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I have enjoyed the strips of Michael taking care of the children. It's so rare to see the Dad in the "at home" role.

I've been a loyal reader for years, and am constantly amazed at how true to life your strips are. Thank you so much!

Julie B, Claremore Oklahoma

Dear Lynn:

I enjoy the strip with
Merrie and Robin. They are
typical brother and sister.
I had one brother who was
four years younger than
myself. We would fight at
times and I remember one time
when movies were 25 cents,
he lost it outside. My
Mother said he had to find it
himself but I gave him one
of my quarters and did not
tell my Mother. He died at
ten years of age due to an
automobile accident. I miss
him to this day at 70+ years.
We never know how fortunate
to have our family members
still with us.

Mary Ann R, Port Charlotte, FL

I don't like Meredith being such a brat to her little brother. Where would a child her age learn that mean little ditty she yelled at Robin when she was jumping up and down on her bed while he was in his crib? And why do they share the same room when three different children lived in that house before? Kids will squabble, but Meredith is a BRAT.

Anna, US

Hi Lynn, just wanted to let you know that I'm a huge fan and have been reading each day since the strip was first published in U.S. newspapers.

This weeks story line of Michael trying to keep the peace between Merry and Robin could have taken place at my home! I have an almost 7 yo daughter and 4 yr son who can be the best of friends one minute and then push each others buttons the next. This week's strips are on my fridge as are many other FBORFW strips.

Every morning I can't wait to turn on the computer and see what the FBORFW family is up to. Keep up the good work!

Jan R, Maine USA

Dear Lynn,
FBorFW is definitely my all-time favorite comic strip. It's the first thing I read every morning when I bring in the paper - even before the front page!
So it is with some disappointment that I read here on your website that you're planning to return to the characters' earlier years (and drawaing style) as soon as this coming fall. It's been so much fun to watch the Patterson family and their friends grow older and mature, and see a new generation come into the world. There is so much more for your readers to look forward to. Will Elizabeth and Anthony get married? Will April get into veterinary school? What will happen to Grandpa Jim? And it would be so much fun to watch Meredith, Robin and Francie grow up!
Please reconsider your decision to call a halt to the current story line in September. Flashbacks to the old days are fun once in a while, and you can rest assured your readers will still enjoy them when you want to take time off. But please keep the present story line going along into the future. There's so much to look forward to - in your characters' lives and in ours!

P.S. And PLEASE don't make Elly's nose bigger! She's already funny enough the way she is. With her long hair, she'd look like a witch!

Laurel G, Wadsworth Ohio

This week's strips (week of 2/4/08) have been awesome. What just desserts for Michael having to mediate between two squabbling kids. I'm really hoping this ends in a "wow" for Elly now that he sees what she lived with.

Thanks for the new material -- it's one of the highlights of my day!

Kate, Farmington NY

Lynn,
Have you been looking into my windows as of late? My husband is the stay at home parent for Chris (age 3 and born the same week as Robyn!) and Andy (age 1). While we are not in the full talking stage yet with these two what is happening with Mike is very much what is happening with Jeff this week! LOL!! Andy and Chris want to play with the same toy, you try to take turns, seperate, and in the end.......NAP TIME!

I've written before saying how much I love the Pattersons and how you portray the family, and once again you have hit the nail on the head!

Thank you Lynn for showing we are not alone!

Debra M, Cleveland Ohio

I started reading FBoFW just about 3 short years ago. But I fit right into the story line and had a great time getting to know the characters, even though I was joining their lives late.

One thing I really appreciate is that this strip speaks to people from ALL areas of life: Grandparents, people suffering through an illness, parents (both young and old!), young people just starting their lives, and teenagers.

As a woman in her mid-20s, I can completely relate to a lot of what Elizabeth goes through, and I can remember when I felt just like April does a lot of the time! I can also see a lot of my mom and dad in Elly and John, and watching Michael and Deanna with their little ones gives me a glimpse of what my life will be like in just a few years.

Thank you for giving me something to look forward to each morning - something that makes me laugh, cry, and think.

Keep up the good work!

Becky S, Oregon

FBorFW has been a daily part of my life for 25+ years and all of you are "real" to me. We've lived in five different places, but you've always been there, a built in friend who came with us.

I'm Elly's and Lynn's age, so I have really related to her/them through the years. Yesterday, I used an idea from a strip from quite a few years ago. Necessity, along with Elly, was the mother of invention.

Like Elly, I love my baths, and fondly remember the faucets she could turn with her toes and the "potato plug". When I was in a hurry and couldn't find the plug yesterday, the brilliant idea of using a potato came to mind, and it worked! The idea emerged from the cobwebs of my mind, thanks to Elly's influence and excellent advice! Maybe your next book should be "Household Hints from FB0rFW"!

Linda F, La Grange Kentucky