restive without a creative outlet? Would they move to a warmer place like Vancouver, or spend the winters in Florida with only webcams and VOIP connections to keep in touch? How would their choices, whatever they are, affect them and their families? Would Lawrence ever change his mind and marry Nicholas, bringing joy to all of us who'll never attend their son or daughter's wedding because they live in backward US states that prohibit the basic human right of marriage to the one they love? (Even if my daughter and her partner of 10 years traveled to California or Massachussetts to get married, their state of residence will only recognize same-sex marriage when dragged kicking and screaming, as they were when forced to allow mixed-raced marriage.)

Over the decades I've followed FBOFW, the Pattersons have become my very close friends. Most of the time when I get the newspaper I read the main section first, but after that I read FBOFW before going back to start the Style section on page 1. Even though I'm a dedicated news junkie, whenever tense developments are unfolding (like now!) I grab the Style section first and turn immediately to your strip so I can find out what's happening with my friends!

When I first heard you were planning to retire I was devastated. It felt like the mass death of real friends! Then when you developed the integration of old strips with new, I was thrilled that my friends wouldn't die. I'm one who liked that model -- well, not as much as *all* new strips, of course, but at least the story could progress while you had some well-earned time off while the characters reminisced. I wasn't as interested in the old strips -- they were great, but your maturation has only improved their quality! -- but it seemed to be an excellent way give you the time you needed while still continuing the Pattersons' story (along with that of their relatives, friends, neighbors, et al). I felt that the differences in drawing style actually enhanced the reality: The fully-fleshed out characters were the real ones, while the line drawings were their thoughts of decades gone by. It made the melding of the old with new more than if realistic than if the drawing style h!
ad been the same, so the model worked perfectly. (I was going to put quotes around the word real, but decided not to because all your characters *are* real to me!)

I know that all the print media are struggling to appeal to a new generation of readers, and I would guess that's part of your decision to start over with a strip that's more relevant to the Millennials. But I'm long past the toddler and preschool stage -- my daughter (named Meredith, like Elly's granddaughter) is 27 now, and dealing with a little one is just a dim memory, especially since, unlike Elly, I'm not lucky enough to have grandchildren, so I live in a completely adult workld.

The current strip gives everyone someone to identify with: I'm at the same age and stage as Elly and John, and my daughter is exactly the same age as Elizabeth. I can't relate to a 20-something Elly the way I can to her late 50's self.

I've also appreciated the maturation of your drawing, and believe it or not, I think about it almost every day, comparing it to the other, line-drawn strips and consciously appreciating the life-like drawing that enhances the realism of the characters and situations. Having become used to the life-like style, it will be even harder to relate to an Elly (and company) who are fully fleshed out only in metaphorical, character development terms, while their physical appearance is only sketched out in simple line drawings.

I know you need to do what you need to do, so I'm not railing against it or begging you to change established plans. But since the change to a different new model seems to have been driven at least partly by feedback from readers who disliked the current model of inserting reminiscences, I just wanted to let you know how well I felt that model worked and how terribly I'll miss the friends whom I've grown to love over the many years I've known them as they've grown and changed along with me.

I watched the video and I know you're greatly looking forward to this change. I wish you the best of luck in your new single life, and congratulate you on having found a new model for your work that you find exciting. I also want to thank you for giving all of us the gift of a high-quality strip all these years, with realistic characters who lived realistic lives that contained sorrow as well as silliness, crises as well as fun.

I especially want to thank for including Lawrence. As the mother of a gay child, I was thrilled to see a gay character included who was no different from anyone else in the strip -- just a normal person living a normal life. FBOFW has really been a wonderful gift. I thank you for bestowing it upon all your dedicated fans.

My best wishes,

Sherry, Maryland


Liz yells "STOP!"

Hopefully she has come to her senses and is stopping this nightmare of a wedding which will only lead to her ultimate demise.

Anthony wants a mommy, that much is clear. He will defintely get the better end of the deal if Liz acutally goes through with this.

Marrying Anthony will turn out to be the worst mistake of her life!

Paul, Michigan


I do hope Grandpa makes it through, the wedding goes on, and later they will have a small ceremony at their house, which Grandpa will be able to attend. Please do not let him die. Yes, I know it happens in real life, but why should sadness be in the comic strip as well...

Maria, Houston TX



I have so been enjoying this wedding! Liz is beautiful, everyone is festive, happy and loving.

For Better or For Worse--you have remained true to the name, Lynn. The wedding is both better (finally Liz and Anthony together) and worse (with Grandpa). You have always showed us the yin and yang of life.

It is tough when someone dies on a special day. My husband's Mom died on Mother's Day. Now every Mother's Day we are a little sad. But I don't mind sharing my day-that's life.

Michelle, Cincinnati


Huh??? No explanation after all that projected drama over the big "STOP!" I guess she was just tired of listening to the kids. (Not a good sign for someone signing up to be an immediate parent to a young child!!)

Nice comic relief by John....every wedding needs that!!

Keep up the great work, Lynn. You're almost there!!

Jenn N, Bellingham MA


Bummer! I was hoping Liz yelling "stop" in yesterday's' strip meant that she had finally come to her senses. But I see that today it was completely glossed over. Oh well! I guess she's going to marry Mr. Milquetoast anyway. Keep up the good work on the strip!

Zea A, Beulah ND


Lynn,

You sure do weave a swell story.

Thanks much

Sydney R, Mt Vernon, VA


Ah Hah! At first I was a bit confused as to Liz shouting,"Stop!" and the look on her face. It was my clever husband who figured it out - the jibberish talk between the children reminded Liz of her grandpa's "talking" and now that she had a moment of calm, she suddenly realized that she hadn't seen him at all yet. Where is he? Could my hubby be right?

Kathleen, BC




Take me back to the top!

Thursday August 21, 2008
August 21, 2008