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Yes! I hope Anthony and Liz get married soon.I love Anthony. But all the same, Today's strip made me wanna cry. I wish Jim could live up to ambition to live to 100 years old, but I can see now that that won't happen. I just hope he can be there to see Elizabeth march down the aisle in Marion's dress. Marion can't be there, I know that she'll be watching from heaven, but... If Jim could see the wedding before he died, tah'd be great.

Hold on just a little bit longer, Jim.

Jessie, Trenton ON

Ugh. Why is it so important for Liz to have Jim at her wedding, yet not all all important for her to visit him on an ordinary day? Would it really have killed her to walk into the house to say Hi?

Kate, USA

Maybe if Liz ever bothered spending any time with her grandfather herself, she'd KNOW how he was instead of having to ask the one grandchild who can be bothered to visit him. Oh, but of course she's too busy with her One Twoo Wuv, the guy she can't be bothered to set a wedding date with.

Another Liz, Washington

Please! We already know Elizabeth can't think for herself. She can't pick out her own wedding ring or dress. She can't decide for herself which man to be with (Elly's pushing her toward Anthony when she already had a wonderful boyfriend in Paul). She gets that bewildered look on her face and we KNOW she will go with what the others are urging her to do. Now, here is that look again as she sits in the car with April and April tells her she should set her wedding date so Jim can be there. The truth is, Jim is not in any shape to be bundled off to a wedding. It would be better to let Liz (for once) have the time she needs, and not rush her into marrying Anthony (she clearly has doubts, or why would she need time to even set a date). Don't do this for such a flimsy reason!! Many of us DREAD this wedding, you know. Thanks for listening.

Rosie B-C, Minnesota and Guatemala

I am so glad to see comic strip reminders to the audience to spend time with your loved ones before it is too late. It is always better to bring flowers while they can be appreciated by the receipent. Also I am glad Michael is being shown as caring and responsible father in that he helping his children to spend much needed time with their grandfather. Also I am glad that April is reminding Liz not to be so thoughtless when it comes to how time their grandfather has left.

PA M, New Jersey

Liz really is a selfish twit. I couldn't believe that she picked April up from her Grandpa Jim and Iris' residence without pausing for even 5 minutes to say hello to them. April has heart and seemingly the brains of the family.

Kay H, Glasgow Kentucky

If I had to make a wish list, this would be it:

1) Liz would call off the wedding and be on her own. I'm all for her to NOT rush into marriage, nor to let her family pressure her into something she's not ready for. She can still be friends with Anthony; they can even be Best Friends With Benefits. It's not like they have to announce the fact, just keep it discreet if it'll flip anyone out.
2) April will help John fix the basement up for herself. It's not like swinging a hammer and paintbrush is Men Only territory.
3) Mike will experience some setback or other with his writing career, just like 99.9% of writers do. If the examples we've seen are any indication, his career is implausible enough.
4) Elly will get some confidence in herself, start to look and behave like a woman who's got a pretty good life overall, and stop being so negative. What is her damage?!?
5) Grandpa Jim will be allowed to pass quietly and with dignity, and not propped up in a corner at Liz's wedding just so it will be some sort of contrived 'happy ending'.
6) We never see another rerun again until September. They are a waste of time, space and plot advancement.

Truman F, Georgia

Today makes me laugh, in a way. It seems like all your fans, Lynn, have been pushing this Liz/Anthony marriage through Coffee Talk, and now April is pushing it in the strip! I love the way you make things unfold!

Michelle, Cincinnati

Dear Lynn,

I realize that strips are written fairly far in advance, but my dearest wish is that Grandpa Jim is here to see Liz marry Anthony. How wonderful it would be to see his thought bubbles go back to his earlier days, or his wedding to Iris.

Thank you for keeping the Pattersons moving forward!

Maria, GR MI

Since April has just finished telling Jim that she's gotten her driver's license, I wish today's (6/9/08) strip did NOT feature April needing a ride from Liz! Those of us who followed the monthly letters know, from April's and Iris's May 2007 letter know that April got her G1 license soon after turning 16 last year. However, those who rely solely on the strip have only ever seen that one strip from this past February, where Elly takes her practice-driving. These readers might have the distinct impression that April was only telling Gramps about her G1, which is equivalent to a learner's permit in the States.

I realize that the reason for having Liz pick up April was probably that Lynn wanted to put the sisters together for a conversation about Jim and setting a date for the wedding. But why not have April drive herself to Liz's place after the visit with Jim, and THEN have this conversation?

I hope that before long, there will be a strip featuring April driving herself, and showing that what she told her Gramps is true--that she's a good driver and he'd be proud. :)

Katje B, Albany NY

man oh man this is not the way that i wanted liz to pick her weddin date at all:(
it is pretty to sad to have to think about something like that when your planng your wedding day,but i gusses it is better i mean liz would most likely feel even worst him granpa jim died before she got married and am sure he would really enjoy seeing liz in her grandmothers dress getting married,after all he was one of the frist to see that liz and anthony still cared for one anther after they stoped dataing.OMG i just said before died NO NO NO Lynn you can't kill any more people off you just can't:(

Bridget Q, New Glasgow NS

The end...April finishes vet school and moves to Manitoba to become part of a practice of large animal veternarians. Her love interest could be the son of a rancher who inhertited the farm and feels a sense of duty, but has spent the last twenty years living in the city as an investment banker. Michael's children could spend summers with her like Elly's did out on the farm with John's family. I hope that Liz is married and has kids of her own...but I need to see more romance between her and Anthony. If not, it should be somebody else.

Nancy, California

Why do I sense more excitment about the cancellation of the Hockey Night in Canada theme than about Liz and Anthony's impending nuptuala? I would like for grandpa to be at her wedding too, but I haven's sensed any warm and tender feeling since last July 4th. I liked the two together, but I am beginning to see more brother/sister feelings than true love. Lynn should either turn up the heat or have Liz move on. I do have one question. Why are John's parents so much healthier than Elly's? I guess that they are about the same age. Maybe there is something positive about living away from civilization out on a farm.

Nancy, California

Why does Liz ask her sister how their grandfather is doing? Why couldn't she have walked in and just said, "Hello"? Even if Jim was asleep, Iris would have appreciated it.

And why can't she just be a grown-up and acknowledge that, by getting engaged, she and Anthony have already made a huge decision? I'm sick of this "we don't want to rush into things" crap. Why get engaged in you are so unsure about getting married? If I had a friend who was as wishy-washy as Liz as been regarding her relationship with Anthony, I would beg her to please call off the engagement, and so some real soul-searching before she decides to get married. I'm not saying Anthony is awful or "boring"; I'm saying Liz doesn't appear to really be interested in marriage, to anyone!

Kristen S, Seattle WA

Oh good Lord--*enough* already with Liz's pathetic "One day at a time" blabber. That's fine in the early stages of dating, but she's engaged now. Why is she acting like Anthony's still a total stranger that she still needs to get to know before making her final decision?

Yes, we're probably all familiar with that Bible verse that goes "Love is patient", but this is ridiculous. Liz is dragging her feet on something she sure be dead certain of--seems telling that she's not so sure this is such a great idea.

Shannon, Colorado

Liz says, yet again, that she just wants to take things slow, and not rush into Anthony regarding her relationship with Anthony. I don't get it. She's already ENGAGED. She's taken the big step, so why all this hemming and hawing now? I'm not an out-and-out Anthony hater; I could like him. But this engagement is being written as the most wishy washy, passive thing ever, and I just can't buy that Liz really does want to get married. Take ownership of your decision, for goodness sake, Liz! I'm tired of her acting like she has no control over her life.

Jamie B, Federal Way WA

As you probably know, there are a lot of FBOFW fans who've developed an intense hatred of Anthony.

While I don't share that hatred (It would take a lot to get me to hate a mere cartoon character), I think they have one valid point.

She was presented as a cold, mean snob who treated Elizabeth shabbily for no good reason. When she expressed jealousy, hostility and suspicion, she was portrayed as irrational and petty.

Well.... isn't it clear now that she was RIGHT to be suspicious of Anthony and Elizabeth? That she was RIGHT to think they still had feelings for each other? That she was RIGHT to think her husband was lusting after Elizabeth? That she was absolutely, 100% RIGHT to see Elizabeth as a threat?

I don't hate Anthony- I just wish Lynn would stop portraying him as a long-suffering saint. At some point, Therese deserves a few strips that tell HER side of the story. She ought to be shown as a human being, not a heartless witch.

Therese deserves a few panels in which to cry, "From Day One, my husband was pining away for someone else. How the hell do you think that made ME feel?"

John L, Austin TX

I absolutely LOVE your strip. I especially loved the story line about April and her grandfather. I unfortunately did not have such a good relationship with my grandad but I do have a wonderful dad who just turned 80 and is doing very well thank God. He took care of my ailing mother all the way until she passed away of a triple bypass. She could not communicate with her verbally at the end with us but could with her eyes and my dad did all he could for her without complaint.I also love the old strips when John shows his dentist job and I give some of them to my dentist and he loves them too. Keep up the story line about April too and how she did not use her moms credit card without asking. I thought that was a excellent teaching tool to teens. Well I've said enough but keep up the wonderful work of your strip! I read it every morning and it makes my day!

Melinda D, Monrovia CA

The strip dated June 8, 2008 was tender, touching and comically creative. I love the line you wrote for Meredith when she askes Great Grandpa if she could play with his chair. What wit!

By the way, fbofw is my official soap opera. I enjoy it so. I may not read it for 4 to 5 days and then i catch up. i wish i hadn't read all the others thus far. you inspire me and i enjoy your talent.

Zabrina A, Maryland

The children wanting to play with Grandpa Jim's wheelchair brought me back to my childhood in the 1950's, when my sister and I were tiny enough to fit under our father's wheelchair and play tea party with our dolls. He was a polio victim from about 1953 before the Salk vaccine came out. We were never allowed to sit in his chair but could play quietly underneath- what memories this column brought back!

Judith S, California

I just finished reading and chuckling at today's (Sunday) strip. It brought back memories of when my sister and I were the primary caretakers for my Daddy during his final months battling Parkinson's disease. Robin and Meredith sounded like our children who also loved to ask Paw-Paw if they could ride in the wheel-chair. Thanks Lynn for delivering another sweet and sentimental moment that makes me smile!

Cynthia, NC

Grandpa Jim's story is so meaningful to me, almost shadowing my own Grandpa's life after he suffered a major stroke in 1994 on Christmas Day. Like Jim, his speech was reduced to the word "yes" and a few other words that were painfully difficult for him to even begin to articulate. The story of this past week made me cry, it was so real. Grandpa died four years later, again on Christmas Day if you can believe it! Grandpa Jim's story makes me miss him all the more, but also brings back some good memories even during a difficult time.

I'm a long time reader of FBOFW, beginning somewhere in the mid-80's. Keep up the good work for awhile yet, ok?

Jeri, Michigan

Hi! I thouroughly enjoyed the 6/8/8 Sunday strip! Very comparable to me, though differently. It wouldn't be a wheel-chair, but my recunbent 3 wheeled bike, that atracts the attention! I suffered a massive medication caused stroke in Feb 2001 at 44. After resussitation, I was in a monthlong coma. My entire right side was totally paralized, I didn't remember my brother's name-much less where I worked (& a new partnet in company!) or even my then fiancee's name! She "returned" me to family a few months afterwatd-about the time I remembered her name! (I used our dog's name first! Then her children. Hey-I heard her name being used- she wasn'y my "mom" or "arff"!) I had to re-leard to read & write (lefthanded now) & I cannot work as I used to. I live on my own now-near my family in central Florida-where I'd grown up- but now just west of Orlando. I still cannot drive, but I don't just sit at home! As I ssslllooowwwlllyyy improved-I do more! I learned to walk & such at re!
-hab. I'd always been a long distance bicyclist-but with vision & balance issues-I began riding a recumbent 3 wheeler. The 1st model was specifically designed for handicapped-when I bought a better model-I donated it to a handicapped charity. I bought a better & newer desogned model last year. It's aluminum, 27 speed, disc brakes, gel saddle, I even added a wingscreen! I'll male a copy of an article from Stroke Connection magazine written about me-with a picture (b&w) of me & now 14 year old Murphy. Improvement does continue-if allowd & strived for! I won't give up-no matter how slow or "painful" it may be! That's what's futile! Enjoy! Greg!

Greg, Clermont, Florida, USA

Why doesn't anyone ever think about poor Iris? Wouldn't she appreciate fresh air in the park too? Wouldn't she appreciate someone (i.e., the self-centered Pattersons) giving her a break by taking care of grandpa Jim for a day or a couple hours? She is Jim's second wife, for heaven's sake, not the hired help. Iris gives the Pattersons the freedom from day-to-day responsibility for Jim and they don't even have to pay Iris!!

JJ, California

The best part about the Sunday strip of 6/8/08 was knowing that Iris is finally able to take a nice long soak in the tub or take in a movie or visit friends or shop or read or go for a stroll or just plain goof off for a little while.

I mean, yes it's great that the kids and Mike and Dee get to spend time with Gramps, and it's great that Gramps can get out and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine and all, but Iris has needed a caretaker's break for some time now, and it's nice knowing she's got that chance. Go Iris.

Truman F, Georgia

I've enjoyed this strip for years, but the current Grandpa Jim storyline is especially evocative for all of us who have lost loved ones and seen loved ones changed by stroke.

Janet G, Brooklyn NY

So Nice to see Michael's famlily take
Grandpa to the park it goes to show that the power of family and love can really improve the sprite.Grandpa Jim looks great

Elizabeth, Hudson Valley NY

Kudos to you, Lynn, and all your cohorts. You are certainly master craftsmen. Beth does a fantastic job with the biographies. I get caught up in the lives of FBorBW as though they are real people. It's just downright fun! Thanks

Norma B, Altoona PA

Hello, I just wanted to say that I have loved FBorFW for years. I grew up with the kids in the strip.

I am writing today to express how moved I was by the strip in which April was almost brought to tears by Jim's condition - I *was* brought to tears.

I am about to become a full-time caregiver for my grandparents, and the strip perfectly expressed the bittersweet feelings: being so glad that you still have your loved ones, but still finding it so painful to watch them deteriorate.

Thanks so much to Ms. Johnson for so many years of the Pattersons.

Nesta J, California

I had such a good laugh at the final frame of today's strip. I had pretty much the same expression as Iris...

After all, 1985 was just yesterday! Wasn't it?

Karen, Illinois

Out of all of the family, April is the only one who truly takes time to visit with Grandpa and really "talk" to him, not "at" him. I've always liked April and always felt sorry for her with how she is treated.

Elly makes cracks about her, John is so oblivious at this point and Liz is all smug about her "love" Blandthony. At least Mike has an excuse acceptable in Patterson-land, he is a man who is immersed in writing his books and trying to raise his family.

I hope April continues to be different and breaks out of this family mold. I think Grandpa always appreciated her spirit. Run, April, run!!

Regina, Latham

Very often an installment will make me cry, in particular the ones involving the grandfather, Jim. Yes, I have a tender heart, but my husband can be a bit clueless. He says, "A comic strip should be funny, not a downer. Stop reading it!" I think it's a tribute to Lynne Johnson's writing that she can be both humorous and touching at once.

Melissa M, North Carolina

I'm 31 years old and have been reading For Better or For Worse since I was old enough to read. I didn't always understand the humor as a a small child, but now as a grown woman, married with a son, a lot more makes sense!! Even when I didn't fully understand things, I've always loved the strip. I've bought several books (the only comic strip books I've ever bought) and re-read them whenever I can. I am quite sad to find out that once the present day storylines are resolved the present day Pattersons will be gone. I applaud you Lynn, for your years of entertaining the masses, and I look forward to the new strips that remain. I open the paper everyday hoping Grampa Jim is ok!! I cried my eyes out when he had a stroke, because I've lived through that with a grandparent! I just wanted to show my appreciation and let you know I pray that Grampa's storyline conclusion isn't an impending death!! I know you keep your strip "real" and whatever will be... will be, but when a character passes in this strip I cry like I knew them!! Well, Thank You for the past and I hope you change your mind about phasing out the modern Pattersons once you've tied up the open ends. I know many many people who would read this strip if you wrote it for the rest of your life!!
Good Luck and God Bless!!

Dee C, Pennsylvania

Wow, this is nice. I first started reading you in 1986, and I have your Christmas movie from then. When Elizabeth lost her bunny!!! My children love that movie, even at 27 & 25. It is still the Christmas tape they want to watch when were setting around.
My son, now a father reads you every day like I do...we talk about what is going on in the Patterson's lives.
Thanks for all the wonderful time you have given us.

Cheryl P, Paso Robles, California

Once again, Lynn has gone beyond what might have been thought the inherent limitations of the medium, the "comic" strip itself.

The profound human experiences and the associated qualities of intelligence, courage and love in the face of fate - events and situations we have little or no power to manage or control - approach the leel of classical Greek tragedy. Other than the fact Grandfather Jim is not an ancient famous king or ruler, this part of the strip could have come from Sophocles or Euripedes in terms of the central themes.

I wonder, based on some of my own experiences with this kind of situation, if Jim does not really want, most of all, to "shuffle off this mortal coil" and depart this life...

Some very elderly relatives of mine, greatly aged, have confided to me that having lived a good life, having married well, having seen children and grand-children do well, and having now no real future, deprived of mobility, sight, hearing and so on, "it's time to go..."

" To everything there is a season... a time to die."

Joan, Ontario

I have been a comic strip reader for 47 years but had never cried while reading comics until I read the June 6th strip.

Jennifer M, Milwaukee, WI

Iam following "yourJim" with such interest. My Jim is going through exactly the same experience, and our family is REALLY duplicating what his family is living. How helpful this is to me!!Thank you so much. They are doing what we are doing...staying very much in love.In our cASE,60 YEARS ON THE 19TH OF jUNE.

Louise M, Mashpee,MA

[Congratulations,Louise! All the best to your family.]