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Oh,now I get it! This is our Christmas present, isn't it? Two weeks of NEW strips, just for us! What a treat, thanks, Lynn!

Diane, Base militaire Valcartier

Here's what worries me. The more embroiled Liz gets with Francie and Anthony, the more trepidation I feel that you are going to leave her with Anthony forever. After all Anthony's self-pity and pining after Elizabeth, it's hard to believe you will separate them, because he would take it SO hard. And now with Francie, how could she disappoint a child? A good reason not to get involved with a man's children until you know it will work out. Although, this often depends on the kids, so it's hard.
Saturda;y's strip was disappointing. Therese saying we'll visit sometime, as though Francie were an adult. Elizabeth thinking "at least I'm here." Well, even if Francie had regular visits with her mama, they might have run into her at the mall, she might have been too busy at the time to spend more than a half hour in a cafe, and Elizabeth might have been left with Francie's sadness. Then, would she have had the right to such self-satisfied smugness? If she and Anthony are taking it slowly and not yet committed, just how is she "here?" Presumably, Anthony will be back in a minute. Couldn't you have shown this, leading to perhaps a real honest exchange between Liz and Anthony? I am still just hoping against hope for something better and more interesting for Elizabeth than a retake on a dull and understandably terminated old high school relationship.

Malva C, Minnesota

Seriously, I would like to know why Liz and April ALWAYS wear their hair up. That is not what a girl or young woman would do in real life. Particularly, I would assume, during the Canadian winters. It seems like the Patterson females are incapable of even considering anything other than a ponytail or a bun.

Nancy, Boston

My heart is breaking for Francoise. How difficult for all parties involved even the dreaded Therese! It must have been an extreamly difficult decision for her to leave her daughter even though some may think that she does not have a heart. Liz has been gracious and patient and will need to continue to be if she continues to be in Frannie's life. As for Anthony's threat about Santa not coming if she made Liz cry - what parent hasn't threatened their child with Santa not coming? If it gets the child's attention to see that what they're doing is wrong then so be it.
Merry Christmas! Joyeux Noel!

Lyne C, Halifax

I have lived in both the child and parent worlds of the situation with Francie. As a child, I knew that I had never seen my father, but not why. When no explanation was forthcoming, I invented my own which, naturally, centered on the fact that this was somehow my fault. As an adult and after divorcing my children's father, I watched him show up when it was convenient, sweep the kids off to an amusement park then bring them home. He chose not to participate in day to day life, didn't even know what grade they were in, etc. In ways it would have been easier if he, too had just disappeared. Francie does not need to understand that her mother is a "bad" or "selfish" person. Francie needs to understand that she, Francie, is a lovable little girl and that there are many people who want to be with her. She needs to understand that this is a grown-up problem, that her mother loves her but just does not feel that being Francie's mother is the best thing for Francie. Her ability to understand will grow as she grows.
In no way is this an easy or quickly rectified situation. I believe based on my own experiences, that this child needs to have her questions answered in ways appropriate to her age, and above all reassurance that she is not the cause of the problem.
It is possible to miss what you have never had, but having a life filled with loving people, acceptance and security goes a long way.

Laurie H, Virginia

My heart breaks for Francine but I feel for Therese as well. While it is apparent that she was not ready (and may never be)to be a parent, she does seem to care for her daughter in possibly the only way she knows how.

Suzanne R, West Suffield, CT

When little Francoise recognized her mother across a crowded mall, we all realized that Therese had not "thrown away" her daughter. Obviously, they have spent time together after the divorce.

Was Anthony's appearance the reason that Therese cut the meeting short? If Liz does, indeed, become Francie's stepmother, I hope that she can see the big picture. The little girl also needs her real mother in her life.

And I hope that Therese can overome her understandable bitterness. She was pictured as unreasonably jealous--even though Anthony carried an obvious torch for Liz from the engagement, through the marriage & through the birth of Francoise, followed by an obvious case of PPD. Full of sorrow, she was unable to face Anthony and the realization that her suspicions were based on truth.

Parents and step-parents need to cooperate for the sake of the children.

(And--just the other night--Liz complained that Anthony was "waiting on" his daughter. Now, she strikes a Madonna-like pose. For Anthony's benefit.)

Maggie, Houston

It makes me sad when people say Anthony is no prize. I think he is the whole package--smart, considerate, non-drinker or smoker, worker, and gets better looking with age! Plus he is great with his daughter. He's a keeper!

Michelle C, Cincinnati Ohio

Today's Sunday comic strip brought back a lot of memories of all the times when I was a little kid that I called my Mom a "Meanie" because she would not buy me something my little-kid mind felt that I had to have right then and there, or the times she did not do something I wanted her to do for me immediately, regardless of the situation! Thank you for bringing back a childhood memory and a lesson well remembered and learned! We sometimes tend to forget that our mothers were human beings, too!

Laura S, Snohomish, WA

As sad as the last few strips have been, it is a good thing to show that there are people on this earth who really do not want to have children. The terrible thing is that Therese did not realize that before she had a child, but it is a fact of life.

Erika M, Merrick, NY USA

Please don't vilify a woman who never wanted to be a mother; one is writing to you right now. Since I wasn't a two-dimensional creation, I did have the fortitude to say no.

Linda, Tucson AZ

It seems like Liz and Mike have gotten an awful lot of "airtime" lately, but we hardly ever see April anymore! I'd love to know what's going on with her; how are her friends doing? Are she and Gerald still broken up? Has she found a new love interest (Duncan? Or Luis? Or someone totally new?)? Let's see some more of April!!

Elizabeth RP, Ann Arbor MI

Hello Lynn:
Didn't know where to send this message so like others am emailing you this way.
In the past years including the present my finances have been in a state where I was forced to drop subscriptions including the newspaper that held your strip. Imagine my pleasure at finally discovering your website!!! am all caught up and deeply involved once again.
Here is my commentary:
1. The reintro of Therese is good and necessary - She is simply a woman who is not interesting in parenting but is a sensitive, caring person who believes Elizabeth will be good for Francie.
2. Anthony is NOT weak and conniving!!! His comments about wanting a "Big Girl" is real and honest. He is gentle but is growing very strong and independent as shown very clearly in the strip. Who said he was perfect?!?
I am 62- my age makes a huge difference in my outlook on life - more tolerant, open-minded and compassionate.
Thank you so much Lynn for your outstanding work.
Kiko
PS: I still love Farley!!!

Kiko H, Vancouver BC

Dear Lynn,

I am 14 years old and I have been reading your comic since..well..the day I could read; literally! Out of all the comics yours is my favorite because right when you think you have it all figured out, an unexpected plot twist is flung at me! I don't know how you manage to do it every single day, but you do and for that I give you so much respect.

Sammie R, Florida