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Lynn, I'm a relative latecomer to the FBOFW universe, but once I started reading, I never stopped. (I have no recollection of the rerun strips, and started reading after I heard about Lawrence.) Thank you, Lynn, for entertaining us and inspiring us all these years.

While I by no means dislike Anthony, a little more "heat" between him and Liz would be a good thing to show. They seem a little...bored with each other, and I think many of us read that as not boding well for them five or ten years down the road. If a couple is not careful, comfort can become ennui and apathy. And while I do enjoy the flashbacks, with our time winding down, I'd much rather see what is going with the present-day Pattersons.

To say that 'Strip Fix' promotes illegal drug use is patently ridiculous. People get coffee fixes, shopping fixes, chocolate fixes, which are pretty harmless. Lynn's strip has been such a force for good; I kind of doubt anyone will be led down the road to ruin because they've read the FBOFW Strip Fix.

Jon W, Colorado Springs, CO

It is interesting to read all the comments relative to the old strips vs the new ones. I too have been a fan for eons. I too own all the books (which I have revisited many, many times). I have autographed prints, dvds, books and I too prefer the new material. However, I can also appreciate the desire to retire and for you Lynn, to take a step back, put up your feet and to enjoy life. You've earned it girl! Thanks so much for years of enjoyable reading. *pours out some wine for the Coffee Talk crowd* Raise your glasses and join the toast to Lynn's years of work and dedication to "For Better or For Worse." Cheers!

Eilonwy, Connecticut

Lynn,
I can't help but wonder how many people have read your Coffee Talk letter. The letter gives great insight to everyone who has been a fan for many years(me included). It's just so hard for everyone to realize that the characters are fictional. I had even thought that if I ever went to Canada I'd look them up! LOL! I'm sure I'm not alone in those thoughts.
It's good though to see Elly and John when they were younger, and yes, I do know better than to try and look them up! :^)
I would though, love to see a book at some time in the future, of how their lives have evolved. But if there isn't, I'd still read your daily on-line (I can't wait for the paper), visit the website, and wish you the very best.

Joy, Somerset NJ

Please...punishing a child by sending him to his room and no dinner is abuse?!

Tracey, Alexandria VA

Now that Warren's and Paul's bios have appeared, I'd like to comment on these "other" men in Liz's life. I found it very hard, if not impossible, to regard Warren as a serious suitor, as he never seemed to be around more than a few days at at time. Nor did there appear to be all that much contact (phone, e-mail, IM, letter)between him & Liz over the years. I saw that relationship more as somewhere between "might have been" and "never really was."

Unlike many contibutors here, I was never a "Paul fan." In fact, I actually groaned when Elly spent the night in the police station and, during the dicussion of Liz and "finding Mr. Right," the panel showed the office door of "Ofc. Paul Wright". Maybe I had an inkling that the relationship would be ill-fated, owing to distance -- this happened to 2 friends of mine some years ago, the distance and difference in regional mindset were too much for the couple to overcome. Perhaps neither one handled the end very well, but by the same token, neither was "the bad guy."

Although I had rooted for a Liz and Anthony reunion for years, as things are winding down I almost wish she'd call the whole thing off. Both of them seem very lukewarm about finally getting married (save for Liz's enthusiasm over getting the engagement ring) -- there's a difference between "steady" and "all but disinterested." And, as has been pointed out by other posters, we have seen very little of Anthony since they bought the ring -- what does he make of the accelerated plans?

Liz isn't even 30 yet and has plenty of time to find her soul-mate, rather than a room-mate.

Eileen M, Gainesville, FL, USA

My mother used to cut the strip out of the paper every day and paste (thats actually gluing!) each one into a large scrap book. She had about fifteen books of FBOFW in the end. I used to enjoy going to visit and sit out on the balcony looking over the sea (the parents had moved to Queensland)reading unlimited FBOFW stories. Thank you Lynn for some great insights into life. I am now a father of three young ones and can really relate to the stories and the timeline of the kids as they grow. All the best wishes for you and your family. Thanks again for producing the greatest comic story ever!

Richard, Melbourne Australia

I've read your strip almost from the beginning and I have to say how much times have changed! In the "old days" I thought the strip was funny and a reflection of real life relationships between loving families. But now that I am seeing the old strips and the way the Pattersons treated each other, I find it a little shocking. From the strips you've chosen, it looks like John and Elly never got along or even liked each other very much and it seems like Elly thought of her children as being a phased of life to be endured and muddled through, rather than a time when bonds and memories are made.

No wonder the Patterson girls seem so needy now and the parents seem to have drifted apart.

How I miss the days when you drew the strips that said, "old love is better than new love"! I wonder if you are intentionally choosing strips that will later explain a falling out or separation of the Pattersons' extended family. Will Mike And De go off to live in Vancouver? Will April take early graduation and go away to college in Halifax? Will John run away to Tahiti? Will Elly run off to find herself in a new life in Moosonee?

Cant' wait to find out how it all gets wrapped up.

Davia

OMGG, CAN WE PLEASE GO BACK TO THE PRESENT?!

Jada N, PA

This is the best comic strip ever!!!!! Thank you so much my husband and i often talk about the charactors as if they were our friends. If he misses a couple of strips I will say hey aprils doing this or so on. I cant wait for the wedding. Thanks Lynn

Kimberly W, California

Okay, I agree with the parties that these "old" strips are boring, and with the wrapping up of the stories, I also want more coverage on that.
Here's what I want to see:
1) Elly and Anthony's mom talking.
2)Liz and Anthony's mom talking.
3)Anthony and Liz in pre-marital counselling.(though yeah; I guess it's hard to come up with a comic-strip friendly way to portray that)
4)Liz reading stories to Francie; particularly one of the "wicked stepmother" fairy tales, and explaining why not all stepmothers are wicked.
5)Liz and Therese having a conversation about Liz adopting Francie.(that way if Anthony dies, Francie isn't forced to go live with Therese who doesn't appear to want her anyway)
Otherwise, I have always been fascinated with the character of Therese. She seems to be a very mixed personality. At first she is mean to Anthony at their wedding, then she is jealous of every female(doesn't anyone remember that New Years party in 2004-5 when it was said that she was jealous of Tracey as well?), then she doesn't seem fond of raising the child she is carrying, and then "her career took off" and she's never home, and then she's left Anthony for another man! I always hoped we'd one day get a reason for why she was so jealous and insecure; like maybe her dad left her mom for his high-school sweetheart?(which we saw didn't happen) Or she had been dumped by previous boyfriends, for someone else?
Oh, and just because she showed up at the mall alone doesn't necessarily mean she's not still with the guy she left Anthony for.

J.U., Manitoba

Ah please, folks! I agree with Tracey from Denham Springs LA. Kids need discipline and don't need parents to tippy toe up to their offspring asking them permission to reprimand them. I've seen that too often. Come on, people, go spend a few minutes in a high school class nowadays and have a good look at what too much freedom and lack of firmness does to our youth. Elly did nothing wrong in any of the strips. Remember Mike's famous sentence: "If this is a lecture, how long is it going to last?" Well, luckily, Elly fumed and set the record straight with her son after that comment. Notice how Mike never mentioned anything like THAT again.

Diane G, Quebec City

i absolutely live this stip!!!

Margaret, Clovis California

As a recovering drug addict, I have an "addiction" to FBOFW and have had since it started when I was 9 years old (yes - way back in 1979 when it started) so for me it IS my daily "fix" ... and for those that HAVE to read it every day that is just what it is, a FIX of the Patterson's and we are all going to go into terrible withdrawls when the strip ends in August. I for one do not mind the name of the daily "fix" as that is what it is in my mind ... a "fix" of the Patterson's and a little scene from their daily life......Also, I do not see it as a form of PROMOTING ILLEGAL DRUG USE....Thanks for letting me share! LOL

Anne W

Hoo-Boy!! Not only has Ellie committed Aggravated Domestic Assault (remember "the throwing of the garden glove" ?) --She's also a Csild Abuser!!! (Sheesh, and People think JOHN is a jerk!) WHY ISN'T THIS WOMAN IN JAIL?!?! CONSTABLE PAUL, COME DOWN AND ARREST HER--NOW!

I agree with what Shawn D. says. Although Ellie didn't "choke" Michael, there's no need for the measures Ellie DID take when G*U*I*L*T can be so much more effective:

"...Is THIS my reward for changing your smelly diapers? ..For walking the floor with you each and every night? ...For living on burnt toast and chicken backs, so YOU wouldn't have to??"

I've known Mothers who were so good at laying on that "Guilt Trip" they could have left the hardest-boiled Military Dictator sobbing in the corner for a week: dry Cheerios for supper would, in comparison, have seemed like a mild finger-shake!

Anna M, Winnipeg

I have been a reader and fan of For Better or for Worse for many years. My partner is a dentist and many of the strips have ended up on the office corkboard or on our refrigerator at home.

To me Lynn is a great artist - she paints a wonderful story for me every day. I have no qualms with the story lines or the parenting skills. She's the artist and she gets to present the story her way. Life is sometimes difficult and sometimes not perfect. To me Lynn shows life for what it is and I appreciate that.

Lynn - I hope you never stop telling visual and literal stories. I want to grow old knowing you work in one way or the other.

Thank you.

Tom W, Lincolnville Maine

I love reading the comments in "Coffee Talk." I laugh at some of them and get new perspectives from others.

Since I became a parent quite late in life and have been a teacher all my life, I thought I would be "cool, calm and collected." I remember one time we were at a hotel and Nicholas refused to fall asleep in the furnished crib. Finally, in respect to other hotel guests, I took him out of the crib and put him in bed. He fell asleep immediately. My reaction? I kicked the bed! My husband was shocked and so am I, but sleep deprivation sometimes turns us into less than ideal parents.

My point, parenting has better and worse times. Lynn, thank you for showing us that even though we have "worse" times, our love and good intentions and good parenting lead to better times.

Michelle, Cincinnati

I read this comic with my mom every day, and my favorite character is Elly. I love the funny drawing and dialogue, like Robin and Meredith talking, or the young Micheal and Elizabeth talking.Please keep the humor coming!

Claire R, Sarinac

I for one don't much care for the Elly of years ago. Compared to the loving, family-oriented, compassionate Elly we know today, the "younger" Elly seems impatient, uncompassionate, and unhappy. When my two were little and they acted silly and if my son were amusing his baby sister like that, we would have been laughing our heads off. I find these old strips depressing, and devoid of the wonder of raising kids.

Carla, Tulsa

I have bought every book on the Patterson's, I read the strip fix every day. When I need a good cry I read "Remembering Farley". You have brought me joy, laughter, tears, understanding and occasionally wondered how you got into my house. I started buying your books when pregnant with my first child. He's 17 and now my 9 year old daughter is reading your books. Thank you

Susan B, Prince Albert Saskatchewan

In contrast to others leaving comments, I'm relieved to see some parenting that resembles what was common 25 years ago. Of course Elly lost her cool and of course it's not the best of punishments to deprive a child of dinner. But John's right: he's healthy, he'll survive, and you mustn't go back on your word.

Furthermore, the notion that holding a child by his clothing, sending him to his room or even (if he's otherwise well-fed) depriving him of a meal is comparable to hitting him is just loony!

Modern parenting 'techniques' and their promoters seem to have no tolerance of imperfect parents. Worse, many of the children resulting from these techniques (or perhaps from their improper, thoughtless application) could benefit a great deal from a little discipline. We're raising a whole generation of rude, thoughtless brats.

Michael, like many kids of his era that were parented similarly, grew up just fine.

Dixie M, Salem Oregon

I have not once thought Michael or anyone else was being abused in this strip. Lynn, don't take all this criticism to heart, it's rediculous. There were times in my kids' young lives, where they did not want to eat what I prepared for dinner. Mostly it was my picky daughter, who, over the years, has become less picky. She would sit there and poke her food until dinner was over and want something else. We'd tell her this was what I had prepared, and if she was hungry, she'd eat what was on her plate. There were times when she chose not to eat the item, and believe it or not, it wasn't always the vegtable being ignored, it was usually some casserole or other. It was her choice, and she'd go to bed with unfinished food on her plate once it was bedtime. She didn't starve to death, and I don't believe I abused her. She had to learn that I am Mom, not a short-order cook with a 24-hour kitchen. I spend a lot of time making dinner, and!
that's what is on the menu. This was mostly when she was much younger, and now at 12 and 1/2, I can't remember the last time she objected to dinner. My son, on the other hand, is a 14-year-old-eating machine and never seems to be satisfied!

Anyway, I am enjoying all the old strips, also. If there is one, such as today's Sunday strip, that I have never seen, I print it out and tuck it into the first FBorFW book; I have all of them! Lynn, I hope you re-run as many as you can that are not in your books, just for that purpose! It's fun! That way, they are new to me. When your strip first came out, it wasn't in our paper, and did not appear, to my memory, until April came along. I will definitely miss your strip when you retire. You are a very talented artist, and I love the details of your drawings. I hope you will get to relax a little more in your retirement than Elly has so far in hers!

Kim E, Stockton CA

Lynn is no more promoting drug use than she is child abuse! Oh, heavens, call the cops, Elly grabbed her son by the collar! Oh, the humanity! He went to bed without dinner! GASP!!! He misbehaved, and he was punished accordingly. We wasn't beaten, and I'm reasonably sure he got breakfast the next day. One night without a meal is not going to harm a child. And if it serves to get his attention and make him think twice about his behaviour, more the better. Never mind that the strip in question is about 20 years old! When I got out of line as a child I went to bed without supper, and lo and behold, I'm not a serial killer! There's a difference between discipline and abuse!

As I said earlier, Lynn; KEEP DOING WHAT YOU'RE DOING!!

Adriann S., Shohola PA

I'm getting kind of fed up with all the "Anthony Bashing" that's been going on ever since Elizabeth and he reunited. Especially irritating are the assertions that he's not a good "catch."

Well, let's see... he's a successful business executive (he's the general manager of three businesses, NOT a bookeeper), he's a dedicated and loving father, he's extremely handy around the house, he gets along well with Elizabeth's family, he works regular hours, and he's a good dancer. Most women I know would consider a guy like that to be a VERY good catch.

Roger V, Portland OR

I love the continuing story of the Pattersons, and I'm so glad to be able to come here and catch up on all their doings. Thanks, Lynn, for giving us this wonderful stories!

Frosty, Seattle

I just LOVE for better or for worse...the comic strip for 5,30,o8 is funny,poor Elly.

Craig M, CA

Lynn,

Firstly, I would like to tell you that I've greatly enjoyed the strip over the years, and that to my knowledge I own every book you've ever released. I'm including the anniversary specials, David We're Pregnant as well as specific collections (April).

I am so disappointed that we're in for another week of flashbacks.

I feel like you aren't listening to your readers at all anymore. Do you even read the coffee talk blog?

While I understand that these strips may have been funny back in 1983, they haven't aged well. They make Elly appear neglectful, resentful and depressive. Since you've always done your best to portray Elly in a positive light, I don't understand why you would pick these particular strips to rerun. Or for that matter, why you are wasting time with reruns at all.

Your readership has been dedicated and loyal for a long time. Over 20 years for me alone, and that's not uncommon. Please give us the closure we crave. Stand by what you say, and use the (boxcar) outta those daily 30 seconds. Let's make the rest of those seconds count, hmm?

Has anyone else visited Grandpa Jim? Is April finally going to dump Gerald? Does Anthony have a family besides Francie that we'll see at a wedding? Is his mother horrible just like Mira? Is Mira really that horrible after all? Are Merrie and Robin okay? Are John and Elly going to make it forever?

I have so many questions. Come on Lynn, you've made it this far. Why not go out with a bang?

Carly H, Thunder Bay ON

I just really love,enjoy the old strips...ESPAICALLY the Sunday COLOURED ones.The comic for June,29,08 is awsome cuz the 4th panel (not counting the one that says "For Better or for Worse),the 4th panel where they are cuzing baby Elizebeth out is so cool cuz she looks like my little friend.I love U!!!!Lynn keep up your duper work up,up.

Craig M, CA

Seems to me, that todays kids might have turned out a bit differently if some good, old-fashioned discipline was utilized. Note , I did NOT say punishment or beating, etc.
I see and hear some of todays kids, and it almost makes me want to cry- their profanity, lack of respect, rude behavior,etc.
True, there are exceptions to this, but, they are few and far between.
But, to actually accuse Lynn, or FBOFW, of promoting child abuse, is INSANE !!!
Are you the same people who want to censor any of the old classics, just because they do not agree with your ideas on child-raising ?
Lynn, I have loved FBOFW for ever, and will miss it dearly. As for running the classics, if people don't like them, then they don't need to read them, and, especially don't need to try to take them away from those of us who do. Love and Peace,

Denise B, PA

Dear Lynn,
May you please do a Sunday,coloured strip in wich Baby Elizebeth gets into trouble?& also where Elizabeth (when she's a baby)gets lost & found at a grocery store.Thank you.
Pretty PLLEEEZEEEE!!!!!!!!

Jean M, CA

We grew up laughing
at what our Mom's & Dad's did to us! Yes we live in a different era, but we still need to remember to laugh!I think alot of us have forgotten that! Thanks Ms. Johnson for the memories and the laughs!

Carla S, Sutton MA

Happy Dominion Day to Lynn and all the staff at For Better or For Worse !!!!!

George, Rochester NY

For those who are unaware of the Disciplinary Measure called "The Guilt Trip", which some Parents insist is superior to spankings and "supperless" bedtimes. here is a Basic Outline:

The Guilt Trip is divided into clearly recognizable {arts, each delivered in a normal speaking voice punctuated by long, deep sighs. NO shouting. cursing, or name-calling is allowed and ABSOLUTELY NO attempts can be made to shake, strike or throttle the Miscreant. The Parts are:

I. THE PREAMBLE. Here the Parent catalogues everything given up for the Offender's sake -- a year's worth of nighttime sleep, some desperately needed wardrobe or workshop items, the chance to take a World Cruise, etc. etc.

2. THE ROLL OF OFFENSES: Here follows a list of the Miscreant's wrongdoings, beginning with the latest and covering at least the past 6 months.

3, THE WIND-UP: Here, the assertion is made that the Offender won't be happy until one or both Parents have suffered heart attacks, or the Neighbours unite to drive the Family out of town!

4. THE PROPHECY: Here "Physical Punishment" is deemed not neccessary, as True Retribution will come "One Day when you least expect it, and not from your Dad/Mom or Me."

It is important to note that have been no definitive studies on the efficacy of the "Guilt Trip" as a means of correcting a Child's Misbaviour. But the long-term consequences have been known to have hugely positive effects on the Bank Balances of Psychotherapists, Analysts, "Relationship Counsellers".

Anna M, Winnipeg

Man i love mike when he was young,he's just like how i was and how my sisters are now lol.

Can't wait till liz big day

Bridget Q, New Glasgow NS

You have got to stop with those "flash back" comic strips and need to keep with the "current". As soon as I see how the lay-out looks for "back in the day", I skip reading it altogether. It doesn't bring interest and I've read a number of inputs on here that are saying the same also. You would have a weeks worth of good comic strips then you would skip to having 2 weeks of "flash backs". Are you loosing ideas for new material???

Carrie, North Bay ON

It's not usual for me to write twice in one week, but I do want to tell you about my yesterday morning.

For my Valentine's Day gift, my husband bought a FBOFW apron from your connection with CafePress. The picture is of Ellie having a cuddle with grand-daughter Meredith.

Sunday morning, it was my turn to be the snacks Hostess for Fellowship Hour at church. My husband gave the suggestion I wear the cartoon grandma apron (partly, I think, because it has the least stains on it yet).

As I was pouring juice or refilling the danish tray, several folks would see my apron, get a nostalgic look on their face, mention how that is the favorite comic, or the first one they go to read, how sad it is that the closing is coming.

Pretty much all the same sentiments you read here in Comments.

At least two ladies asked how they could get an apron like it, so I told 'em to go the website and click on the shopping icon.

It was my pleasure to do a little advertising on your behalf :)

Diane W, Normal IL

I love your strip. It has seemed so appropriate for dealing with all "the ages of man." However, I don't care for the flashback portion which seems dated in its approach to child raising. I find the multi-generational trials much more meaningful.

Judy M, Iowa