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Morning,

I have been reading FBorFW since the beginning, following it through several papers and now online. Of all comics out there, this is the one I can relate to and laugh with the most. I love that you're integrating past strips to the present. Keep going! It shows the circles in life we all feel. You remind us of the little things in life that we easily overlook and have us laughing outloud or silently tearful. You are truly gifted with the expression of art. Thank you!

Pamela, Chico, California

Dear Lynn, just wanted you to know how my heart goes out to Iris. I have a very close friend who has a husband with some of the same problems that Jim has. Carole is his second wife and also only had 3 years of a wonderful marriage before he started having physical and memory problems. It is to the point were she does everything for him. I shake my head and wonder if I would do that, if I would keep him at home to love and care for or if I would put him in a home. Would my selfish side say what about me, I have lost me and will I every have it back. When I read of Iris and her love for Jim, I think of my friend Carole and feel so bless to know both of these ladies. Carole as a true friend and Iris as a friend that gives me insight to Carole. Please do not change your scrips, either past ones or new ones. I love to see the family grow and change. Divorce, no not for this family. There are still a lot of families who have not had that experience and we need to hope that maybe just maybe our marriage will be one that lives on. That with all the bumps and trails we can still love, accept and care for that person. So from a widow, please do not seperate this family.

Eleanor K, California

I've never thought to nitpick a comic strip before, but I wonder at April's discussion with her father about Elvis and bobby socks. That sort of thing was popular 50 years ago and more. This would imply the Pattersons are nearing or over 70. Seems to me they'd have been more into things that were popular at least a full decade later.

Mary, New Jersey

Once again I am convinced that Lynn Johnson has been looking in my window and reporting on the activities in my own home. The Jan 28 comic strip has happened almost word for word in my house. This is not a comic strip - it is a reality check. Elly is slightly younger than I, but we have both gone through retirement and saggy muscles, facing our own mortality and that of our parents, marriage of children and resulting grandchildren. Thanks to Lynn Johnson, I don't need a therapist - I just need tomorrow's installment of "For Better or Worse."

Esta L, Huntington W. Va

Lynn,

I thought of you the other day when I realized that my wedding anniversary was coming up.

A little over 6 years ago, I wrote to you asking that you create a cartoon for my Groundhog Day Wedding invitation (02/02/02).

You wrote back to me (HANDWROTE) a note explaining that you could not and suggesting different avenues I might approach in finding someone to do the drawing.

In the end, I took a chance and did it myself (worked out fine thank you).

I want you to know how much the fact that you took the time to write to me meant. I have your letter in my wedding book as a reminder that, no matter how busy someone may be, there is always time for grace, generosity and thoughtfulness.

Thank you for FBOFW and for just being a great gal!

Nicole P, Calgary Alberta

I must say in the beginning when the hybrid comics started, I was a little unhappy. But with 1/27/08 Comics showing the new generation with the old generation interacting with repairing an old doll house, I realized that your old style blends beautifully with the your new style. The comic timing as in your earlier strips were right on target in your 1/28/08 strip. As far as I can see, you are getting better at your presentation of your creation.

P.M., New Jersey

This is the second day in a row I've had to write. Back before the break, I had been very upset by some comments posted about Iris and Jim, but just didn't know how to comment on them. Today's strip (1/24) points out beautifully my own opinion of Jim & Iris's relationship. Of all the marriages in fborfw, theirs is the one that touches me the most. Theirs is what for better or for worse really means, and I'm proud of Iris for living her marriage vows to the fullest. Love can and does surmount all obstacles. Now I understand why the two strips I have cut out and given to my husband have features Jim & Iris--theirs is such a true and perfect love.

Angela, Pennsylvania

Hello,

I have never written to you before but for the last couple of years I have read your website for the daily strip. It has been just a daily part of my families lives in various forms. Newspaper, online and books. We enjoy them all.

I just had to write though, your strip for the last couple of days are truly hitting home. Last week my father passed away just after my sister and my daughter and myself arrived. He had cancer and a brain tumor of which we just found out at New Year's Eve.
What you are bringing to light is hitting extremely close to home. What you are writing about is exactly happen with my father and our family in the last 2 months. I don't know if that is what your story line is leaning towards but you truly show what it is like in real life. You a true artist.

Thank you for helping me to get over the rough patches these last couple of months.

Thank You.

Kathie, Minnesota

Dear Ms. Johnston:

Each morning, when I log onto my computer at work, the first thing that I do is read the current day's FBorFW strip. With my family and friends spread all over creation, your daily story of the Pattersons and their extended family brings a smile, laughter, sometimes tears-- but, you always inspire me to be a better person, and I must thank you for that. Please don't ever go away!

Ken, San Diego CA