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I just want to say that Elizabeth is a very strong and independent woman. Even though I may not agree in her choice to be with Anthony again. That's her decision, and maybe she isn't ready to be married. Becoming a wife and step-mother is a huge responsibility. She needs to really think it through. It's not always going to be as romantic as the last few strips have been. A real relationship is going to take work and she's going to find that out very soon.

There's no such thing as making an honest woman out of anyone anymore. It's perfectly normal that Elizabeth and Anthony may move in together before deciding on marriage. I think two people have to know they can live together before the commit. What happens if she married him first? Then moved in, and realized he isn't for her, then it ends in divorce? There are too many people's lives getting torn apart by divorce and I'd rather not see Elizabeth have to go through that. It's her life and I'm pretty sure she is in control. Also I'd like to note that Elizabeth is still extremely young! She has plenty of time to get married. She's only 26!!! (and hopefully she'll meet a new hunk). I find it unlikely that Mike and Elizabeth both found "the one" at such young ages. But thats just me! Write on Lynn write on!

P.S. Lynn I love the old strips. I'm Elizabeth's age and I've never seen these before. Thank you!

Ashley L, Nazareth, PA

According to a recent article in Editor and Publisher, Lynn, in retouching and adding to old strips, "might even make the younger Elly Patterson's nose bigger, on the grounds that "Large 'honkers' are funny." Please don't do that, Lynn! I really liked the way young Elly looked--if anything, it would make more sense to pare down present-day Elly's nose to be more consistent with her old nose. Large "honkers" are not inherently funny--and the giant noses on Elly and John just really make them look much uglier than necessary!

Katje B, Albany

Talk about uncanny! My sister had a stroke 8 months ago, age 54 and lost her ability to communicate numbers. (Pretty hard blow for a calculus teacher to take.) For the first time, she wrote a number down --on the same day that Grandpa Jim communicated the number two. We hope he gets back more abilities along with her!!! It takes time.

Pat L, Michigan

Just reading over the comments makes me realize once again how much your readers care about your strip, Lynn. They tell you Elly should look younger or better, stop whining, and this person or that person shouldn't do this or that. We have taken your characters to heart because they are so lifelike and real to all of us. (And yes, I still cry when I reread Farly dying - I'm not much better than the rest!) Take a break if you need it, Lynn, but rest assured, you're missed at all of our breakfast tables if you're ever not there. Thanks for being family to all of us.

Deb, Vancouver BC

I'd love Lynn to know that here in Australia, 'down under' in Adelaide is one avid fan.

I would love her to know that I own every one of her books that have ever been published- which I get for Xmas and Birthday presents via my (American/Australian) d-i-l.

Now a Grandmother, I have related with the Patterson family for years, and have shared many of the moments depicted in the comic strip.

I have particularly appreciated Lynn facing the controversial issues that many of us have had to address- homosexuality and non marriage relationships. And I totally approve of her resolutions of these situations. She shows great humanity and love for these people.

On the rare occasions I am ill, my consolation is to take a volume or two from my library and snuggle down for a day or so of totally pleasure- reliving, literally, the family life so brilliantly portrayed therein.

Thank you a thousand times, Lynn, for all the years of pleasure you have given me and many other Ausies- I do so hope you get to read this- the only 'fan letter' I have ever written..

Thank you.

Dalece P, Australia

I have to say, I do not like the flashback strips at all. They remind me of those difficult days of being mom to two small children 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It was so much more exhausting than I expected. I had "everything going out and little to nothing coming in" emotionally. I had a husband (still have him!) who walked out the door to work every morning and left me to cope with the large and small tragedies and triumphs of daily life. He, like John, really had no clue how draining it was. I see that some others enjoy the flashbacks, but if I had my choice, the new story line would come to some logical place and just leave us to imagine the rest. After all, the future is always an unknown.

Judy, California

Hi Lynn:

I started out my pregnancy with you 33 years ago, with David - We're pregnant! You have been with me through all the good times and bad - the birth of three children, loss of our home from fire, the joys and sorrow of family pets. etc etc.

You give us what our lives are all about. The moments are real- the joys and the frustrations of raising a family, of wishing their wasn't a mirror in the house! We meet so many different people in our lives but never realize the impact that one person can make. You are the first person I have contact with every morning! I don't mind the old strips (I have most of your books) - sometimes we need to see where we have been to know where we are going and to see how some things over the years just have not changed. You show that life, even in a comic strip, is not perfect. #*!& happens in everyones life - it just depends on how you deal with it. I love all the characters - I see bits and pieces of them in my friends and family - especially my kids! I am patiently awaiting the birth of my first grandchild in three months. Guess I will have to get the books out and pass them on to the next generation. I hope someday to come down to North Bay and meet you at a book signing.

Don't change a thing!!!!

Pat K, Larder Lake ON

Hi Lynn,
I'm writing to you concerning Elly's aging and other things.
Rencently, Elly has becoming very dowdy lately. While I'm not suggesting that you make her into a diva, I think you could make her a little more attractive,ditto with her friend Connie.
On that same note, please tone down Elizabeth's and April's appreances. They look too much like sex symbols. And you wondered why Howard attacked Liz. I don't like April's hair,it looks terrible.
I think the #%*%!! thing is hilarious. Lynn has been using that for years.The worst thing she could have done is saying the real thing. Continue using it,Lynn.
The hybrid strip is bringing back memories,I love it.
See you then,

Tara, Wayne PA

I am finding the switch between the old and new strips a bit confusing. I am really more interested in the current goings on of the Pattersons. I am glad to see Grandpa doing better, I am also expecting an end to this as my own Grandfather had a series of strokes before he passed. I can appreciate the frustration of the family dealing with this, I am rooting for Anthony and Elizabeth, and what is around the corner for the whole gang! Keep up the good work and I will continue to read the strip! It's still my favorite.

Cathy R, Locust NC

To Lynn and all the people around you

I thank you for all the energy and effort that has gone into so many years of chronicling the lives and times of the Patterson family.

This site is on my list of morning favourites to click on each day. I have learned a lot about how a family works from reading this strip.

You are a friend we haven't had the pleasure of meeting in person. You are an adept observer and commentator on life. You have brighened my day with your observations on teenagers, tested my emotions with Farley and Grandpa and caused me to examine my values with the stories of Elizabeth and Lawrence.

We need to acknowledge that though it may be called a comic strip it is a reflection of life and soul that you have shared with us.

I hope that you will continue to find time in your new life to continue the conversation.

Kate B, Surrey BC

Lynn,
I have so appreciated your strip for so many years. Your story lines, both funny and heart-wrenching, have helped my family and I deal with very similar circumstances. It helps to know others are going through similar life experiences. The death of a loved pet, the "coming out" of a gay friend, the aging of parents, the teenage angst, have all touched our lives. My mother started sending me your books, and now I am collecting them for my kids. Even my sons appreciate them. Thank-you for your time, your love of family, your compassion, and most of all, for your understanding that we are all similar in so many ways.

Scharden E, Ventura, CA