« Thursday March 27, 2008 | Main | A book recommendation from Lynn »

Thank you for an excellent cartoon. Your storylines are both touching and relating to everyones daily life. Thanks again. Jeff

Jeff F, Rochester NY

I don't see that Elizabeth's relationship with Anthony is much different tham her others, except that sheis letting the fact that Francie could use a mother cloud her better judgement. Is Elizabeth ready for a child, particularly another woman's child? What happens when Francie's momo decides to comet back into her life, even if just to create havoc for Elizabeth and Anthony.

I don't see any grand and glorius love here, I still think way deep down she loves Warren but she is suppresing those feelings. And please don't forget to take notice of how quickly Anthony became JEALOUS. I think this could be a problem down the road and Elizabeth should sit down and discuss these things with some (a good friend or her mom, even Michael and Deanna).

Ellen J, Shrewsbury MA

I don't know any other comic strip that would move someone to tears. Now I have cried twice --- when Farley died and seeing Grandpa Jim with Elizabeth and the dress. You touch our hearts, Lynn. Thank you.

Pat W, Lakefield ON

I've loved your strips from the beginning and i love the story line right now with LIz and Anthony. My grampa is in hospital not doing well and reading the last strip were liz is showing the dress to her grandpa brought tears to my eyes thinking of my papa. Thank you for a great comic strip!

Michelle N, Manitoba

I just thought I would add my 2 cents about the condition of the wedding dress... My mother has kept my grandfathers christening gown. She did not keep it how some have suggested and did not get it cleaned until just a few months ago. She had my brother and myself dedicated in that gown when we were infants and recently had it cleaned for me to dedicate my own son in it. This gown is 97 YEARS old. Much older than the Marion's gown and is still in decent condition (with baby spit-up and who knows what else). I just would like to say that it is possible for it to be cleaned and still be in decent condition without museum care.

April, Tacoma WA

No. No. No. NOBODY just drives to a nursing home in their Grandma's wedding dress. Nobody. Yes, it's great she want's Grandpa's permission, but you CHANGE first and then go talk to him. You don't just schelp off to the nursing home in such a rush that you can't take off the dress.

Carla, Wisconsin

After all these years...you can still bring tears to my eyes with just a few words "...or maybe it will seem like yesterday." My congrats to you on many, many years of very fine work. My congrats to Liz/Anthony for FINALLY getting married (although - in real life they needed to do the things they did to get to be the people they are today) and THANK YOU for showing Grampa Jim is still here are recognizes what is precious to him from his past.

Anne W, Marysville WA

Good Morning!
I have been reading the comments posted about Liz and Anthony with more than a little bit of surprise. I, too, have been a daily reader of FBORFW for MANY years! I travel extensively for business, and the first thing I do each day is get my daily strip fix.

Anyway, for someone who has followed the Liz & Anthony story for years, how can there be any doubt that there is love between them? I look at what is happening between them and I see a passionate relationship the likes of which has not been portrayed by the media in years. The love is implicit between them, it was, is, and always will be. What is different and beautiful about their relationship is the care they have for each others feelings. They could get married in a heartbeat, and would love to. What is holding them back is the love they have for each other - they have been hurt before, and what they want least is to hurt the other. In this day of hyper-sexualized relationships and trial marriages, it is hopeful to see a relationship grow over time based on love, trust, and faith. As far as her wearing her grandmothers wedding dress, she loves her grandparents!! No one forced the dress on her - she tried it, she loved it, 'nuf said! Oh, the comment about the dress not lasting 10 years in storage - my mom is a professional seamstress with 35 years experience. Trust me, the dress would be fine. She made a christening gown for my children out of my mother in laws wedding dress, which was 40 years old and not stored well - and that gown will be passed on to our children.

The last comment had to do with Liz's career and those that think she is being lost as a character. Please. I know several professional women who gladly walked away from their careers to be a wife and mother. One was a PhD, the other had an MBA and a six figure job. Their career did not define who they are - they did!

This is an old fashioned couple in a modern world. If they were real, they would be married for 50 years and have a house full of children. Theirs would be a passionate relationship like none other today. We as a society have forgotten how to love. We have forgotten how to give 100% of ourselves to our spouse. We have forgotten the commitment that can get a couple through the worst of times. We have forgotten so much. Maybe this simple little comic strip will serve to remind us of those times, and how we can have that kind of a relationship in our lives.

Just call me a crazy, romantic French Canadian transplant.

Michael T, Endicott NY

Seeing Elizabeth in her grandmother's wedding gown makes me teary-eyed. She looks so beautiful, and this is one of the many times I forget that this is a comic strip

Tracy B, Fresno CA

When my late husband proposed to me, he had already purchased the ring. It was lovely, but not at all what I would have chosen. However, I always loved it because he thought it reflected things he loved about me, and because he gave it to me.

Now that I am a widow, and never wear any of my rings (too much working in the house and the garden), I have given my engagement ring to my stepson's wife. She adored my husband, and I thought it was only right that she should have the ring.

I must say that I agree with the other comments about the disappearance of most of Liz's personality. She seems so one-dimensional lately. I do, however, applaud her growing relationship with Anthony's daughter. I, too, married a man with children. I loved them and cherished my relationship with them. They still enrich my life!

Judy, Vermont

I liked how in yesterday's strip, Liz and April were teasing each other like sisters--it's a sign of friendship, not war.

Anon

You've made my morning Lynn! Seeing Liz in the dress and then Grandpa's thumb's up....brought tears to my eyes. I don't care what everyone else is saying....fast or slow this will be a beautiful wedding for Liz and Anthony.

Debra M, Cleveland Ohio

What's with everybody wanting to hear Liz or Anthony announce "I Love You"?? Those are just WORDS for Pete's Sake --and take no more effort to say than "Ish Kabibble Zonk".

Do you remember that marvellous O. Henry tale about the husband who sells his precious pocket watch to buy his new Bride a jewelled hair clip for Christmas, unaware that she's cut off and sold her long hair just to buy him a solid gold watch chain? As I recall, the words "I Love You" never do appear in thst story, but it's obvious those two are crazy about each other!

So enough of demanding the "Three Little Words"... let Lynn find some way for Liz and Anthony to SHOW just how much they care for one
another!

Anna M, Winnipeg

Oh my. Both rings that fit just perfectly. Grandma's old dress that fits just perfectly. Francoise now gets along with Liz just perfectly. Liz turning into a Stepford Wife just perfectly.

I suppose next you're going to have Elly turn a pumpkin into a carraige and mice into horses. This Liz-Anthony hookup has turned into a sappy fairy-tale, so why not?

Joe, Michigan

I love the Liz and Anthony story line.

Love the dress also and am so happy it fits.

Lynn, you have such a talent. To have people on you blog talking as if the Pattersons are a real family denotes your excellent writing skills.

The Pattersons are real to me....

I will read your columns as long as they are printed.

Arlene G, Clearwater Fl

Ah, Lynn....

Today's strip of Elizabeth in her grandmother's gown made me regret donating my own wedding gown to our town's local museum a few years ago. While clearing out my parents' home, I gave in to temptation and opened the gown's storage box to see what condition my gown was in. I hadn't seen it since the day after my own wedding 30 years before. A close family friend at that time owned a dry cleaning store and preserving my gown was part of their wedding gift to me. Imagine my surprise and pleasure that the gown was as lovely as it was the day I wore it! Through motherhood, age, and our American lifestyle, I could no longer get into the gown, but what wonderful memories of buying it with my mother; modeling it for my dad; having my formal portraits taken in my childhood home; and walking toward my love and best friend the gown brought back to me.

I showed the gown to my much-taller daughter, who displayed only polite interest in it as it was neither a style of her choosing nor would it ever fit, even if modified. I guess I thought she'd feel special about it, but "old things" aren't really in her interest and never have been. She thought it was "cool", but after sharing it with her, I decided to donate it to the museum as they had few examples of wedding gowns from the '70s. I couldn't bear the thought that the gown would wind up in a thrift shop or get relegated to an attic/basement to begin to rot away. (It was kept in the closet of my parents' guest room all those years.) As a very young child, my mother once showed me her wedding gown from 1943. My grandmother, a very competent seamstress, made it from dotted swiss, along with all the bridesmaids' dresses. Mom and Dad's wedding day was in June, a day that reached 93 degrees in a time of no air conditioning in churches. The reception was held at my mother's childhood home. The gown was stored in my grandmother's attic and then in ours where it sadly became quite yellowed and fragile. Because their photographer was also a family friend, he drank too much at the reception and amazing had NO film in any of THREE cameras. So Mom and Dad never had any pictures to display of their wedding. At least mine was well documented!

After readin gyour arc, I now wonder if I was too rash and should have saved my gown for a potential granddaughter.

Well, second guessing isn't an option for me, really, as once the donation is made, it is irreversible. So, thank you, Lynn, for letting me experience the issue of Elizabeth's being given her Grandmother Marian's gown. I'll be watching to see how this part of Liz's "undeclared love" resolves.

JKE, Ohio

For those speculating on why Liz and Anthony don't seem to be passionate about each other, perhaps its because they've been an item before. It's not like this relationship is very new, which is where I think this idea of passion tends to come from. Those new in-love exhibit this, but it doesn't last. Intimacy and understanding replaces those heady passionate feelings after a time - they're much more stable and long-lasting.

Keep up the good work Lynn! I've followed your strip for years and love it!

Michelle, Gettysburg

Wow. People really have strong feelings about Liz. I wonder what it is like, Lynn, to have people make such passionate connections to your characters?

Cecilia, GA

I wonder if Iris is hurt the way Grampa reaches for Elizabeth in her grandmother's dress..

I'd like to think I'd be mature enough to handle my emotions at Iris' age, but I think I would be in tears to work so hard to help him to try to live a normal life him so excited to "see" his first wife. I think I'd of made sure I was not in the room for his reaction then come in and see the dress.

The character Iris is a "better woman" than I.

Richards, Washington State

Liz and Anthony are older and have a child and alot ahead of them. They have been friends forever. Their marriage will out live all of us. I wish I had a respondable everyday guy like him.

Lisa T, Tarpon Springs FL

Please show us flashbacks of Jim and Marian's wedding. They say that as you get older, you can remember things that happened fifty years ago better than those that happened just yesterday.

Nancy, California

My boyfriend and I have been discussing marriage lately, and last week my mother and I went down to the basement of my house and pulled out my grandmother's wedding dress from the early 1950's that has been stored in a pillow case since the 1970's.

Other than some of the lace on the trim that needs replacing, it is still in excellent condition and I will wear it to my wedding. So there you go. Proof that a dress can be poorly stored in the back of a crawl space or stuffed in a pillow case in the bottom of a trunk for decades and still be worn with pride in 2008.

BTW, I am a huge fan of Elizabeth and Anthony. I look forward to (hopefully) seeing their wedding!!!

Leeann, Ottawa

Brought tears of joy to my eyes when Liz and Anthony " discussed" marriage...much like a proposal from my husband of 23 years. Bad, BAD day for him at work, we discussed things , we had a few financial talks, and after awhile...the "proposal" I want EVERY day to be like this forever...do you know what I mean? I come home and unload on you, and you just make life and me better! I told him I think so...he said let's make it more clear..I want you EVERY DAY OF EVERY YEAR that I am ALIVE! I told him I understood, yes was the answer, After he called his parents, HE and I did the same thing as Liz ...YYEEAAHHH!!! I have been waiting forever for Liz and Anthony to finally do what is obvious. Also, I became hooked again when April was about to be born..followed her and my pregnancy by the HOUR,she came out great, and so did my twin girls! Sorry to hear of marriage troubles, Lynn, but PLEASE hang on to the strip...nothing has moved me or a small group of friends so much,!
hang in there girl...keep up the GREAT work! Love you,

Kris, Rochester

I actually have a legitimate question regarding Liz and Anthony: Where have Anthony's parents been since... ever? Do they know about his divorce and Elizabeth, and what do they think? Are you going to turn them into the Sobinski's or will they be Liz's DREAM in-laws? Sometimes it seems like you rushed this Liz/Anthony thing so much that you never bothered to develop him the way you developed other characters... maybe that is why there is so much backlash against him... (aside from the fact that their relationship is based on ridiculous fears that they will have to grow old alone if they don't marry immediately)

ANYway... Anthony's parents? Existing? Do tell?

Elyse, Chicago IL

As I read today's strip, I thnk of my own wedding dress 43 years old, tucked away safely. Both daughters being too tall to wear it, I am holding out for a granddaughter or grandson's fiance who may want to wear it one day. If not, well someday it will a historical piece. My own Mom made my Christening dress out of her wedding dress when fabric was hard to find. Thanks Lynn as always.

Sheila E, Surrey BC

My impression of Elizabeth and Anthony is that they are both "holding back" and being cautious in expressing their feelings, because they have both been hurt so much in the past. I think the love is there, and one day Elizabeth will "let herself go" with Anthony the way she did with the peanut butter sandwiches and Anthony's daughter (Maybe that Yeehaa was a start). Then if Anthony has the courage to respond freely, they could start feeling less hesitant around each other.

Judith, Texas

What is Deanna thinking? Doesn't she know that Elizabeth has a history of giving away her grandparents' precious heirlooms? If she and Anthony are truly "taking it slowly," there's a good chance that she'll have given the dress to one of her students before the wedding rolls around!

Frank, Texas

I started reading your strip when April came into the world, and never miss a day. It so closely relates to my life with my family. I keep reading all these comments about giving Elizabeth a backbone, more independent,to wishy washy. But I believe she is who she is and that is that. And as for not hearing all the I love you's, etc. She is marrying her best friend and that is what true love is all about, marrying your best friend. The dress if people paid attention the whole script today, they would she is looking upward to her grandmother with respect knowing she can't ask her but silently doing so. And does it really matter if everyone gets involved in the wedding plans? I say the more the merrier. This has always been a family of love and support and as far as I am concerned, it is fitting that everyone wants to be a part of her special day and the planning. I for one applaud where you are headed.

Marge F, Kansas

I just wanted to thank you, Lynn, for a wonderful story as it unfolds in your comic strip each day. You follow the cardinal rule of writers - write about what you know. Your storyline is believable and has all of the ups and downs of real life. Because Elly and John seem about the same age as my husband and me, and because her children could be clones of my own children, "For Better or For Worse" is my favorite comic strip. I do not wait for the paper - I read it online as soon as I get up. I can see the finale coming - Elizabeth's wedding will be great, no matter what dress she wears! I love the way you have brought her back to Anthony who has always been her friend first and foremost. That friendship will become the bedrock of a great marriage. I will happily watching the events unfold.

Penny, Junction City Kansas

I just got engaged on Easter and when I got home my grandma had left a comic from the week before where Liz and Anthony are looking at rings. She has been saving the comics for me everyday. It's so fun that Liz is engaged and planning a wedding at the same time as me!

Keely E, Spokane WA

I hope this is all setting up for a dramatic conclusion where Liz comes to her senses at the altar and runs away to Mtigwaki or... really, anywhere far far away from Anthony.

Srah, Ohio

My fiancee surprised me with an engagement ring on Christmas Day. We had never looked at rings together, I loved the ring he chose but I secretly wished we had chosen it together.

10 years and three children later, I asked him to hold it at a family reunion as I was playing volleyball and was afraid to lose it. It fell out of his pocket and was lost forever.

We have now begun shopping for new rings together. I have really enjoyed spending this time with my husband, choosing rings together. Agreeing on rings has been symbolic of the "rightness" of our marriage. When Liz and Anthony found the "perfect" rings together, I totally understood. I hope my husband and I find "our" set soon.

I also understand that even though I am a unique person, and have my own interests, I really am half of something special. I've spent my time plugging into marriage, home and children, but that doesn't mean I am any less "me." Even if I stay home to shampoo the carpets while he is off racing lawn mowers.

It is sad to me that so many readers equate settling down with becoming less interesting. Settling down is a pretty big adventure in itself.

Rebecca, Penn Yan NY

FINALLY!!!!! I have been so busy that I hadn't gotten the chance to catch up. But it was worth the wait. Anthony and Elizabeth. I'm a sucker for the "True love never dies story" and having followed Elizabeth from a toddler - I couldn't be happier. The characters are so real I feel like a voyer. Wish I could see a close-up of the ring and can't wait for the wedding.

Harri, NY

I love Liz and Anthony together. I was brokenhearted when they split up and when he married Therese.

So happy they're together.

I also have to tell you about my affinity for Michael. We're not that much different in age. I married around the time he married Deanna, my first born came around the same time as Meredith. My dream was like Michael's to always become published one day. I accomplished that goal in September 2007 and I am continuing to write and publish.

Thanks for your strip, it brightens me up everyday.

Amy, London ON

I also agree that Liz isn't making her own choices, or thinking conciously about what she truly wants. She is caught up in the moment and letting Anthony and her family influence her decisions right now. I hope they do indeed wait, so she can catch a breath and really think deeply about what she is doing. This whole Liz/Anthony thing is flashing alarms at me. Under normal circumstances, I would be happy for them. But the way Anthony acted with Therese, the way he manipulates situations with Liz, the fact that Therese hasn't been in the picture since Christmas, and particularly the way Liz has become so passive just makes it not right.

I remember the strip where Therese left quickly. Anthony was running into the picture, and she obviously didn't want any contact with him. Liz should have questioned that. Before he stepped in Therese was visiting with Francie and explaining her situation to her in Liz's presence.

Also Deanna was wondering why Anthony, a friend only, was invited to a family holiday dinner. I was hoping she would be the one to ask Liz about her true feelings, instead she hands her a wedding dress.

Liz just seems out of character right now. She was so alive and so appreciated in her teaching position in the village. Now, we don't hear much about it, except that she had to put Rudy and Candace and then Warren off because she had to finish lesson plans. Did Rudy and Candace's apparent good relationship make her uncomfortable? Warren's appearance certainly did. I think Liz needs to be made uncomfortable right now, and maybe she would wake up.

Marsha, Reno NV

Ir's great to see Liz's family is so happy about this. By the way, when it's time for Liz and Anthony's wedding, it'd be nice if Carrie, Will, Dan, Bev, and Laura would come. Wow, It's gonna be fun to see Elizabeth, Anthony, and Francoise as a family. And see Liz and Anthony have children together. ESPEICALLY a girl.

Jess, Ontario