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I don't understand how some people can't like Anthony. I'm very much enjoying the continuation of Liz and Anthony's relation, and I do hope they end up together in the long run.

Anthony is definitely a sweet man, the type that is often overlooked. Give me a sweet guy like that any day. Oh wait, I already have one. :)

Dawn, South Carolina

Why is Francoise in a bunk bed that isn't built for such a young child? Anthony is really doing a poor job at times of being a single parent - between jumping every time she wants something, and putting her in a tall bed without proper rails, I'm worried what will happen to her proper development, emotionally and physically. I understand that she speaks at a level well above her age (compare her to Robin, after all, though does he have a learning disability? That would explain some of his issues) and is tall for her age (again, Robin), but he's still making some serious mistakes with his daughter.

Liz is a teacher, but she's not doing that good of a job of recognizing what this child needs. Maybe she's too used to dealing with older children and needs to learn that teachers get to demand attention and obedience, but it's different when it's not a teacher-student relationship. After letting Jesse get too personally involved in her life, it could be that she just assumed that Francoise would adore her automatically if she tried to be friendly.

Denise L, Chicago IL

Hi Lynn, LOVE your strip and have for many years. Since one can't email the characters any longer, please pass the following on to Elizabeth:
Dear Elizabeth:
For the love of Pete, RUN, no don't run, SPRINT, outta Anthony's life. Run for the woods! Run for Mtigiwaki, Seschatchewan, Cleveland, wherever, just GO. You are a young woman who doesn't deserve the baggage of an unresolved marriage (i.e., abandonment) and a confused child. You deserve freedom and love. No relationship is without complication, but Anthony's life is not for you. If you were passionate about him, it may work out, but it is apparent over the years that you are not. Go, sweetheart, go, and enjoy life. You so deserve it. You will meet someone in no time. Go out and greet the world.

Kimrie, Redondo Beach CA

Lynn...Please, I'm begging you. Have a vote. Give your readers a week to send an email with the subject line "dump Anthony" or "marry Anthony," and see what happens. They make me sick. You want to try bold plot lines? How about Paul shows up, has taken a job in the south, rented an apartment, and says, "Liz, I don't know if you can ever forgive me, but I'll be right here in your hometown hoping and praying you will." Or, better yet, Warren knocks on Liz's door and says, "I took a job as a pilot for Mercy Flight." (We have that here--they fly helicopters to bad accidents.) Hey, has anyone ever died in an accident in your strip? How about Anthony and Francine are in an accident, Anthony doesn't make it, Liz takes Francine in, and Warren says, "Ok, Liz, it's time for us to settle down and raise this orphan together."

Also, please don't retire. You Baby Boomers make me nuts with your entitlement issues. I'm 26 (and a teacher, and confused with my love life, which is why I'm obsessed with Liz), and I recognize that I will not retire until I'm close to 70. That's just the way things are going to change. Even if you keep the hybrid up and only do an average of 3 more strips a week, you owe it to us to keep it going until John or Elly passes on from natural causes. Then you, too, may retire.

:) Obviously, though, you're a genius, so do what you want! I'll be reading anyway!

Emily, New York State

This comic strip absolutely facinates me!
I am definitely not "family-orientated."
I was never close to either of my parents, and do not have any children that I know of.
FBOFW is like an paralell-universe/alternate-dimension that I can view with a "sense of wonder" when I read the comic strip.
I think-- but don't know...

Wesley M, Minneapolis, Minnesota

I love this strip. I have read it since Weed went to Ireland. The Patterson's are "my" family. Whatever my real family is lacking the Patterson's make up for it. I am a better person for reading about them. I get advice from the strip..ie. their reactions to problems. etc. I love all of them. I even look like Elly. A little wrinkled, a little messy and I like to think I have a heart like her's too.
I really hope that Liz goe back to Mitawaki ( sp. ). Those children need her.

Betty H, Sterling VA

While I'm glad that the strip has returned to the present day, I have to say I hope this is the beginning of the end of the Liz/Anthony storyline. I find it completely unbelievable that we're supposed to think Therese left her daughter and never returned, even for visitation.

It is understandable, however, why she would leave Anthony and never return. He's such a limp, lifeless, bland character and Liz could do so much better. Please bring back Warren and give her the adventures that made her so interesting to read about!

PJ, Springfield IL

I LOVE to see Liz and Anthony back together. They have known each other for so long that they're very comfortable and real. That's not bad, folks! That's GREAT! They genuinely enjoy each other's company and don't have to be "on the edge" with each other. I'm glad you're considering Francie's angle as well. Liz's comment and thoughts show that she's in this for the long haul. Way to go! Yeah!

Susan R, Arizona

FBoFW never shies away from tough topics and step parents is now a normal occurrence within a family. I can relate as my parents divorced and they now have significant others. I am older but I know that feeling when all of a sudden you realize that you are not exclusively number one to your parents. Kudos to FBoFW for taking on another tough yet important topic that most parents and children can relate to.

Mallory, Pickering ON

Dear Lynn,
I started reading FBOFW when I was pregnant with my now 16 year old son.I was hooked then and have remained a faithful reader ever since.I have all your books and various other 'goodies'.Have you thought about writing an autobiography?Your life story is such an inspiration.I would be first in line to buy it!I'm saddened at all the recent changes but do understand.Its nice to revisit 'the kids' growing up years,it brings back many memories for me and mine.I'm at that stage where I wonder where all the years went and wish I could turn back the clock and have my boys little again.This time I'd enjoy it more, not be so tired, and know what I was doing!!Thank you Lynn, its been a pleasure and an honor to have you in my home.

Donna, Savannah GA

Re: Elizabeth and Francie
When my son was 4 1/2, his dad died. When he was 6 1/2, we met my second husband. Stan made a huge effort to get close to my son. It mostly worked. They did guy things together, like building a tree house. All through my son's growing up years, he called his step-dad "Stan." Recently, now that he is away at college, he has taken to calling him "dad."
Have Elizabeth make the effort to do things with Francie, like re-arranging the furniture in Francie's room according to Francie's taste, doing play-dates and crafts, some without Anthony. That way, Francie will think she's important in her own right. Have Elizabeth take Francie over to Meridith and Robin's house for a play date.

Pat

My wife and I are still in the process of "blending" our families, but the current topic of Francie's issues with Elizabeth ring true. As a widower, my daughter went through the same issues when she first met the woman who became my second wife, but over a year later, my daughter and wife mutually love each other dearly.

John S, Washington DC

I thoroughly enjoy the Liz/Anthony relationship. I find it to be very realistic.Yes, they may not have a flaming, hot romance, but relationshipd which last are not always the bodice-ripping kind. I hope the two (three) make a go of it.

Wilma, Selma TX