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Dear Lynn,

I just wanted to say that, as an occupational therapist, I've really appreciated the exposure your strip has given to the role of physiotherapy. The storyline of Grandpa Jim has also directed much-needed attention to the plight of the caregivers in such situations. I've spoken to patients and their family members who read your strip, and they've told me how the storyline really hits home for them, and brings comfort.

Keep up the great work, and thank you!

Audrey M, Denville, NJ

It seems as if Grandpa Jim has stirred up a storm of emotions among your readers. I know people read the comics as an escape from the pressures of life, but fbofw IS life--for better or for worse! It's the pain and the sad times that make us savor the good times even more. If we didn't ever learn how fragile life is, we wouldn't ever learn to cherish it.

Karen, Owego NY

It is sad to see that Grampa Jim has had another stroke. Hopefully, he won't linger on in a vegetative state for long. My mom had 2 massive strokes and only lived a day and a half after the second one. I was greatful for that, since she could have lived in a vegetative state for years, which would have been hard for the family to handle.
I hope Lynn that Jim either passes on or comes out of the stroke and has some kind of recovery.

Susan, Ontario

Dear Lynn,

I just want to say I hope that you don't drag out the story of Grandpa Jim too long. Its hard to watch him suffering. I lived with my father being very ill for a really long time, and I can say that as a family member- you reach a point where you want them to not hurt anymore- you want them to be able to move on so their pain is over. It must be hard for you, their creator, to have the power of life and death, since in real life, none of us has that kind of control. But death is the natural conclusion to life. I hope that you give Grandpa Jim the dignified end he deserves.

Rachel, Netherlands

I just wanted to let you know how much your strip has touched me. Many times I have read the remembering Farley section and have sobbed.Now, with the Jim storyline , you have once again stirred real emotions. My father died this summer and , as strange as it may sound, it feels good to be able to cry.
Thanks for bringing these wonderful characters to us each day . I can't wait until tomorrows strip.

Debbie G, Oakland CA

Dear Lynn:
I have followed your strip from the very beginning and delighted in watching the Pattersons and their friends and family grow and change.
I wept for Farley as I wept
for my own dog. I cried for Mr. B too but losing Jim will be the hardest thing for me as it is coming near the annniversary of the death of my own father. I realize that we all die and I know in my heart that it is bettr for Jim to die rather than linger the way he is. It was the same for my father but oh it is so hard to let them go.
Thanks for wonderful years of laughter and tears.
My very best wishes to you for always having the courage to stand up for what you believe in and sharing your world with the greater world.
Sincerely yours,

Kate S, Victoria BC

Dear Ms. Johnston,
Echoing others' comments, I, too, lost my Dad 2 years ago this month. He had suffered a stroke 9 years prior to his death and Mom and the six of us their children) watched and loved and comforted as his life slowly narrowed down to almost nothing. Still, Dad found something to enjoy in life each day. He didn't ask to be reduced from a strong, vital, active man to a shuffling, deaf, partly-blind man, but he took what came to him in life and made the best of it. In doing that, he didn't just teach his kids how to live, he taught them - each of us - how to die with grace. Just one more reason his generation is called The Greatest Generation.

Sheryl W, Green Valley AZ

By a terrible coincidence, Grandpa Jim's stroke occurred on the same day as Lisa Moore's death in "Funky Winkerbean." It's silly to feel so bad over two comic characters, but I've been reading both strips for so long, I can't help it.

Ken D, Athens GA

I have read this strip for as long as I can remember. We have 2 sons (now grown), I come from a large family, so there was/is always some 'thing' I hang my hat on - I've bought a few individual stips over the years, my first being in S.F. Comic Museum (?) dealing with Mike's friend who was kicked out of his home for being gay. Today's strip is another I will purchase - it is just soooo real - it says what so many are afraid of thinking or feel so guilty for doing so. Lynn is a very very giving 'artist' - she gives all the thoughts we all have, a place to be without judgement.
Thank you for such a kind touch to life.

Karyn P, Indianapolis

I think you did a good job showing what the family had to go thru when dealing with the aftermath of a stroke. I work in a pharmacy and see so many families go thru the same thing. It's not only hard on the family but the person themselves. I have been reading your strip for years and started collecting your collection books a few years ago. I came across the story line with Elizabeth when she found out her boyfriend was cheating on her and she had to move on. I was going thru the same thing at that time. I have been able to relate to so much in your strip. Thank you and keep up the awsome work.

Michelle M, Schoolcraft, Mi

Dear Lynn & Co.,

Why, you little trixsy minx! You pulled a fast one on us; we thought Jim was dead but no, it was a second stroke. Well, a point to you for getting the drop on us.

But let's get to deal: What now? Will we be subjected to Iris wringing her hands even longer, throwing out HUGE hints for help of which the family only takes haphazard notice? Is her ONLY role to be Jim's caregiver, or is she allowed to participate in family activites?

Me, I'd like to see Iris interact with the family. ANYTHING other than telling people she's lonely and doesn't do things she used to enjoy, and them IGNORING her as has been shown in the past.

Come on, Lynn; don't use constant pathos as a storytelling device. People obviously take comfort and inspiration from your strip. Don't just go for the drama; give families of stroke victims some positive vibes. Let people know it's okay for a caregiver to take a simple break once in a while and not feel guilty about it.

It may be too much to ask to not make Jim linger, I don't know what you have planned. But out of consideration for people in Jim and Iris's situation, don't wring out every single last drop of despair. It's not worthy of your capabilities.

Truman F, Georgia

Originally from the Netherlands but at the moment Baton Rouge,La, USA
question: For years now I enjoy your strip. When we, my husband and 2 daughters, came to live in Florida, later after going back to the Netherlands for a few years in NewFoundland and now in Baton Rouge , La. The stories are so close to home , that is wat makes it encouraging and heartwarming. If you ever are out of ideas, here is a subject that may be would be interesting to investigate. As non American and non Canadian citizen living in America or Canada and the good and bad situations you encounter.If I could write I would write a book about it so people would understand better what we 'aliens'go through. And I didn't even had very bad experiences.
Just an idea.
Keep up the good work!
I start my day usualy with checking email and reading your strip after breakfast.
Bye,
greetings,

Marjolein

The recent developments with Grandpa Jim hit so close to home. I, too, watched my dear Father lose his strength and vitality to a stroke. This is such a difficult subject to talk (or write) about, but people need to know that difficult decisions are out there and families will have to make them, usually under very stressful conditions.

I know that you will surround Grandpa Jim with loving, caring people who will make the best decisions they can with the information they have available. This is such a delicate subject, but I know you will handle it with grace and style. Thank You!

Kelly H, Iowa