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Lynn:

Thank you so much for running this strip again. When my son was in Kindergarten, he brought some beautiful flowers from what I assumed was school. I thanked him and gave his kisses and hugs. He then said "yeah, the man was really mean and chased me off his lawn!" I said "What man?", response "the man who has the flowers." I said: "you mustn't take flowers from someone's yard! - that's trespassing!" He said: "why was he so angry? - he has lots of flowers!" Your strip brought back this wonderful, humorous memory and I thank you.

Kiko H, Vancouver BC

If your not gonna stop Liz from marrying the wrong guy (Anthony) than would you at least not show us her prepairing for the biggest mistake of her life?

Laura G, Utah

Dear Lynn,
I am still in tears about today's strip. My mother was married in a pink suit to my father who was in his Army uniform. He had leave in 1943 before he was shipped overseas. They had a small wedding at the church and the reception was at my Grandmother's house. My Grandfather died in a car accident five years before that.
Seeing what Deanna has done with Liz's Grandmother's gown is priceless. My girls have no interest in mine. My Grandmother's from 1905 should be in a museum.
It is wonderful to see Liz's Grandmother's beautiful gown being updated and cherished. It somehow celebrates the past and the future.

Mary A, Wisconsin

Today's strip was wonderful. I hope it has finally settled the debate on whether Liz and Deanna had the right to alter the wedding dress. The dress is beautiful and much more suited to Liz than the original version. Way to go, Deanna, for the amazing work.

Cait, Denmark

Dear Anonymous Canadian Fan:
Regarding July 4th's reprinted strip. What's not to "get?" This just shows how much kids get waited on hand'n'foot. It was true when first issued in the 80's and still true today. Kids are lazy because mom does everything for them. That's what's so funny. She thinking to herself that boys should do things for themselves, but she's not following through in how she's raising her kid (at least at that point in his life.) I believe this is what is called irony. LOL :)
Maybe not every mother indulges her kids like this, but all too many did and still do. BTW, I'm guilty was guilty of this, and Lynn's strip really made me more aware of the fact. It also made me change the way I handled my kids (for the better). Lynn not only brings real life to the comic strip, but wakes us up to things that are wrong with our lives and get us thinking about how we should change them.
Thanks again Lynn for an excellent re-run! Cheers!

KDH, British Columbia

Is it sad that on nights that I stay up past midnight, I always check to see if the next day's strip has been posted yet?

I did that tonight and found Sunday's strip. It really pulled some heart strings for me. My mother died when I was four, and I always imagine her watching over my daughter. I will make sure to get a hard copy of this strip because it is beautiful.

Lynn~ I love your work. You've never disappointed me... Not even once, and I've been reading FBOFW since I was old enough to know how to read the comics. Thanks for so many great years, and so many great stories!

Rebecca M, Phoenix AZ

I'm delighted to see Liz marry someone she knows. He loves her. I married a man I dearly love. We met as teenagers. We didn't marry until we were in our thirties. He knew most of my brothers and sisters. I knew all his brothers. I adore his mother and she treats me like a daughter. After a dozen years of marriage he's still my best friend and I'm his.

Christina, Pasadena CA

Sunday's Strip is a keeper!

Thanks for this wonderful strip! Keep up the great work!

Sandy S, Hudson NH

I have loved this strip since forever. I finally have to say why. We have a 22-year-old daughter named Elizabeth who is getting married on August 8 to a man who has 2 sons by a previous marriage. So much of what Elizabeth Patterson has done, our Elizabeth has done. It's been like Lynn is living here!

Grace C, Wichita

Wow! I was just reading some of the comments from July 4th... so many negative comments. I guess that's what makes the world go 'round! As for the upcoming nuptuals of Elizabeth and Anthony, I am THRILLED!!! She has always returned to him during her years of searching and he to her after his marriage for the wrong reasons. (sometimes you have to kiss a few frogs....) Even though they may have a "non-eventful" relationship, in my mind, they truly have always loved each other. Hey people, sometimes it happens! Not only that, but he treats her like a true gentleman should and we need to see more of that in real life.
NOW, on to today's strip... FANTASTIC! It brought a tear to my eye along with the memories of all those loved ones who have gone on before us. Thank you so much, Lynn. Keep up the good work.

Melissa G, Cypress TX

I've lived in the States since 1983 and although I haven't been reading FBorFW quite that long, it has been many years now. It has given me so much pleasure and I've meant so many times to express this to Lynn. Now at last I'm doing it. I'm the mother of three adult children now 27, 22, and 20, and married to a doctor, and so of course I identify with Elly! The stories of Mike and Liz were developing just ahead of my own children's lives. Elly's concerns at midlife parallel mine. But of course one's enjoyment of the strip goes beyond this sort of identification. What I cherish most about FBorFW is that it's like a good novel, with depth and complexity--as witness the discussions here about the characters. We feel they are real people. Sometimes, at certain crucial points in the story, I've hardly been able to wait until the next day to see what happens! Lynn's sustained achievement over all these years is extraordinary. I'm so glad that, with the hybrid strips, the world she has created continues to be part of our lives. Her work is a gift to us all.

Christine P, grew up in England, now in Pennsylvania

What a perfect strip (Sunday). Liz looks beautiful!! Young happy and simply beautiful. The last frame brought tears to my eyes. Well done!!

Katie W, Chesapeake VA

Lynn, you did it to me again! Sunday's strip with the ghost of Ellie's mother - I'm in tears! That was so moving

Cathy C, Toronto

Lynn,
I have always just wanted to thank you for your strip that brings a daily smile (or tear)to me.
I have a son who is 34 and a daughter who is 31. While they were growing I could always relate! Through the college years with Michael, the contact lens years with Liz, (they must have gotten them on the same day :) , the boyfriends, the careers, and now you are planning a wedding and we just had one two weeks ago. And yes, April's birthday is even the same date as mine and my sons. Now I have a granddaughter and grandson about the same ages...
It is fun, thanks so much for the joy you have brought to me over the years.

Arline W, Endicott NY

I've always loved this strip since I can remember. Today's strip (July 6, 2008)is particularly moving for me as I have a new found spirituality. Seeing Elly's ghost/spirit was quite pleasantly stirring for me. Thanks for so many years of enjoyment Lynn. You're another reason for me to be a proud Canadian!!!

Corey K-L, Sherwood Park AB

The strip for Sunday, July 6th was just beautiful. I had tears rolling down my face. Thank you Lynn, for creating a wonderful comic strip. It has been much more than a comic strip.

Roxann, Sitka Alaska

OH. MY. GOODNESS.
Did I just see a modern strip? Are my eyes deceiving me? Did I just see Liz look happy for the first time in forever? Did I just see a strip...in COLOR and with MODERN LOOKING PEOPLE AND STUFF?! Yay, Lynn! Woohoo! Back to the present, right?

Mimi S, WV

Hi. I've been a fan forever. I am so happy Elizabeth and Anthony are getting married. They just fit so well. As to the comment she made about payback time; what bridesmaid hasn't made that comment? I do like the 'memory strips'. They make me remember, and laugh. One thing about this strip is that it is so real. I still miss Farley! I tear up thinking about him. Yes, I'm doing it now. And now I'm starting to really worry about Grandpa. Can't wait for the wedding, don't know if I can take a funeral.

MJ G, Florida

Oh, Lynn and Co. What a wonderful strip today. I am such a sentimental sap and couldn't help but tear up at the last panel. I was lucky enough to have one of my grandmothers at my wedding, the other there in spirit, and I can only imagine what it must be like for Elizabeth. I love the old and new strips together because it reminds us of how far we've come and what we've learned. I finally got to buy "Home Sweat Home" and read it cover to cover in one sitting. The older I get I hope that more collections will come in the form of gifts for birthdays and Christmases. I love the Pattersons! Thanks again for reminding me of all the wonderful memories I have with my family.

Sarah M, Houston TX

This Sunday's strip was so touching, it displayed not only the work involved on the dress but the feelings of the heart. With the graceful poses of Elizabeth as Deanna and Elly make final alterations you could see the 'sunshine and shadow' on Elly's face as she told her daughter how happy her mother would be to see her in that gown. Then the final panel with the line, 'and if she were here right now . . . she'd be helping you try it on!' complemented with the vision of the smiling Grandmother bringing up the veil was a beautiful mix of both script and picture to convey a sweet and emotional scene. Without question, it will be wonderful to see Elizabeth and Anthony married!

Elizabeth H, Ontario

Oh goody, Liz is wearing her dress. Will you please proceed with the wedding prep and other story lines and stop these flashbacks.
We have waited too long to see what is going to happen and have years of flashbacks ahead of us. Please let us see April's college decision,
Grandpa, and, of course, the wedding. And it would also be interesting to see a bio of Therese before all is said and done. If need be, please don't hesitate to extend things past August 30

Brina G, Ohio

I'm just after reading today's (6th July) strip and Liz blew me away. Lynn, she looked stunning, a perfect blushing bride. To me she looked calm, happy and sure of herself. And it was so nice to see her grandmother helping her with the dress.

Thank you for telling wonderful stories.

Sonya, Limerick Ireland

The women are all obviously living a princess fantasy in that Sunday's strip.

Anonymous

The point of Friday's strip was pure irony. Elly is thinking about why men are so helpless: because their moms don't teach them how to do for themselves as boys. These are her thoughts as she picks up toys, puts away clothes and makes her son's bed. When Mike asks her to get him a glass of milk, she doesn't even pause before she agrees to serve him the milk as soon as she finishes HIS chores!

Lynn illustrates that women know the score, but in many cases we do for our men simply because we enjoy taking care of them. And the cycle continues.

Josephine, San Antonio TX

Wow, is all I have to say about todays strip. I have enjoyed reading about Elizabeth's soon to be wedding with my own wedding comming up this year. Today's strip helped me to remember that my Grandmother is there everyday with me while I plan this wonderful event in our lives(my feance and I). We have both lost our grandmothers, he lost his 3 years ago and I lost mine 14 years ago. Its been tough for me to wrap my head around the idea that my grandmother won't be at my wedding. We feel that the two of them had something to do with our finding each other! Thank you so much for this wonderfull moment of memories! I know both of our Grandmothers will be there on the day of our wedding and you know how inportant it is they are. Thank you again!

Laura G, Asheboro NC

Watching Marian help Liz put on the dress made me wish I'd had my grandfather at my wedding.
He died a little over a year before my own wedding. Like Liz wearing her grandmother's dress, I wore a bracelet made of his one gold necklace during my ceremony.
During the picture of my husband and I in our first dance, I can see the bracelet and imagine my grandfather standing there watching.
Even with Marian gone for many, many years, with Liz wearing that dress, it is like she is there too.
I'm also glad that she is finally marrying Anthony- the two have been in love for years- the times when they weren't dating (even when he was married before) they were just kidding themselves.
Keep it up, Lynn

Mandy O, Bacliff, Texas

I absolutely love FBorFW. It's the best thing in literature that I have come across. My first experience reading FBorFW was at a friend's home. Ever since that day, I fell in love with all the characters, especially with Farley. I read the strip everyday and I collected all the paperbacks. I would like to thank Lynn for the great experience, the joy, the fun, the ups and down of the Pattersons. Good work!!

Adriana K, Jakarta Indonesia

In the July 6, 2008 strip, it says "If she was here right now ... ." I believe that the correct construction is "If she WERE here ... ." I expected better from a Canadian author. I am not an expert in the English language, just a former simple engineer who is sorry that the language is changing for the worse.

Robert S, Livermore California

I've been reading FBORFW since my kids were little. Jimmy is now 25 and our Elizabeth, 22, got married yesterday, July 5. She even looks like Elizabeth in the strip, and is also a teacher. It was so poignant today to see Elizabeth P. trying on her grandmother's wedding gown. My Liz wore my sister's veil and pieces of my wedding dress material were used to decorated the guest book table. At the bridesmaids' luncheon we used her grandmother's heirloom tablecloth, her great-great aunt's candlestick, her aunts' bridesmaid cake topper, another great-great aunt's tea towel, and her great-grandmother's bowl. It was so nice having "all the women" there with us, sort of like Grandpa Jim's beloved bride helping dress her granddaughter. Very sweet -- thank you, Lynn.

Michele B, Denver

I began reading FBorFW when my daughter was small. I was able to laugh right along with the perils of raising a little girl and looked forward to reading the comic strip daily. Lynn has provided many of us a laugh or two every day for all these years. My own daughter is grown, married and has 2 children of her own. Whatever Lynn does, I will look forward to seeing the comic strip in the paper and the occasional update of the characters. Thanks for all the entertainment you and provided and thanks for the comic relief!

Sandy C, Kansas

Smart move, April. You've spent years at the receiving end of Liz's nasty disposition and childish tantrums. A choice between a day with that or a day with your friends is no choice at all.

Chris P, Boston MA

I seem to recall a character who really ought to be directly involved in planning the wedding, rather than the bride's 17-year-old sister. His name began with A. Ant-something. Who was that, again?

Edward T, St. Paul MN

What would a teenage girl do at this stage of the wedding planning, anyway? Stand around and ooh-ahh at the dress while trying not to bump into Grandma Marian's veil-hefting ghost?

Jeez, if Liz and Elly are so keen on a rushed wedding, let them plan the blasted thing themselves.

Brenda K, Banff AB

What a pity that Liz's desperate last-minute wedding planning seems to prevent her from actually spending time with her grandfather, since he's the reason for her rushed plans.

Denise L, suburbs of Chicago

Before I speak my piece,
I just want to say that despite my complaints, FBORFW
has ALWAYS been my Fav. comic strip. Ever since I
can remember!

Having said that, I have always secretly thought that while they DO have great goals and seem to be ambitious, the Patterson kids have always seemed to be a bit on the spoilled side to me. I mean, if I remember right, the only time Liz liked to shop with her Mom, is when her Mom was buying things for her. And when have they NEVER gotten what they wanted? (NOT including relationships, only material items!)

A last comment. I have always been a BIG fan of Liz and Anthony(sp?). EXCEPT for recently, when I have been looking at their situation more closley.

It seemed in one of the more recent strips, that Liz had to convince herself that she and Anthony were/are in love.
"It IS love, yes, it is."
(Or something like that.)

I am getting married to a most wonderful man next summer. We are very much in love, and say it to each other often.

I remember asking my sister before I met my guy, how you know when you're in love. She pretty much said it's not really something you have to think about, you just know.

Anthony and Liz have NEVER said "I love you!" to each other, as far as I know.
Kind of sad, really, when I think he's the smartest choice of her guys!!!

That's my (a little more than!) 2 cents! Thanks for reading. Despite what I said above, keep up the good work, Lynn. You deserve a Healthy, Happy retirement.

Meg, Maine

Give me a break- there is no reason for April to stay chained around the house to "help" with the wedding. Let her be a teenager!

Marion, Chicago

I have followed your work since I was pregnant with my first child (a son) more than 30 years ago. A friend gave me the paperback, "David, We're Pregnant" and it was so true-to-life and hilarious that I was hooked. I went on to have 2 more daughters and have enjoyed for years how our lives have sort of paralleled one another (although, regrettably, I'm not a grandmother yet!!). On July 5th my youngest daughter was married. Now Elizabeth is getting married and your are capturing exactly the excitement, frustration, and anxiety of preparing for a wedding. Wish you'd never retire!

Chery, Minnesota

Poor Anthony's getting a lot of "Stick" for making his move on Liz just after she'd been assaulted. But what if the whole encounter had gone down THIS way???

"Anthony knew he had bungled again -- and after starting out, as usual, with the Best of Intentions. Privately he was just as stunned and sickened as Elizabeth by Howard's behaviour: he thought he knew the man --had actually liked him to some degree-- and realized only now how hopelessly naive, how lousy a judge of character he himself was. Maybe only Therese had seen the true Anthony Caine ---.a pathetic Loser, and a clueless Fool.

"They had to report the assualt. But Elizabeth seemed far from ready for any "interrogations". What if the Officer taking the Satement turned out to be a real hard-nose, and tried to imply the whole thing was ELizabeth's fault? In her fragile state she might be tempted to believe it....!

"Anthony was worried. Elixabeth was too calm, too composed. Was she in Emotional Shock? He had to do something, say something to snap her out of it.....And so, he told her about his Divorce.

"Elizabeth started, staring ar him. Then, before he could stop himself, Anthony told her everything. How he had mistaken Therese's interest in him, "The Boss' Son", for genuine Affection. How he had meekly followed her to the Altar, scarcely daring to believe that such a smart, sophisticated woman would want to spend her life with a Dweeby guy like him. How her attitude had changed once it was obvious that her ambitions for him, involving Consulting positions in places like New York and Montreal -- would never be realized.

"She had become less patient with him, ever more critical, more prone to sarcastic outbursts. And there was the long martyrdom of her Pregnancy, which left him riddled with guilt even though he had tried to make it easier for her. When Joy beyond Words surged through him as he gazed at his tiny, perfect daughter, like a folded bud in a drift of white blanket, only Exhaustion and Despair had registered in Therese's pallid face.

"That Exhaustion deepened in the months that followed despite Anthony's desperate efforts to prove a supportive and task-sharing husband, while Therese's mood swings made every conversation the equivalent of a waltz in a minefield. In the end it had been almost a relief when she told him she was leaving......

"Horrified, Anthony realized he had brought the focus around to himself, when it was Elizabeth who needed the shoring up. He had wanted to tell her that what had happened in no way diminished her in his eyes, that she would still be a worthy partner for any man --including himself.'Wait fo Me', he had croaked.....knowing he had no right to ask or even expect her to. HE had once dreamed of Rescuing Elizabeth from some terrible Peril. Now he wished he's never had to do it at all."

Great Work on that Gown! Needs something on the shoulders, though...all the emphasis is on Elixabeth's HIPS!

Anna M, Winnipeg

Hello
As a french reader, I didn't find your daily strip in newspaper and was very happy to find this site some years ago when I decided that reading strips in english will perhaps improve my english! (as a french writer, I want to apologize first for my errors in english).
Just to say that I like to read the family story, I prefer the new strips (but don't mind about the old one even if I agree with people who find that Elly didn't seem so happy there!). After all the remarks about Antony, I just found that I don't like him a lot neither and find him bery boring.
I'd like to continue to read the strips from France for a long time.
Have a good summer.
With loves from France

Christine P

It is amazing to me to think that the desire to draw came out of making drawings for a GynOB in Hamilton Ontario. Your life has taken many turns and has blessed you with a career that I'm sure was surprising.

I'm sorry that you are "retiring" as those of us that have followed the strip for years will miss it.

What you are doing with the strip is your decision alone, and basically the readership really has nothing to say about it. Just as what anyone else does with their life is theirs to decide.

Best wishes as you open this new chapter in your life. Your work has brought me many a good laugh :) Thank you.

Blessings,

D.E Brantford ON

Regarding the "glass of milk" controversy, Lenny Bruce gave wonderful insight into this question: why do independent-minded boys ask their mothers to do things for them that they are perfectly capable of doing for themselves?

Answer: "Ma, gimme a glass of water, 'cause I don't want the water, all I want is the water with your hand attached to glass with your arm attached to the hand and stay there... and don't sneak out, 'cause when you wake up I wanna see you there, and if you stay there I'll drink as much water as you want me to drink."

S. T. Philadelphia

I loved April's comment that she WAS helping with the wedding by staying out of the way. Yes, it's a rationalization for doing precisely what she wanted to do. But it also happens to be the truth.

She is not a docile young girl who can be turned into a seamstress overnight.

If they want her to help with the wedding, they should find her something within her skillsets, rather than insist she make herself a human sacrifice. I've come to agree with the posters here who see her as the outsider in a highly conformist family.

Susan S, New York

Lay off April! So she doesn't want to get caught up in the lunacy that is wedding preparation these days. That doesn't make her selfish. All that proves is that she's got common sense.

And please, do not show Liz morphing into a Bridezilla. Enough with these women and their "special days". Most weddings these days are expensive, narcissistic spectacles that guests must endure rather than enjoy.

Grit your teeth and lay low, April. This too shall pass.

Lyn, Boston

I am happy I found this site. I didn't know what was going on with the old strips. I agree with others to just keep the new ones however long that lasts. I am sad to hear the strip is ending. But, as an artist who has had a short lived strip I understand; it's hard work. The only information I had before today was in Pearls Before Swine about fbow. I have been reading about the Pattersons for years. My husband and I think it's the best strip out there because it's so real; the people and pets age and change. I was visiting my sister across the country when the Patterson's old dog (whose name I can't remember) died, my husband told me on the phone what happened. I started crying out loud, much to my embarrassment, because I had to tell my sister's family I was crying because a comic strip dog died. They thought I was crazy. I cried about the grandfather too. And it brought tears to my eyes when liz's grandmother was putting on her veil. I love this family you created I will miss them.

Donna, Longmont Colorado

Thank you - after reading some of the comments from today - I realize the comments are made by fellow readers who will miss the smile that your strip brings us each day. It tells our stories - as momd, wives and friends. As all of those things, I think we the reader must realize that friends allow each other to grow and change. May God guide your future endeavors and again thank you for sharing your and your families lives with us.

Michelle B, Rancho Santa Margarita, California

Today's strip reminds me of a T-shirt we saw the other day..."My parents taught me to walk and talk. Now they want me to sit down and shut up."

Elizabeth, Weaverville NC

Hiya, Lynn and Staff,
I was just wondering if Michael and Deanna's children will be part of Liz's wedding party. They will be so adorable all dressed in up wedding clothes! I hope they are included.

Thanks for being such a wonderful story teller, as well as fantastic artist! And your staff is also much appreciated!

Lucia A, Kalispell MT

Lynn, loved the Sunday strip where Grandmother was helping Liz try on the dress. how sweet and special that was.

Marilyn P, Kirkland WA

I have missed those strips where we see those relatives who have passed away. It was so wonderful to see Grandma Marian "helping" with the dress.

As someone who has lost one set of grandparents, and a father, it meant a lot to see this strip today. Although these loved ones aren't physically with us, it's nice to know they may still be around.

Thanks for the reminder to have a little faith.

Jim I, Bloomington IN