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Toward the end of 1989 and into 1990, my husband and I wanted to move closer to my parents to help them, and we were thinking of having a child, at that time. It was a little late in our lives, but still possible, and it would have been our first. Well, my parents needed more help than I could have managed with a new baby, but there in the For Better or Worse comic strip, April was born. She became our landmark or sign post for how old our child would have been, had we been able to go ahead with the idea. I can't believe how fast she has grown, but it is in accord with the calendar, as she (he) would have been 17 now. I just want to thank Lynn for writing April into the comic strip... as I always felt she was my little girl too.
With Kindest Regards,

Maureen T, San Jose CA

I can safely say that For Better or For Worse has been my favorite comic strip as long as I can remember. I remember we didn't have a daily subscription, but my mom would get the Sunday paper and I would grab the comics as fast as I could and go right to this strip. April is only about four years younger than I am so she has always been my favorite. There has been no other strip that I care this deeply about. I care what happens to the characters and I always feel what they are feeling in some way. It's a wonderful wonderful thing you when you make this comic strip. Thank you so much!

Jenni D, Aubrey TX

My family has been reading For Better or For Worse since as far as I can remember. My parents bought the books and I can remember going with my mother to the book store downtown to meet Lynn and get her to sign all the books we had, which are now only half of the collection. My husband and I read the strip everyday. I feel like the Pattersons are old friends and being about the same age as Mike, I grew up going through alot of the same things at about the same time. I feel like Mike and Liz are childhood friends. Watching "The Bestest Present" was a family Christmas tradition, like The Charlie Brown Christmas Special. I wish Lynn all the best and am glad she chose to bring For Better or Forse Worse into all our lives.

Kat M, Belleville ON

Amazing! Lynn, if you wanted an illustration of how you have touched peoples' lives, the past few days in this Coffee Talk sure have shown it. People are telling you they are praying for Jim and Iris. . . and I am sure they really are! Amazing.

I identify with Elly, and if I could talk to her (as a friend), I'd suggest she gets a nice stylish cut like yours Lynn. Or if she wants to keep it long, that she not wear a bun ALL the time. She's not a frump, and I think buns are frumpy.

Sandy, Red Deer AB

Yeah, we sure didn't see THIS coming: April realizes that Success Is Hollow, and doing what you love for a living is not nearly as fulfilling as playing second fiddle to your very own wormy-guy-with-a-mustache and raising his pants-crapping spawn. Jeez, I used to harbor a vague hope that maybe she'd just be allowed to drop out of the strip without being assimilated into the Patterson Collective, but no, Lynn isn't about to let independent thought and exploration of untraditional life paths go unpunished. Bet she's inflicted with an Elly-style fat butt within the week.

John A, Moose Lake, MN

I would tell Elizabeth:

Before you get any more deeply involved with Anthony, you need to address your feelings for Warren. Of all the men you have been involved with, he is the one who understands you the best. You have spent years avoiding dealing with your feelings for him. Continued avoidance isn't fair to him, to Anthony, or to you.

Stephen R, San Francisco

I've only recently come across the wealth that your web site provides, both in the strip archives (which I've just finished, in order) and in other resources like this. I must say how impressed I am with everything.

I do wish you the best with your new direction(s) ... I hope they don't get too scattershot. But I hope you have good occasion to use your new-found Spanish skills!

As you look backward AND walk forward (a handy trick!), I hope that Grandpa Jim slides easily into his next transition -- he's had it rough lately. I also hope that Elizabeth can find (solidify!) the happiness that she's deserved for some time.

This world is a comfort. We see ourselves as we wish to see us, as well as our worst enemies as they truly are! ;-) I hope that whatever form fbORfw takes, it will continue for many non-stressful years to come.

Best wishes!

Bruce H, Leonardtown Maryland

One thing I'd love to see one more time is a visit to Farley's tree. It seems like years since any of the family went to visit Farley. I always loved seeing his "spirit" nearby... it reminded me of my dogs that have passed away over the years.

Also... will Lynn ever answer reader mail again? I haven't seen much since June and July. I know she's been busy, but would love to hear from her again as well!

You're all the best! Thanks for everything!

Jim I, Bloomington

Jim - she will be, indeed. We travelled a lot this summer but things are settling down a little!