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I have read this comic since I was in high school. I love how I feel when I read it even now. I laugh a lot, but also cry when I see some of what the Pattersons experience (Farley's heroic death, Jim's struggle after his strokes).
Right now, I have to say how thrilled I am of Shannon. I love her spirit and determination to not let others make her feel bad. God Bless April for being such a wonderful friend who sees who Shannon really is, not just her "disability".

Patti W, Calgary Alberta

Thank goodness for the internet so I can keep up with the strip daily. I have it saved on my Google home page so today's latest is one click away.

Although she's more of my mom's generation, I really identify with Elly as a mom trying to hold it all together. I used to be a speech pathologist so I watch Grandpa Jim's trials with interest - they are SO accurate! - and I hope he will be OK.

Laurie, Atlanta GA

Hi Elly

I wrote to you once before, a few years back.. Your comic strip makes my day. IT is the first thing I read in the mornings. I use to call my mom and we would read them together and have a chat about what would happen next to Mike, Lizzy or April and now Grandpa.. I know when you tell us ( the reader he has passed i will do a lot of crying as i feel you are so a part of my family now.. You see I just lost my mom in late June so there is no more sharing with her.. But I feel close to her when I read your strips each day..Thank you.. I need that right now... and I don't find your kids are whinning or complaining any more then any of our kids have..and anyone with Children would know that.. Again all I can say is thank you from the bottom of my heart for always being there for what seems my whole life...I feel you're a great friend and understand what we go through in the real world.......Diana

Diana T, Brockville ON

Over the years the Patterson's have become family of our family. Our children are the 3rd generation of FBORFW devotees. FBORFW is the first and frequently only comic strip I enjoy. Lynn Johnson is my psychotherapist. You have certainly made the world a better place for your readers and our children and parents.

Anita, Chicago

Our prayers are with the Patterson family in dealing with Jim's 2nd stroke. My mother died 3 weeks after having one massive stroke that paralyzed her right side in June 2006. She could not eat or talk and we stayed for many hours by her side in the hospital like Jim, without knowing what, if anything, she was hearing, feeling or thinking. I hope Jim pulls out of it and lets us know if he heard his family trying to "reach" him. Reading this storyline brings back all the feelings and pain again. I think it is very realistic and we hope Jim has a better outcome than my mother did. Thank you for bringing these painful, realistic life stories to light, Lynn. We love you!

Kristin, Paul, Julia, Katy and Laura L, Coronado, CA

Hi Lynn, I have emailed you on and off over the years. My son, Joey, is just 4 months younger than your "child of your mind", April (I believe that's how you put it).

I am so sad that you are tapering off the strip but I understand too. I changed careers in 2003 after my mother passed away and my health prevented me from returning to nursing. I am now an artist so I work from home.

Still, I look forward to the strip every day. I pray for Jim and Iris and keep my fingers crossed for Liz and Anthony. I even had to check Amazon.com today to see if the book your son wrote was listed!! Like so many of your fans, I feel like I know you. And, with the big "5-0" next month, it's nice to have friends I can relate to!

If you're ever going to be in the Halifax area, let me know. I am in residence in Chester all summer and at Christmas. I'd be there year 'round if it weren't for the income tax!

Hugs to you and all,

Teri S, SW Michigan and Chester, NS

Thank you for showing what some stroke victims go through with their families. My father-in-law has had a few and the whole family has spent a lot of time trying to help him and my mother-in-law, work out the financial problems that have sprung up, and things like that. Poor Iris has struggled so long, and when Elly takes her out to relax, that gets turned into Elly and Connie talking together about their own old days. Meanwhile Jim gets a couple visits from family, but Mike is too caught up in his own life to stop by until he has his book to show off, and Iris yells to ask if there "is anybody home?" Good portrayal of Iris, who could use a lot of help and counseling (or at least an honestly sympathetic listener), and the rest of the family who are in denial about what Jim really needs in his life.

Denise L, Chicago suburbs

I think I'd like to say something to each character in FBorFW, but if I had to choose just one, it would be Iris.

I would tell her that she is an angel for all that she's doing for Jim, and he would probably be in a nursing home if she wasn't in his life.

I would urge her to reach out for help, and to take regular, daily if possible, breaks from caregiving. Even if it's just 15 or 20 minutes at the corner coffee shop, away from the apartment or the hospital room, it's good to have a breather. She needs to have scheduled time for herself when she isn't being depended upon, not just a week at her daughter's once a year. Iris is no spring chicken herself, and it is stressful for anyone of any age to be a caregiver. It's harder when the patient is cantankerous.

There are family members who could help on a regular basis. Please don't get burned out, Iris. You are needed and loved.

Mary, New York

Elly,

My husband, George, had a stroke about the same time Grandpa Jim did. I, like Iris, am not his first wife and I am his caregiver. So many of the strips about his stroke have hit home with me. I try and save each one. It amazes me how my life and Grandpa Jim's and Iris' match, except they are much older than I am. I am 57 and George is 64 but we have kids and grandkids and dogs. I just love your FBorFW strip.

Wendie B, Maryville Tennessee

I wish I could sit down with Michael and Deanna and become personal friends with them. I have grown up with the FBOFW strip, but they are the ones I feel closest to.

Jennifer K, Gypsum Colorado