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Whether you go with the "ghost" idea presented in an earlier comment, or have news of him pulling through in time for the Gift Opening (best gift of them all), I'm sure that Grandpa will be there in spirit. I'm sure that he's just as disappointed as everybody else that he could not attend. It'll be great to see Georgia again. It's been so long. She's the only supportive cast member who hasn't made a come back or frequent visits. I was suprised that you didn't offer little side trips into Phil's home life. Even Phil only got some air time when their parents had health issues. Realistic, but still a bit of a pity.

I'm looking very forward to seeing this wedding happen. Very sneaky of you to have both the kids marry old school chums. If you are still drawing, I hope April brings in somebody new.

this is my first time leaving a comment. Hope it's not too much. I've been reading your strips all of my life. Seriously. I'll be very sad when you finally decide to shelve the project, but you'll have deserved the break!

Janna C, Carvel AB

I am utterly horrifed at "uncle Phil's" putting words in the mouth of his severely aphasic dad, Liz's Grandpa Jim - and also that Elly, who recently spent time with her dad and experienced his extremely frustrating communication problems firsthand, seems to be buying it without question.

Jim's severe aphasia has been shown to have rendered him unable to communicate basic requests. He has less than a handful of spoken words; he can say "Yes" and "Boxcar", but cannot even shake his head to indicate "No". All of a sudden Phil is claiming that a practically non-verbal (and most likely heavily sedated) hospital patient has managed to convey a highly articulate wish that Elizabeth not be told about his heart attack on her wedding day? As if she won't notice that he - her "guest of honor" - isn't there, especially since his health dictated the date in the first place?

And then Phil says he and Georgia will be leaving the hospital to attend the wedding! He won't stay by his own critically ill father's bedside - that shocked me terribly too. I could not imagine leaving my parent's bedside under such circumstances, even if it were my own child's wedding day. When a person may be dying, all else becomes lower on the priority list.

I imagine April, who is the only one who visits her grandfather regularly, who brings his dog to visit too, and is particularly close to him, would be particularly upset and insulted that this was kept from her. Her older sister has more than enough "Forever Friend" bridal attendants to handle attending to the bride. Consistency in April's here-to-fore compassionate characterization would have her at least choosing to spend this time in the hospital with her Grandpa Jim instead of being at the wedding - given a choice at all.

Cerena, Bayview CA

Why am I not surprised you chose not to run my comment. I've only commented twice in the entire time you've had this forum and you've chosen not to run my words either time.

I'm glad a lot of other people told you what sort of stupid mistakes you have made, both with the hybred comic strip nonsense, which does NOT work, the idea that you can just start over and rewrite the entire story (Marvel comics did that so many times you can't even figure out which world the characters are in any more) and Grandpa Jim's heart attack on Liz's wedding.

These comments won't run either, which is fine.

Just as long as you are aware that for every person who pats you on the back and tells you what a great writer you are, there are 10 others who are disgusted and angry at you, and who won't be fans or followers after you freeze it in September.

Yes, it's your story but you put something like this out into the public, you wind people up to identify with the characters and count on them feeling like those characters are real people so they'll pay your bills buying the newspapers and other things that syndicate them. So if you weren't expecting a large amount of hatred for what you've been doing and have just done, you should have been.

Anyway, I'm personally finished with reading this strip. I'm sure there are a lot of others who are just as finished with it.

have a nice retirement.

Kelly, Texas

I'm confused. I know that Grandpa was getting better at communicating positive and negative opinions, however, having a heart attack on top of his condition and now being in the hospital on oxygen doesn't lend itself to an exchange detailing that he 'doesn't want to spoil her day'. Maybe what he'd really like is to see his son and daughter before he passes and Iris is handling things her way?

Am I the only on who noticed how much the limosine driver looked like Grandpa Jim? Is it just my imagination, or is this a way of saying he's there in spirit?

I hadn't thought of the story line a lot of folks are predicting, i.e. the wedding's being moved to the hospital so Grandpa can see it. Instead, I had pictured a post-wedding scene where the family has received the news that Grandpa died just as Liz was walking down the aisle and Liz replying, "But he was there in the church. I saw him."

I don't have a problem with the story line of Grandpa's dying just as Liz is getting married. It would be nice if life always cooperated with our plans, but it doesn't. Liz moved the wedding up so Grandpa could be there; well, life, God, fate, whatever, had other plans.

I think Anthony is the best thing that could have happened to Elizabeth. He's a good, steady, reliable man - he just isn't perfect, which must be difficult for all the perfect people out there to accept. Whatever happens - wedding at the hospital, or Grandpa at the church in spirit, please don't let anything happen to stop or delay the wedding!! It's a perfect example of Better and Worse happening concurrently.

Peggy M, Blacksburg VA

Your ability to capture the drama and pathos of real life is remarkable. As a teenager I sang with a gospel group that performed in a lot of weddings. At the wedding of the sister of one of our group members, the bride's grandfather collapsed and died on the steps of the church, moments after the bride and groom and most of the guests had left for the reception. The bride's father proudly conducted all his wedding duties including a lovely toast, without ever letting on to the bride or the guests that his own father had just died.

Julie B, Los Angeles

The fact that Grandpa Jim had a heart attack just before Elizabeth's wedding really hit home with me. My mother-in-law had a heart attack just before my wedding and died shortly there after. We were told that she was sick, and my husband made the decision to go on with the wedding.

Lynda W, Alabama

For the wedding colors, Lynn, no matter what you chose, someone would complain LOL. I think the dress is lovely. I grimace when I see the child size tux though, my son had to do that and was miserable the whole time with the 'don't sit there' and 'put this napkin in like a bib'. Let's let young gents wear respectful washable pants, a matching polo shirt and a sunny smile instead.

Pamela, Fredericksburg, Virginia

Well, you've done it again. This wedding story is just in time for my family. I went to my oldest daughter's wedding shower yesterday in Milwaukee. She and her boyfriend have been together off and on for years. She only has one living grandparent, although I can see the other three sitting on their clouds and looking down. I can also see her "Farley" Rocky, a golden retriever running through the botanical garden where she will be married.
I, personally would never plan an outside wedding without a back up. Every time anything important happened in our lives it rained, snowed, sleeted, hailed or got too hot and humid.
I thought my father was going to die when he gave me away. He was shaking and wouldn't let go of my hand. Thank goodness he had close friends there to keep him together after the wedding. We excluded him from the receiving line so he wouldn't have to speak to the guests until he felt better.
I don't see what is so bad about Anthony? He's not the same geeky kid he was in high school. He seems to be a really good parent and I doubt he would give up on her or his daughter.
Thank you for the good and bad times, you have dealt with both in good fashion. Also, thanks for keeping Elly and John together.

Mary G, Wisconsin

I'm so saddened that Grandpa Jim had another heart attack on Elizabeth's wedding day. I would like to think that at least in the comics, you can have that 'wonderful day' every girl dreams of. I also disagree with the decision not to tell Elizabeth. If I walked up the aisle and realized that someone so special wasn't there, I would be upset with my family for not telling me. She's a grown up, she can handle it.

And today's strip, with the 'I hope it's a smooth ride' foreshadowing... I think there could have been so many other things to explore in the rush before the wedding.

I hope the rest of the wedding strips turn out better than it looks like they will.

Amy, SW Ohio

I am way behind, but I have been out of town and try to go through the comics and crosswords in order. Tonight I finally got to July 18th strip. I am just sending my appreciation that on the trip to the grocery store our heroine is toting a reusable bag, "The Green Sack" with the planet eart on it! What attention to details and a great way to point out NOT to use those horid plastic bags! I love the strip! It gives me hope. I love the subtle message that helps save our planet too! God Bless You!

Mary M, Harrisonburg, VA

Well, I'm one of the people not thrilled by the Anthony and Elizabeth union, but regardless I feel terrible that the day should have a cloud over it by Grandpa's heart attack.

My mother's father had a heart attack on the day of her wedding. Her brother walked her down the aisle. That day never gets mentioned without mention of her father (who died shortly after her wedding). She never thinks about her wedding without thinking about her Dad not being there.

Knowing someone who has gone through this experience I know that it mars the entire day. I'm sorry Elizabeth will go through that and that Grandpa will miss it.

Katie, Toronto

I wondered how you were going to tie up all the loose ends and I did expect the wedding to be part of it but Now I realize that the wedding is how all the loose ends will be tied up. A begining and and ending. I have been a fan for about 20+ years and I still run (ok not for the paper any more) for my computer looking for the next installment.

the only thing that saddens me is that grandpa is not going to see what elizabeth wanted him to see. I'm not sure not telling her is the right thing to do. I see this from a different persective.

My 95 year old grand father died about 6 months ago and It meant the world to me that I had a moment to say its ok to let go, everything will be ok. I did not know whether he heard me or not as he had been conscious off and on for more than a week or so. About 20 minutes later out of the corner of my eye, he looked at me and moved his hand in a child like way saying good bye. he died the next morning.

You have done a wonderful job in showing "reality" of a stroke survivor. Thanks

Robin D, Chicopee MA

This strip is the first thing that pops up on my desktop at work when I sign on in the morning: it is almost like checking in with my real family before starting the day! Thanks for characters that I can connect with, and storylines that are believable: I even have a crazy aunt who closely resembles Mira!

I am always amazed at the number of comments from nonwriters who think they can develop the story line of YOUR CHARACTERS better than you can! I am anxiously awaiting whatever poignant, moving, heart-warming or silly "this could have happened to anyone" development comes next in Elizabeth and Anthony's life.

I felt badly for you when the news broke about your "change in lifestyle", but I am happy to see you making some changes and moving on..way to go girl!

Deborah, Pasadena CA

Six months before my wedding I travelled back to England to visit my grandmother who we anticipated would be attending my wedding. She saw my dress in pictures, heard all the details of the wedding and groom (whom she had never met) and gave me her blessing. Throughout the visit she kept insisting she would not be there for the wedding and I kept telling her she was just being silly (she was healthy and active at 80+ years of age). Three weeks after my return, we received a phone call unexpectedly, informing us that she had died suddenly of heart failure. My parents and brother who were scheduled to go to visit her the following week were suddenly attending a funeral. I was devistated - she was my only remaining grandparent and had always believed that she would attend my wedding. We did however memorialize all of our grandparents at the beginning of our ceremony with a special ceremony and candle lighting and for that i am grateful. I would be sorry to see the str!
ip end with grandpa's death, especially on Elizabeth's wedding day, but as you have always written it true to life it is an unfortunate reality. Your strip has been an incredibly inspiring and educational resource for many people and as a health care professional I have often used or encouraged clients to use it as a resource and a source of enlightenment (and entertainment). I wish you all the best and thank-you for the gift of "For Better or For Worse".

Nicola, Regina SK

After reading about Grampa Jim's heart attack, I waited anxiously to hear the replies of other readers, and they didn't disappoint. There are readers who don't want Elizabeth and Anthony to marry, there are those that think the wedding should stop because he's sick, and there are those who are ecstatic that the wedding is going forward.

Congratulations to Lynn on writing such a cliff hanger ending. It's come down to 'will they' or 'won't they', but the story has already been written and only Lynn knows the answer. We just have to wait a couple of more weeks for it to unfold.

Lynn, your writing has been so true to life that you have caught us all up in the lives of the Pattersons. Why else would we all express our opinions so strongly on fictional people? We can all see ourselves reflected in one or more of the Patterson clan and we wish for them all the best in their lives. I only hope that we treat the people in our own lives with as much love that we show your characters.

I look forward to the continuing story for the next two weeks. I look forward to looking back as the stories are rerun.

All the best in your retirement. Thanks for what you have shared with us. It's been a part of our lives and will continue to be as we review your wonderful story.

Lori Y, Edmonton AB

I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED YOUR STRIP. BUT I AM EXTREMELY UPSET ABOUT GRANPA'S HEART ATTACK. COULDN'T THEY HAVE A TOTALLY HAPPY DAY. I KNOW ITS VERY TRUE TO LIFE, BUT THAT WAS NOT NECESSARY. ITS ALMOST AS BAD AS FARLEY AND MR. B. PLEASE DON'T HAVE HIM DIE.

Terry B, Mass

I'm loving the way each day a bit more of the journey to the altar enfolds. To those who think Elilzabeth is going to he stunted in her life when she marries, may I remind them that many women have marriages and careers. I'm sure if Elizabeth wanted to join a bowling league, Anthony would not object. She's very much her own person and she is not going to be tied down to a house and family when what she wants is that stability but also a life of her own, which she has always enjoyed.

Geri, NYC

I can't believe this! How could anyone, in any seriousness, imagine that it's more important that a wedding go forward than that a family be by the bedside of a loved one who may well be dying? Weddings can be rescheduled. Final goodbyes can't. How dare anyone suggest that it's right to keep this kind of information from the people who love Jim, which includes not only Liz but Michael and April as well? If Jim dies and they miss their last chance to see him, I hope they will distance themselves from the people who robbed them of it.

Em, BC

I am so THRILLED to read in the Seattle Times that you are going to continue drawing my favorite family. I have read your strip since inception and could not face a day without the Pattersons.

You have certainly made my day!

Best of luck to you, you deserve all the best in life.

Frannie, Seattle

Ok wow, I don't know how to write this or what to say. I have been and always will be a faithful reader of the FBorFW strip. I watched April grow up as well as grew up myself with Liz & Michael. I always felt a connection between Liz & I. When I read she was finally going to settle down with Anthony I was so happy knowing, since high school, they just belonged together. Then when the wedding was announced, my heart fluttered just like it did 4 years ago when I married my husband. I was so excited for Liz.

I married in 2004 to an amazingly wonderful man, to which my grandfather highly approved of. His comment to me after first meeting him was "Chris, don't mess this one up!! He's a keeper!!" Which I was basically estatic over. My grandfather and his opinions mean the world to me.

Unfortunately, I lost my grandfather in 2000 before wedding thought even arised. It was by far the WORST thing I have ever experienced in my entire life. I fell into a black hole and had trouble getting out of it, but the "Keeper" pulled me through that difficult time.

Grandpa was not able to attend my wedding. for the obvious reasons.. it killed me. He was on my mind all day. He was basically a second dad to us and longed to see his grandaughters married one day (there are only 2 girls, my sister and I)and it finally happened. Not only was he not there to attend it, but he was not there to see pictures or a video of the wedding.

I am sadden to see these turn of events..Jim so wanted to be at the wedding, and Liz wanted the same. A flood of feelings come back to me, I found myself crying as I read the strip over and over again in disbelief.

I hope Jim pulls through and can at least see pictures of the wedding. My grandfather and I were not that fortunate.

I miss my grandpa..And we all swear he was still at the wedding. When they served the main course, at my family table there was a extra plate of food that no one requested and no one knows how it got there.

We like to think it was Grandpa watching his youngest grandaughter enjoy her special day..

Christina B, Tampa FL

Let grandpa live and be truely a miracle and be all healed. It can happen you know. But if not, don't let him pass away on Liz's wedding day.

Wanda M, Wichita KS

Hmmmm...sit with my dad in his final hours or be among many at my young neice's wedding. No contest! Get back there, Phil. And go in peace, Jim. And thank you, Lynn. Contrary to what another bean spiller spilled, these ARE the Better, not Worse times. Jim has had a good life and good care. A date is a date. Why not remember your wedding date at the same time celebrate the life of your wonderful grandfather. My two bits er beans.

Kim, Redondo Beach CA

I have followed this comic strip from the beginning and I have never questioned Lynn's story lines. I have cried and laughed. Her comic strip family is so part of my heart. Yes...life sometimes throws you "curves" and Lynn treats them with respect.Life is so varied and you never know what is around the corner and I think she tells this so well and reminds us of this. Let's hope Grandpa will survive, but that is up to the story teller. May she keep telling the stories. Thank you,Lynn

Karina, Whitby ON

I love the Pattersons! I read it everyday here on your website. It's the first thing I look at - I am always wondering what is happening next! I am so excited about the wedding!! I couldn't wait for them to get back together. It's saddened me when Grandpa had his heartattack on Saturday. I really wanted him to attend the wedding. Thank you so much for the entertainment that you provide everyday!

Debbie C, Charlotte NC

I love the strip, been reading it for as long as it has been around.

Elizabeth makes a beautiful bride. Don't let Grandpa Jim pass without the family seeing him on last time.

We lost my father in law in early Feb 2008. my husband and kids (ages 25 and 22)got to spend time with him before he passed. It truly helped them when he left us. I got to talk to him on the phone, so even hearing his voice helped.

Grandpa should see Elizabeth in her gown since it was her grandmothers gown.

I love this strip and will read it through all of the changes.

Some of the things that happened in the strip I can relate with losing a dog, growing older etc.

THANK YOU!!!!

PS I miss Farley!

Tina, Oxford CT

Wow, Saturday's strip...my only thought is- Liz pushed up the whole wedding so Grandpa could be there. Does anyone truly think that she is just not going to notice he is not there?? I would notice.

Rachel, the Netherlands

Now that Elizabeth is getting married, what new is going on in April's life. I would like to see something new and exciting happen for April besides her band-something surprisingly way different.

Jean M, Stevens Point WI

Grandpa's illness struck a chord with me this week. My mother had a stroke on my wedding day. She was ill during the service but didn't say a word so she wouldn't ruin anything. She didn't show the effects until later, and by then I was married. She even managed to button my dress. This is one of the many reasons she is my hero, and thankfully she is still my best friend. As the old cliche goes, life is what happens when you are making plans.

Robyn, KY

I realize that the wedding strips have all been written and sent to the syndicate, so nothing I say now can change them. I just hope you didn't opt to go with the soap opera cliche of the bedside hospital wedding. It would be so sad to see a once-innovative comic end its modern-day strips on such a predictable note (not to mention unrealistic - having worked in several hospitals I can tell you that weddings can occur in the hospital chapel but never in the CCU or ER!).

E R-P, Ann Arbor, MI

Today I see a woman who may be losing the man she loves worrying about her step family enjoying the start of another couple's life together. Iris is amazing! To answer one of the other posters from yesterday, Deanna may have chosen to be helpful in other ways rather than being a bridesmaid. I have 5 sisters in law and have chosen not to be an attendant at the weddings for two of them. I sang for one and read Scripture for the other. I was still involved, but the bridesmade position was left open for girlfriends

Maria, MI, GR

I have been an avid fan of the strip for years and am saddened to know that the strip is ending.

Poor Elly and Phil ...!! Do they belong at Elizabeth's wedding, or their Father's bedside?

Crises like this one throw things back into perspective, and concerns like the compatibility of ribbon colours with flowers, or whether the wine is to be "poured, or put on the tables" seem so very trivial...

The gallantry of Jim and Iris shines out like a star. Maybe if it's "just" a Heart Attavk things will work out....a third Stroke would be almost certainly fatal for Jim !

By the way, I for one won't be sorry to see FBorFW "Begin All Over Again". Wasn't it the incomparable T.S. Eliot who wrote:

"...the End of all our Exploring

"Will be to come back to the Place we started from,

"And Know it, for the First Time."

Anna M, Winnipeg

Reading the strip the past couple of days brings back sad memories for me. I got married in 1995 and just two hours before I was to walk down the aisle with my father, he suffered a massive heart attack at our family home, where the bridal party was getting ready. My mother accompanied him to the hospital and insisted that we continue with the wedding. The doctors were able to bring him back. Unfortunately, due to lack of oxygen to his brain he suffered brain damage and was in a coma until his death 2 months later.

I got married that day without my parents by my side. It was supposed to be the happiest day in a bride's life, but it was my saddest.

Please don't write Liz having a similar experience. Let Jim recover enough to at least be able to get on a telephone and wish his granddaughter a happy day.

Rosie B, Troy, MI

What is it with those people criticising Liz for moving back to her home town and her home family and marrying her home town man? Surely, one of the sad things about our fragmented society is the lack of extended family support so many young families suffer from? Here we have Lynn giving us that lovely, loving network that John and Elly have brought together, of people who can care for and support each other. Having lived away from my siblings, nieces and nephews and greats and great greats for most of my working life, I am now looking forward to moving back to within easy travelling distance of them. Families are so important and what Lynn has given us in the Pattersons is a couple that cares for their parents, their siblings, their children and grandchildren, their friends - and their pets.
Thanks, Lynn, for reminding us that not all families are war zones or disaster areas. Bless you.

Shirley C, North Sydney Australia

How on earth is phil going to act like nothing happen?

Bridget Q, New Glasgow NS

Anyone who thinks it's unrealistic that so many people made generous contributions to Liz and Anthonys wedding just don't get it. I love this spin; it reminds me of "It's a Wonderful Life". Ordinary people who have been helpful and supportive to their friends and community realize just how much they are appreciated with the outcome of support they receive when they need it. John and Elly helped Gordon build his business into a booming success, when Lawrence outed himself, instead of Mike turning his back on his lifelong friend, he and his whole family accepted him without judgement. The Pattersons live a good life and share their good fortune and happiness with their friends and loved ones. Why WOULDN'T their friends share with them?

Becky H, Attleboro MA

Sorry to see Grandpa Jim in the hospital-- we are losing those WWII vets at far to fast a pace. However...

Lynn is lucky not to have been to a hospital in the past decade or so, or Canadian medical care is stuck somewhere in the middle of the 20th century. They don't use oxygen MASKS anymore-- they use clear plastic tubes with little nose clips that go right into your nostrils.

Nell, Shorewood WI

I simply cannot believe that you would have Grandpa in the hospital on the day of the wedding. He was the reason for the hurried preparations! This is just the worst!!!!!

Anne, South Carolina