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Hello again,

I've hesitated writing to you about Grandpa Jim's stroke before because it's so personal. It still is, but I feel compelled after seeing today's strip.

My grandpa had a massive stroke nearly eight years ago. It was so massive that he never came out of the coma. He was so cold a day or so afterward and we knew he didn't want to be on a respirator, so we made the difficult decision to disconnect him from the respirator and let him go peacefully.

The hardest part was seeing how his passing affected my grandma. Although she was elderly, she became old almost overnight. She said she felt the bed shaking when he was having the stroke and didn't know what was going on. In the hospital, she said she could feel him squeeze her hand before he passed. We weren't sure what to make of that because it didn't happen, but we didn't want to make her feel worse.

It's so hard to believe it's been nearly eight years that I lost my grandpa, and I miss him every day. Today's strip brought all that back. I'd give anything I have to have even five more minutes with him, so the Pattersons are lucky to have had Jim for as long as they did, even with the aphasia.

I hope that losing Jim doesn't mean Iris will be written out of the strip too, since she's a "step-grandparent."

As I've written before, best wishes to all of you putting out the strip, and thanks for making me think of my grandpa again.

Sincerely,

Jennifer, Brooklyn Park, MD

Thank you, Lynn, for FINALLY putting an end to Grandpa Jim! I know it sounds cruel, but you have gained my respect again by finally killing him off. After he had his stroke, it seemed like you just chickened out of what would otherwise have been a normal ending to a happy life. Reality: people die. I'm so glad that you've finally accepted that.

George, Uganda

My feelings are for Iris, who has been giving all her love and energy to care for Jim at home, knowing that is where he wanted to be. Her job is not an easy one but it is the one she chose.

As for Michael, he may think Super-Teddy is kind of funny now but he didn't think so the other day when he got the Super-Teddy alarm first thing in the morning.

Suzanne R, West Suffield, CT

I'm part of an email group that discusses FBoFW. When I checked Wednesday's early-morning email, I saw several subjects of "Spoiler 10/3," so I knew something much be going on.

I know the story will play out, in whatever way Lynn sees it happening in her mind. What is such a shame is that Grandpa's life didn't end as he lived it... strong, happy and dancing. He was reduced to a shadow of himself by that harsh stroke.

As the readers (myself included) have learned countless times, this strip is virtually a mirror image of many "real" lives. As our grandparents and great-grandparents age, many are blessed with good health. Unfortunately, many have health issues that put a strain on the entire family... and it's a sad situation.

I hope Grandpa Jim is soon dancing with his Marian... and I hope Iris does well in her own life.

Jim I, Bloomington Indiana

Thank you so much for such a wonderful comic strip. I've enjoyed reading it everyday which seems like forever! I look forward to the continuing story of Elizabeth and Michael. I so relate to Elly with her never ending list of chores!

Thanks for putting a wonderful smile on my face everyday.

Kim M, Hamilton Ontario

I have followed your strip off and on for a while, when I can afford to get the paper or sneak to the library to read up on what I have missed. It will be sad to see Grandpa Jim go as I have lost my grandparents just recently myself. I have enjoyed Michael's flashbacks. Keep up the good work.

Analee G, Council Bluffs, Iowa

My wife & I really enjoy your strip. If I have little time for the paper,I'll skim through and read only fbofw in the comics.I have been a reader for maybe 13 yrs. or so.This is the first time on your web site. IT IS MARVALOUS!!!! What brought me here was to see if there was a hint about Jim.After reading some of the"beans spilt" I hope he isn't.Peace

Paul B, Somerset NJ

I think that Michael's story with the super bunny is so realistic. I have 4 children, all adults now, 3 of them are young men and I hope that they can keep some of the boy inside of themselves forever. It's great to be responsible but it's even better to have such good memories of your childhood to share with your kids. Keep up the good work!

Kim, Plumstead Pennsylvania

I discovered this strip in mid 1987 (or maybe they started running it then), and it was in the top 3 for a long time, then Calvin & Hobbs retired and it has been the #1 since then!! SO many similarities (our daughter is 5 months younger than April; our pet died within weeks of Farley, Our mom.........).
BUT, a gripe: the recent running of what happened years ago is not that interesting, especially the cowabunga bear, can you keep it more current? Like life, it's often been unpredictable- the characters are like family, but these are just not that interesting- stay with the present and the future- not the past. Thanks for a GREAT STRIP and for listening to my minor issue!!

Ron P, Dekalb IN

My heart stood still as i saw the frames from today...My own 87 year old Father in law suffer a stroke a few years ago, and I can so relate to the Jim story-line. If you have decided to let Jim "go", thank you from all the care-givers out there.
I feel for Iris, and all the frustrations that she has..I have felt them too..

Thanks for peeking inside of our world every day...with both the children and the seniors in our lives! (And letting us laugh...sometimes that is just what people need)

Kimberly-Ann W, Windsor Ontario

Lynn,
How strange to cry over a character in a comic strip! Of course it is not only for Grandpa Jim I'm crying. It is for his generation, who are in the process making their departure.
Thank you for depicting him and them with the dignity that befits the "greatest generation."
God bless,
Rick C.

Rick C, Winnetka CA

How on earth do we get so involved in a cartoon family? Pure genius!

Pat C, Bakersfield CA

Lynn, has done an excellent job of creating this family. John and Elly Patterson have raised good kids into good adults. Yes, sometimes their life choices we can disagree with but there are many things about these characters that we want to consider.
Michael, is caught up in his career-no arguement there but does he beat his wife and kids, run around with other women behind his wife's back, steal, cheat,lie? NO!!!
Liz, can be critized for possibly "leading paul on" or choosing a "safe but boring" boyfriend in Anthony . However, she loves her family, works hard as a teacher and doesn't turn to drink or drugs when things do not go her way. She picks herself up and keeps going.
April, has been though many ups and downs this year. Troubles with her boyfriend, moving and feeling forgotten at times by her family. Still, she didn't turn to a destructive pattern of behavior but eventually talked with elly,who validated her feelings. (In john's last letter, he talked of elly telling him that they both needed to give April more attention and consideration of her feelings.)

Corrine, Tucson AZ

I have especially loved your poignant and realistic protrayal of Jim and Iris and the Stoke storyline. Now that you have allowed him to have another stroke, I would like to encourage you to consider Hospice and or organ donation as part of the heroic end to his wonderful life. It would could be an excellent catalyst to some very moving experiences for the family and you will have such a positive impact on people much the way Sharon, Laurence, and Farley continue on.

Nina P, Palmetto Florida

Would you kindly cheer up your column. I read the comics for an reality escape before starting a busy day.
If I want depression I can listen to the news, read the headlines.
I know grandpa's stroke is reality, but I don't believe it to be humour, and I thought comics were suppose to leave a smile.

Marlene P, Aurora, Ontario