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Welcome back from a well-deserved break!

Regarding the 1/21/08 strip... it's so good to see something positive with Grandpa. I know he'll never be the same again, but it's nice to know he's still in there (and maintaining some sense of humor).

Jim I, Bloomington, IN

I just want to say this is one of the most enjoyable websites I have ever visited. Not only is it very well laid out and easy to navigate but it is down right FUN. As with the comic strip, I feel right at home. Thank you for your insight, educating and of course the LAUGHS.

Shirley P, Denver Colorado

Sorry, but I don't like this new format you are doing. This is one of my favorite strips, but I don't like the back and forth, the old and new. Instead of this format, maybe you could of just run your old strips on your website should someone want to know how it all began. Now when I see the old strip, I glance and move on.

Patricia M, California

I LOVE THIS STRIP! It's what I read first thing every morning. I was totally confused with the flashbacks and loved the "current" stories better. After visiting the website I have a better understanding what is happening and why. I saw Lynn in person at when she did a presentation for a Women's Talk Series. She is awesome.

I'll trust the strip will make sense as 2008 progresses, but I needed to say I'm struggling with the flashbacks/old story lines when the current story has so much more to tell.

Thanks and keep up the good work.

Sue, Wisconsin

As others have written, I searched the web today looking for an answer to why FBFW has changed. Over the years, my first read each day was not the news, but what were the Pattersons doing. Probably the most frantic times were those involving the love life of Elizabeth and Anthony...stopping some days in the middle of the driveway to open the paper for the latest Patterson "news"... While I don't dislike the older strips, it is hard to get a handle on young Elly and Michael one day and the next day back to the present.

I echo the sentiments that Jim 's death would serve no purpose. She has already dealt with death once. The lessons of living with and quality of life for those with strokes is a lesson that should be continued. If my vote counts....absolutely the best strip in the paper which has 2 full pages each day and a huge Sunday section.

Ken Q, Palmyra, Virginia

I hae been following "For Better Of For Worse" for many years. I watched the children grow up and find lives of their own, which I thought was fabulous! I'm not really happy with the new mix. I thought at one point the colum had changed artist. Can we please not return to yesterday and let the characters grow as we all do. Oh well! Just a thoght. I'm glad to to know the artist is still with us. I thought something had happened and the paper was not telling us. Still, much love

Peter W, Antioch CA

Oh my gosh, Lynn!! It's like you are hiding inside our house!! I laughed so hard at your Sunday strip, that I cried!! Things like the drawing on the new couch and others that you have written about hit right at home!! They help me keep my sanity to see the real every day happenings joked about!! Thank you for helping us Moms laugh, and keep a sense of humor.

Kathy, Michigan

Dear Lynn,

I absolutely love your comic strip. I've only been reading FBorFW for a few years now, but I can certainly tell you I've become a fan.

I've been looking at the different collection books and retrospectives that you put out over the years and was wondering, have you ever considered printing a book with the storylines concerning grandpa Jim? Since he's a veteran, it would be nice if that retrospective include all the Remembrance Day strips.

If you could consider this, that would be great, and I'm sure your fans would appreciate this.

One last thing, while I'm sad that the strip will be frozen in time eventually, I do appreciate the hybrid aspect of it. You have worked so hard over the years that you do deserve a break.

from a fan in New Brunswick

Stephane L, NB

I have been reading FBorFw from the start. My son was just a baby then (like michael)our family grew with only one more son. But we have realated to the Patterson family and the trials they have been thru with each other, pets, friends. We raised our son's in the same house and over time our "little town" expanded and became too big for us. So after the boy's were grown we made a move to a smaller town which we live in now. My biggest worry was keeping up with FBorFW, thankfully I found this site and have been able to keep meeting with my friends the Pattersons. Thank you Lynn for some great years!

Kathy P, Winnemucca NV

Based on the other comments I've read I am a fairly new reader, only six years since moving to Tucson.

For some reason I didn't get the memo that the difference in drawing styles meant flashbacks.

Today I went to this Web site to ask what was going on. I found the answer and I wish I'd investigated sooner. I was at thepoint where I'd reached my maximum frustration.

I'll work on this dual timeframe and see if I can stay in step with the story line. For me this has been a real crazy maker.

Carolyn M, Tucson AZ

This is the first time in my 76 years that I have written a letter of thanks for a comic strip. You and the Patterson's have been a part of my life for what seems like a long time. The family dynamics, the sage advice here and there, all have made your strip very real to me. I want to thank you for giving me a bright spot in the Minneapolis Star.
I wish you well, and have one suggestion. You seem to have a treasure trove of "sayings"..little bright spots to help people cope with life. Perhaps you could put together a small booklet of these, they make great gifts for friends.

Sue N, Minneapolis MN

Dear Ms. Johnson

I would to say I was very touched by Grampa Jim service in the RCAF. My own father serve in the U.S. Navy during those terrible years. I myself also serve my country, also in the U.S. Navy as a peace time Vet. But not for the people like Grampa Jim and my father, we would not live in peace. And this is one America who is darn glad that we have the great country of Canada as your neighbor and as our friend.

Tony W, Detroit

Hi all:

First, let me say: I love your comic. I especially love the artwork, and the colors used on Sundays. I often find myself just gazing at the pictures because they are so pretty. Might sound funny, but I do.

But: Can we please get back to the future? I'm tired of the re-runs or retro comics.

I especially want to see what's going on with Anthony, his daughter, and Elizabeth.

I don't want to have a re-hash of Ellen's kid-raising years. Been there, done that.

Please move back into the present... pretty please.

-A loyal reader

Ruth C, Mayo MD