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I sincerely hope you will continue the storyline about Jim and his battle with aphasia. It was such a shock to see this storyline follow our family's lives the same way other storylines centering around the children & dogs have done. I had never heard the word "aphasia" until my mother's stroke last year - which freakishly happened the same week as Jim's happened in the comic strip. My mother suffers from severe aphasia as a result of her stroke, both receptive and expressive. I have learned a lot about this beast - but have also been amazed at how few people have any clue as to what aphasia is. With the multitude of faithful readers you have, keeping this storyline going will hopefully cause a few people to do a little research about this devastating condition, thus bringing about more understanding. I also love that you are able to bring some humor into a sad situation, because without humor we can not get through the days.

You do a wonderful service to the world with your comic strip - showing us humor in good times as well as in bad!

Susan, Twin Falls Idaho

Many people have brought up Warren. They've mainly made the one point that I would like to mention...that Liz hasn't TOLD him that she considers them finished, that all she did was say, "Oh, you can't get down from Yellowknife? That's fine." And then childishly stuck her tongue out at the phone once she'd hung up. No, she couldn't have actually TOLD Warren that this bothered her and that maybe they'd be better off not dating. For all we know, he's still thinking he's got a chance.

But this leads me to the second point...the pattern I've seen all through Liz and Warren's "relationship." Liz seems to hold Warren to account because he doesn't come to see her enough. *But I don't think we've ever seen HER make an attempt to see HIM.* She seems to me to have just sat back and put all the effort on him. From what I remember, she held him at arm's length from the get-go, claiming that she was still hurting over Eric, and then made a fuss over the fact that he didn't visit her...when SHE was the one holding herself off from him.

And in this last instance, it didn't seem to occur to her to say, "You've got this job up in Yellowknife? Well, I do have a long weekend coming up...maybe we can meet up there for a few days? I hear there's some great restaurants up there..."

But instead, she seems to put all the burden on Warren. And, to an extent, the same thing happened with Paul...she left it all up to HIM to disrupt his life a SECOND time with a SECOND transfer, and didn't seem to consider trying to work out some kind of compromise (for example, finding a job in a more populated area that still would be fairly close to Paul).

It would be interesting if Warren showed up and actually *called* Liz on all this...how she never seems to want to meet him halfway.

Jennifer S, New Jersey

This is my first time to actually summit a comment.

I, like many of your readers have been reading your strip since 1979, since my high school days. I have to admit I really got into it when I started working with a co worker about 10 years ago. I have always enjoy the strip, even so, I believe the family was even funnier years ago.

As to the people questioning the Liz/Anthony story line, I myself had forgotten some key elements over the years. True the monthly letters helped to put some pieces together like Therese leaving Anthony and child to go live with another man-co worker, but it did not explain Candance's 100 questions on 8/20/07. When I received my first collection book, "Love Screws up Everything" , it explained a lot in the characters development today. For example, who remembers Candance helping Liz to break up from Anthony for the 2nd time in high school and then Candance dumped Anthony at the school dance for an 11th grader? I believe along with the monthly letters, time line strips and collection books it would help many to show how the characters develop. Because like it or not Elizabeth is shown to be the same basic character through the years, sweet but smart sarcastic, kind but spoil, sensitive but insensitive at the same time. Through the years, Anthony, even though he dropped her the first time in junior high , could never get over Elizabeth since that time.

As you can see I have really inspected this non 3D family, a sign of a talented storyteller-Lynn.

P Milton, NJ

Lynn, thank you for so many years of a wonderful strip. I am so pleased to see Liz and Anthony together, and especially pleased to be learning of Anthony and Therese's early relationship (today's strip). I am confident that this story arc will continue to shed light on the causes of that relationship's failure, and perhaps satisfy some of the people who have written with negative comments.

As for Anthony being at fault for marrying Therese when he still had feelings for Elizabeth, there was indeed some fault of his if he was truly still in love with Elizabeth (which I don't feel we've had enough evidence to see); however, if Therese truly believed that Anthony was still in love with Elizabeth, and she married him believing this, then part of the fault also lies with her. She still made the decision to marry him; no-one forced her to do so.

Similarly, if Therese truly did not want children, she still went along with the decision to have a child, and if she was then dissatisfied with the result, she is partly to blame there as well. If that is the case, it is terribly sad for Francie...

And no matter what Anthony's faults were, *even if he was emotionally unfaithful*, this did not justify Therese's having an affair. As the old saying goes, two wrongs do not make a right.

I suppose this is all to say that the failure of any marriage is rarely *entirely* the fault of a single partner, no matter how it may seem to outsiders, or even to a single one of the partners themselves. I believe that Lynn's current thread will show us that both parties played a role in the failure of Anthony and Therese's marriage - up to this point, I don't think we've been shown enough to judge either way.

I am hopeful for Liz and Anthony that as they rediscover each other, and get to know one another again after many years apart, they will each discover growth and maturity in the other, and through doing so, of course, let us see that as well.

Again, thanks for a realistic, moving strip. I have loved it for many years, and will continue to enjoy reading it in its new format!

Sukey, Georgia USA

I've been a reader of this strip since the early 80s, and I am so not sold on Liz and Anthony!

I haven't seen any evidence that he really respects her or that he understands her more adventurous side, the part of her that moved off to the North and managed on her own, the lively, curious side that dares to do things differently and who is such a constructive role model for young women. She's the girl he dated in high school, from his hometown, his ideal mom for Francie. Sure, Anthony's lonely. But I don't see any sign that he's willing to embrace a more adventurous life or that he's willing to ever do anything other than plod down the beaten path. If Liz marries him, it seems to me that she's settling. She's giving up on her cultural curiousity, on her desire to see more and do more and be more that has always been such a part of her. Sure, she's had a rough time, and I can see how on the rebound from Warren and Paul, staid Anthony might seem restful. But for the rest of her life?

If Anthony and Liz are going to stay together, I'd like to see her drag him out into the big world. He could be a stay at home dad and they could move to Montreal for her to teach in a special school. Or whatever. Anything except her deciding that East West home is best, and that what good little girls should do is stay home and settle down with their high school boyfriends!

Joe W, Maryland

Way to break up a marriage Liz. Leading Anthony on for as many years as you have, and allowing him to burn his marriage to the ground like that is immoral. You are a great Role model. but what should I expect from a Generation that views Marriage as disposable.

Stech, Vermont

We've been reading FBOFW since 1978! It's been such fun to watch the Patterson family evolve and grow, just like our own. And even though we know intellectually that the Pattersons are "cartoon people", we just suspend our disbelief and enjoy them. (When Farley died, I remember my teeneaged daughter looking up through her tears and saying, "Mom, can you believe we're crying over a cartoon dog?!" But we were, indeed.)

Last year my husband had major surgery that left him in much the same fix that Grandpa Jim is in. I can relate completely to Iris's fatigue and frustration. By portraying it, Lynn has done a great service to all of those caregivers who toil daily to provide help to their loved ones, because their needs are often overlooked.

As for Anthony and Liz--I just hope that it all works out for the best for all concerned.

Pamela, New England

I've loved the strip for a long time, and follow it faithfully. Like many others, I relate to the characters strongly, and they have come to feel almost like real people to me.

Having said that, and despite being an incurable romantic, I can't help being sorely disappointed with Elizabeth's relationship with Anthony. I want to be happy about the 'love conquers all' element, that they've reunited despite life taking them in different directions. However, Anthony just seems so flat to me. It has nothing to do with him being an accountant, or being a 'nice guy' - I like the latter! Maybe it's because his background hasn't been fully developed - maybe.

Personally, of the three suitors, I was hoping things would finally come together between Elizabeth and Warren. When he suddenly became a 'sleazy guy' at the party, oogling the models, it rang false - not totally unbelievable, mind you, but it was a little too convenient to paving the way for Anthony.

I agree with some of the posters who have said that their conception of Elizabeth is that she's an explorer, who wants some measure of stability, familiarity and, of course, passionate love. She needs someone who will love her, but challenge her as well. She's a smart cookie, remember!

Perhaps Elizabeth can be the catalyst for Anthony 'breaking out' and trying new things. But I can't help but feel a sense of resignation about their relationship. It just doesn't seem to truly have chemistry, physically or mentally.

'Spice' and excitement doesn't always mean long-term happiness, but neither does solid and predictable! As a (college) teacher who is also searching for love, I'm rooting for Elizabeth! She doesn't have to have the life I hope for myself, but please Lynn, make it a full-bodied, real relationship with the potential for growth and excitement for Elizabeth, no matter who she's with!

Allison, Hamilton ON

I like the Liz and Anthony direction. Single parent, blended family is more the norm than ever and those issues would be interesting to follow. (I live it, so I empathize.) The evil ex, the sharing of affection, the abandoning parent who returns, kid loyaly to an undeserving parent despite pain caused, the unfair slights received by the caring step-parent, finding a balance of shared parenting and united front when one parent isn't "the parent", disagreements of style, the strain of it all a marriage, teenagers.... Oh, there are lots of topics from which to draw. And, you've got an angle of friendship being the heart of a marriage and how one has to nurture that through it all. Go with it! Love the strip!!!

Linnea, Maine

I wanted to thank you for the storyline with Grandpa Jim and Iris (my namesake). They call old age "the second childhood" for a reason! A two-year-old's obsession with the word, "no", seems accurate in Jim's case. He's angry at his inability to control his own body, and as with a toddler, "no" is the only way to effect some control over something! It was his wife, Iris' call that he was not having a bad day, acting like a little kid. Elly merely was able to pinpoint the exact age judging from the response she got from her father. I thought it was hysterical.

Lynn has created in Iris a most sympathetic character. Her companion is now someone who must be taken care of like a child, and she must be so lonely at times. I know someone who is a live-in caretaker, and that's not a 9-to-5 job. I can see someone like Iris as someone who hasn't gone to the movies or to a restaurant in who-knows-when, someone who longs for adult company and conversation much like a stay-at-home mom does. Except, she can't pack Jim up in a car seat and take him to the mall! Of course, Iris isn't real, and neither is her situation, so my hope is that there will be created for her some way to offer her some relief. Maybe it's time for Jim and Iris to consider assisted living. There would be care for Jim, and social opportunites for Iris! It's just a thought, but to have her living the way she does from now on is heartbreaking.

Thanks again for a wonderful strip that gives people such food for thought!

Iris M. G, Oklahoma

I just want to applaud you for tackling heavy issues. I notice a lot of people are very derogatory about how Jim is portrayed & being treated. I am a Vet & a military wife, but I have also been a nurses assistant in a Nursing home. It is hard for families to cope with & understand the changes when a family member goes through something like this. For all the naysayers - they ARE being supportive, helping & visiting. Life gets busy & the fact that they make time to visit & help - physically, metally & emotionally is wonderful. Keep up the good work.

Heather, Ft Leonard Wood, MO

Although I have been reading the daily and weekly comics for nearly 70 years now--when I could, while living in 5 countries--this is the first time I have written a fan letter to one.

I was just so dismayed to hear that you are retiring. Even if someone carries on the strip, it is hard to believe it could be as good. The Pattersons have been like good friends of mine for so long.

Michael is the same age as the youngest of my four sons, so I followed him with special interest. Besides, he reminds me of myself. When I was in high school, I also wanted to be a journalist. That was however because I really wanted to be a writer, and the guidance counsellor said the best way to do that was to become a journalist. The closer I got to it, however, the more I saw how they seemed to be mostly occupied with crime, sports and politics, none of which interested me. So I switched to music, and eventually published my own book, too--on music.

I am sure you have been told countless times how real your characters are for us, and how we follow their lives. As I don't watch TV (too time-consuming)I guess your strip is my soap opera.

Compared with other strips, yours is outstanding and almost unique for one thing--when you finish reading it, your heart is warmed. I could analyse many others to show what different reactions they arouse, but that is not it.

Perhaps the time I awaited the Monday strip with the most anticipation is when Michael, with a previous girlfriend, drove his father's car through the carwash with the windows open.

After the weekend,to my total surprise,the girlfriend did not express shock at getting soaked, but expressed concern about Michael's poor father.

Such an expression of concern for someone else instead of oneself I cannot imagine turning up in any other strip, and is one more example of the humanity in your strip that makes people love it, and you.

Your latest Saturday strip (in the Toronto Star)which I take to be the engagement of Elizabeth and Anthony, was a gem, as usual delivering both a chuckle and a warmed heart.

As it lay around, I looked at it a few more times and then noticed, in the first panel, in the shadows, the perfectly realized portrait of a typical character one might see in a restaurant, yet not one typical for the strip.

This reminded me of the first-class artwork you deliver. You can draw real people, differentiated but not stuck in their stereotypes--e.g.women both beautiful and plain, expressing real emotions. You know how to vary the view of the same scene with different viewpoints, use of silhouettes, etc. I don't know of anyone better.

I think the strip and its people are typically Canadian, too, showing us at our best,and I am proud to think they appear all over the world.

I have run on a bit, telling things I suppose you have heard countless times,but I just wanted to have the chance to have said them while I can.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and please, couldn't you just carry on for at least another ten years?

With gratitude,

Graham H. J, Toronto

Thank you for your accruate portrial of Jim's stroke. My Mom had a stroke 2 years ago that has left her with the mind of a child. She is a happy child and I aim to keep her that way (happy) Why? Because happy children are much easier to care for. For the most part she is very agreable,but she can have her moments. Like Iris I to have my window washing moments. Unless you die young be prepaired to grow old. Growing old is not cheep or all fun and games. But I like watching my Mom, she still has her since of humor. Like the day we passed a dead skunk on the side of the road and it did not stink. She said "That one must have died of a heart attack." or the other week when I was losing my patience with a bee I was trying to get out of my car (while driving)"So far the bee is winning, let's not lose the car." She loves for us to read your comic strip to her every day. She can also relate to Jim and his struggle with recovery.

Debbie R, Virginia

My compliments on the remarkable sensitivity with which you have dealt with so many very common and often serious family issues. Because you manage to put a positive and humorous twist on every situation, your strip always provides a bright beginning to my day. Thanks so very much.

Although we live in Florida, we've travelled throughout Canada, and I've never met a Canadian I didn't like. It's no surprise your strip offers that same sense of warmth we've found throughout your country.

Eric V, Florida