Coffee Talk
Welcome to Elly's Coffee Talk, where every day we feature some of the comments we get from Lynn's devoted readers, and occasionally we'll share a message from Lynn herself. If you have a comment or a story that relates to FBorFW, please share it by clicking on "Spill Your Beans Here"!


« A Letter from Lynn about FBorFW | Main | Wednesday, September 3, 2008 »


Tuesday September 2, 2008

After crying my way through Sunday's strip, I am now looking forward to seeing Ms Johnston's new "old" stories and reading the various background history that she is going to be putting with them.

I've always wondered how she and Connie became such good friends, whatever happened to the Cho family after they moved away and I'd like to know a bit more about why Gordon's father was such a hardened, bitter drunk (who abused his son with his fists).

My life, also, paralleled Ms Johnston's comic family, and I have been enjoying her work ever since I first read "David, We're Pregnant!" so many years ago...

My memories, love and much gratitude to Ms Johnston for nearly 30 years of wonderful laughs, tears and the ability to read, and be a part of, her life on a daily basis. Thank you so much.

May we continue to enjoy your new "old" stories for many years to come...

Wolfy, somewhere near Pittsburgh, PA


The Los Angeles Times started running FBorFW just a few months before April was born. From that aspect, I am sad that I will not see April grow up and be the wonderful veterinary she is meant to be. On the other hand, I know I missed out on several years of Patterson family fun and drama prior to April's birth. I am looking forward to seeing this wonderful tale for the first time. Guaranteed it will be fresh and inspiring as if it was a story starting for the first time today. Thank you for giving the world a family that every one can aspire to be a part of.

Barbara S, Anaheim Hills, CA


I've been following the lives of the Pattersons for over 28 years, the age of my daughter Lisa. When I went back to work full-time when she was 6, I posted on my cubicle wall a Sunday strip where Lizzie is looking at a sunbeam and marveling over all the beauty in it..."And I thought it was just dust!" she said. Daughter Lisa grew up with daughter Lizzie, through 12 years of school and then college. When Lisa went away to college, one strip showed Elly carting a huge bag of laundry from Lizzy and muttering about it. When Lisa met the love of her life, Lizzy did too. Now, Lisa is getting married to him this November---only a few months after Lizzie. I feel like I know you, Lynn Johnston, and I want you to know how much your insights and wonderful human commentaries have meant to me! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Robin B, Marlton, NJ, USA


Just wanted to sa a BIG Thank-You for so many years of wonderful entertainment. As a busy mom of 2 girls and a boy also, Elly's adventures with her family were the first thing I looked at every morning. Now that my children are grown and grandchildren have arrived, I continued to age right along with Elly.

My husband is also an avid reader and fan.

Looking forward to what comes next. THANKS!!

Maureen, Visalia, California


Lynn - IloveyouIloveyouIloveyou!! I have followed the Patterson family for almost since the beginning. I have most of your books as well.
I have the daily calendar on the windowsill over the sink in the kitchen. Looking at your strip every day makes me smile (then I get to see it in the newspaper).
One series I saved was when Elly and John went to Mexico. The last frame when they land in home airport looking worse than when they left, brought back a lot of memories of the same thing.
Your drawings of the people, the wonderful way you do facial expressions, the attention to detail in the background is unprecedented in comics. AND, you're the only one who knows how to spell the "raspberry"!
FBORFW is the only comic strip I read.
I am so glad you're going to be with us for a long time. I don't know what I'd do without the Patterson-fix to start my day!
Many, many thanks for your imagination and talent.

Sheila C, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA


Thank you, thank you, thank you! Has it really been 29 years that we've all shared together! And to think that this closure and new direction came just a few days after our 29th wedding anniversary. You've graced our lives with incredible insight. I always save your strip to read last. Glad it will still be there. We're grateful and fortunate!

Sheri, Springfield MO


I have been injoying your strip for many many years. It all started before I could even read, I use to sit on my grandfather's knee and he read the strip to me. I have now grown and have my own children, who I now read the strip to. And although they sometimes don't understand all the jokes or content, they enjoy the few minutes spent "reading with mommy". I have enjoyed many parralells in the life of your comic caracters and my own life. I took have given up a career in Pharmacy to pursue sewing, and I nearly fell over laughing when I read that "tidbit". My husband had to read it twice, since it was so uncannyly similar to our lives...sometimes we thought you must have a window into our lives! Anyhow, I which to thank you so much for years of joy & delights, and I look forward to reading the old again as new, and remembering special times with my grandpa (who has now passed on). Cheers to you & your crew!

Shelley R, Halifax NS


I feel a little better now... Just had my Sgt. Major give me CPR. Here I am sitting in a tent in the middle of Afghanistan and my wife e-mails that your strip is ending. Have you any idea of how much your characters reminded me of my own family. I have twin daughters and 3 boys. But watching your two girls grow and develop was the same as watching my two. The laughter, tears, doubts, it all was there. I came to accept those two as my own. And the dog. Well, in our house there's 3 English Mastiff's. So, you must have been around large dogs, and that doesn't count the stray animals the kids were always bringing home. Including several abandoned fawns, which grew up thinking they were dogs. This included living room rights. They and their offspring still live close. I could go on. But, thank you for showing that our house was very much normal. And a special thank you for those little parenting tips that my wife and I needed every now and them.

Col. Dan D


Earlier this year I thought to myself, "I really enjoy this comic strip" and have been for many years. I would usually glance at the front page of the newspaper, then go straight to the comics to read the current saga with the Patterson Family. It dealt with everyday family matters, even going into subjects that are not comfortable to deal with, but they were relevant and realistic. Plus the cartoons were easy to read and I enjoy the drawings. When I heard Mrs. Johnston was semi-retiring and remaking her strips, there was a little disappointment. But after a second, it was "Good for her!" She has had a long run with her strip and deserves to do what she would like with her time. We are still lucky to have the cartoon in the paper. I read volumes of "Peanuts" books when I was very young, and still enjoy reading them everyday in the paper. This is the same situation, and I will look forward to reading For Better Or For Worst everyday. Thank you Mrs. Johnston for sharing your talent with the world. I wish you the best in your new endeavor!

Ray G, Ponca City, Oklahoma


I have been reading FBOW since it began and I just want to say the ending brought tears to my eyes. Lynn, you made the Pattersons so real I really got caught up in their family life. Thank you for a wonderful experience. I look forward to reading "the beginning" again.

Jan, Massachusetts


What an accomplishment! A truly classy ending to an enduring story. Thank you.

Bonny B, Seattle WA


Wow! Now why other comics can't wrap up a story in the fashion you did Sunday I'll never know.

Yes, it has been a pleasure reading FBorFW all those years and journeying through the stories--especially the birth of April, when John just got through telling the policeman that everything was under control at the house and then they slip-slide up and John catches sight of the Pizza delivery van in their driveway!!! (That one was my personal best.)

At any rate, I look forward to seeing how this "Starting Over" goes.

Good Luck, and God Bless

William P, Bedford IN


Dear Ms Johnston,
When I read your comment at the end of yesterday's strip, I was so SAD! I have loved FBorFW for almost 30 yrs. I first read your book on pregnancy (sorry I forgot the name, I gave it away long ago) and fell in love with your wit & style. When I discovered my newspaper carried your comic strip I was elated and followed along since then. That was in FL. Now I live in NM and have to get the strip online. It is still my favorite and am so happy that you are continuing on by "starting again". Oh, and I am so happy that Elizabeth & Anthony finally got married! My goodness, I new they were supposed to be together. lol
Thanks again!

Judy, New Mexico


Thank you for a wonderful family strip. It was with sadness that it is coming to an end, which all good things do come to an end. I really enjoyed the final Sunday strip giving a final end to the story, which gave the thought of how the characters ended. Lynn, you are truly a great artist and story teller. I will continue reading and enjoying a a repeat of history of the family. As a transplanted Canadian of more than 50 years ago, it was enlightening to see that this is a Canadian strip. Good luck to you.

Gary C, Brea CA


To Lynn Johnston:

My husband and I have eagerly followed your comic strip for years. We enjoyed your portrayal of the life cycle, done with humor, wisdom, understanding, and realism. Your conclusion connected the loose ends and left us to reflect on our life. We noted one omission in the final summary: Anthony's daughter Francie was not included.

We wish you well and look forward to the revisted tales.

Sincerely,

Inez & Jacques



I've thoroughly enjoyed this family's life for many years. In many ways it echos my own family. I'm a U.Methodist P.K.(Fa. born in England)& R.N. with 3 children, 7 grandchildren & 4 great grandchildren; Husband in Law Enforcement & Golf (now deceased). I look forward to more chuckles!

Betty W, Palm Desert CA


Hello,
When I came to France from Canada 30 years ago, my mother would save the comics and would wrap our Christmas presents in them. Flattening out the comics to get caught up was a real treat! Since I learned about the website, I have enjoyed having my daily "strip fix". I have shared many of the strips with friends and colleagues. A heartful thanks to Lynn for all of the laughter, gentleness and wisdom.

Catherine C, Paris France


I also have been reading your strip for many years and I got teary yesterday when I read the last one about the Pattersons. One of my daughters is April's age and I so enjoy comparing the two girls! And, Jim was the one who made me teary yesterday because my in-laws are in the same situation. Also, my own father was in his last week of life when my brother got married, and the family chose not to tell my brother how fast he had gone downhill until after the wedding.
But, the one situation that I will never forget is Farley when he saved April. I still get emotional thinking about it. We have always had dogs and I now am a breeder of labradoodles. One of the pups in our last litter is a service dog and his name is Farley...he is a very special dog just like your Farley.
So, thank you so much for the many years of a fabulous strip! I will miss it so much...having Elizabeth finally marry Anthony was the best ending!

Judy A, Oregon


We were so afraid on Sunday that would be your last comic strip. But, then we read your letter. Best of luck to you, Lynn. Yours is the first one we read each day. Thanks so much for all the wonderful years!

Eileen and Al, Charlottesville, Va.


Thank you for ending FBorFW the way you did...with the endcap of where each member of the Patterson Clan found themselves.

I also thank you for going back to the beginning, starting with today, September 1st, 2008. I'm not sure what prompted me to look your website up today, but I did, and read about the whole family, and what they've done for the last 8 years. It amazed me that "Lizard Breath" had grown up, that Michael and Deanna were doing so well, and were parents, and that April is doing so well also. I was working on a cruise ship back in 2000, and one of the things that got me through a very rough divorce (believe it or not), was my Mom sending me weekly clippings of FBorFW..for 7 months the Patterson's got me through some very rough times.

Thank you for all of it, and for continuing on with their story..from the Beginning...it's really cool to see, and be able to continue to grow, live, and share with the Pattersons.

Rusty, Dacula, GA, USA

I just want to say thanks for all the wonderful years you have given us with the Pattersons. I save it for last everyday when I read the strips. i was stunned to see that Saturday's strip was the last but am pleased to learn that it's still going; just in a little different direction. Thank you for the wonderful conclusion, your attention to some of the harder issues and your humorous, wise view on life. Looking forward to many more years!

Elizabeth H, Boston


I just wanted to say thank you for sharing the Pattersons with us for so long. Many of the moments in the Patterson home made those of us who enjoyed your strip relect on our own lives. Unlike many other strips, you allowed your characters to exprience failure, the death of a pet, the deterioration of beloved family members, and many of the other trials and tribulations that your readers actually endure. Somehow you managed to make your characters real enough for us to relate to them and I for one was always glad they weren't perfect. Thank you for continuing your story through the marriage of Elizabeth and Anthony. It seemed like such a suitable closing. Thank you again for sharing your talent and enriching the lives of your readers. Best of luck to you.

Judy


Dear Ms. Johnston;
I would like to thank you so very much for the joy, laughter and tears that you have given to me over these so many years.
You know that you are a grown up when your favorite "families" are now gone. I have sent thank you's to Mr. Bill Watterson, Mr.Phil Frank, Mr. Judd Winnick and now to you. I have been hooked on the Patterson family since I was (ahem) 14 - now I am 43. Seeing everyone go through the trials and tirbulations of life, while I (and my faimly-amoung tons of others) was carthartic..to say the least. Seeing Grandpa Jim strugle so, and with Iris by his side....You have got it!!!Seeing my Dad pass on, and reading about Grandpa Jim..Lets just say THANK YOU!!! OH and THANK YOU for the post script in Sundays paper. I'm glad the Pattersons are doing ok...I hope Iris finds someone else...Ms. Johnston If you are ever in SF let me know..I would LOVE to take you out to either dinner or lunch - as i owe an increadible THANK YOU!!!

Laurie P, San Francisco


Ever since Ellie screamed "I'm Pregnant!" With April , I haven't missed a day unless I'm on "holiday'. The family has become "my family". I love the way Lynn has treated uncomfortable topics, ie homosexuality,race, death& dying, cheating, family crisis etc. I read the column Sunday and cried! Thinking "my family" was deserting me!! you were back this mornig. THANKS!

Pat P, Huntingotn Beach, CAlifornia


Hello, I guess I'm of the younger For Better or For Worse generation, but I just wanted to express my appreciation and congratulations on a very well-written and well-executed work of art.
I hope to be an illustrator someday, and many times the strip has inspired me to kee p drawing (and to try to un-mystify how you portray beauty so effectively in so few lines.)
I also admire your skill, patience, and courage to keep drawing despite less-than-tactful comments.
Thank you for wrapping the story up so nicely, and I hope you have a very satisfying retirement!

Rachel B, WA


As a 72 year old who has gone through the joys and tribulations of parent and grandparenthood I just want to thank Lynn for the delightful comic strip materials over the years and express my relief that Elizabeth finally married to "conclude" the family's journey. Thanks too for the August 31 summary and projection of the Patterson lives "happily everafter". I look forward Lynn's new endeavor!

Stan O, Seattle WA


I've been crying the past 2 days as the Patterson saga came to an end. I'm delighted at getting a chance to meet the Pattersons at the beginning, since I've only been reading the last 25 years. Elly and I are probably the same age -- I wish I could start over! Lynn -- You go Girl!!

Marie R, NJ


FBoW has been my favorite strip for years. I grew to think of the Pattersons almost as if they were members of my own family, with all their foibles and strengths. Watching them grow and deal with both the mundane and extraordinary aspects of everyday life was a rich experience. I grew with the Pattersons and recognized myself in many situations addressed by the strip. Thank you, Lynn, for such a wonderful job. I'm looking forward to seeing the old strips--and your new additions and changes.

Marna M, CA


I am so glad that this website was listed after the comic strip ran for the last time in the Star Ledger days earlier. I have been reading this coming strip ever since I was 8 years old and now (as a teenager) felt like I grew up with April. I also loved the comic strip because it seemed real, the humor, the events, nothing was forced. Thank Lynn Johnston for everything you've done!

Kelsey Z


I've been reading FBoFW for years. I cried as I read lhe last Sunday strip. My life to a certain extent, is very much like the Pattersons. Some differences, such as I separated from my husband, where Elly and John are still together, are there, too.
Back in 1990, Elly found out she was pregnant. I laughed so hard. One month later, I found out I was pregnant with my 4th. I was 34. April 1, 1991, April was born. May 3, 1991, my son, Patrick, was born. I was 35. I felt like Elly and I were almost sisters at that point. It's always fun to be pregnant with someone. LOL.

Sally R, Manassas, VA (by way of NJ)



I have been reading your strip since it began. I have laughed and cried at times. Many many times I have seen a situation that happened in our household. I was so pleased that you didn't just drop the story line. I enjoyed the way you wrapped everything up. It seems as tho we know the pattersons personally. Thanks for all the years of enjoyment. We'll continue reading.

Pati from Salem Or


THANK YOU, THANK YOU Lynn.
I have been a devoted reader since your comic strip first appeared. My kids grew up with the Patterson`s kids. I admired and loved Elly through the years and hoped I was as good a Mom as she was. Your words and drawings were a comfort and inspiration to me over the years. YOU MADE A DIFFERENCE!!! Be Happy, you deserve it!!

Cecelia B, Nepean ON


I was in my 20s when I started reading your comic strip. It wasn't long before I fell in love with the beautiful story and the marvelous characters.

I would often cut the comic from my paper to give to someone who may have been suffering a similar situation as one of your characters. And I often plastered a particularly poignant comic on my own fridge; right along side my children's artwork.

Recently I found my eyes welling up with tears when I read about Elizabeth's wedding. I hadn't looked at the comics in several weeks so it took me by surprise. It was as if she were my own daughter heading down that aisle.

Your real life story has been so much a part of my life for so many years. You have profoundly touched me through your sincere life story and genuine characters.

Jennifer A, Grand Rapids Michigan


Dear Lynn
A sincere thank you for all the wonderful years of FBORFW. It was the first thing I did every morning and those "30 seconds" made my day.
In your letter posted on the web site you had stated the characters and storyline got too detailed and readers were quick to point out mistakes. I sincerly hope this was not the reason you have decided to stop the current story line.
I can never achieve perfection and do not expect it in others. By looking at the big picture I saw a wonderful insight to the lives of the Pattersons' and realize how close to home you came with the storyline. I grew grey, with Elly, and watched my children face some of the same issues as seen with the Patterson Children. My relatives suffered from Strokes and could not speak, much like Jim and it was a wonderful to have insight on Jim's thoughts on what was happening to him, verbalized thru the comic strip. Many thanks for the wonderful years, and I am saddened to think the story line has changed.
Good luck in your new endeavour and I will be anxiously waiting for my best "30 seconds" of the day starting Sept 1.

Mary G, New Brunswick



Lynn, upon seeing "this concludes my story" at the bottom of the strip the other day, I freaked out ! I thought it was over. I grieved. For years, your strip was the only one I read. I used to read everything in the funny papers, but at some point during a stressful period in my life (mother and father illnesses and deaths) I stopped. Either things just weren't funny to me anymore, or I didn't have the time to read them all. But yours struck a chord with me -- a true note -- and I couldn't give it up. It was life. I fell in love with the family and their very real situations. To know that I would never see them again really upset me ! I had to know why, so I found this website and was SO glad to learn that they will be back. I hadn't seen the paper today, but I wouldn't have looked for you if I hadn't looked here first. I'm glad you're back. Thank you !

Patty S, Castroville TX


Thank you Lynn for the years of pleasure you gave me in your strip. I enjoyed it all--the funny things, the tragic things, the every-day life things I could relate to. You did your job well in this very favorite strip of mine!

Marilyn S, Seattle WA


I admit to being a bit skeptical about the Monday's return to the past. Like many of your readers, I grew up with the Pattersons and I had this awful feeling that it may not be so easy to go back again. But I must admit that it was very nice to see lil' Michael again. It made me think of when my own (now 20 year old) son was that age. I wish you much luck, Lynn. I'll be reading along.

Kim C, Santa Cruz CA


This is the first time I've shed tears over the ending of a comic strip.

I don't know when I first started reading FBOFW, but I do know when I first became aware of this wonderful family. It was 1990 and I had just found out I was pregnant with our first child. Not long after, Elly found out she was pregnant with her third. We went through our pregnancies together, and our children have grown up together, my son being born just three weeks before April. What fun it's been to watch them all grow up. Lynn Johnston has created such rich characters in just four boxed drawings a day. She has a true gift, and I will miss being part of the continuation of the daily lives of the Patterson family.

Jennifer S, South Grove CA


Thank you for all those years of hard work and fun!
I still find It hard to accept that there is going to be no more grownup Elisabeth or teenage april for a long time. I will miss them, but hopefully I will enjoy these new ones even more than the old ones. Happy drawing!

Denia K, St. Lucia


Lynn -- Thank you for decades of laughs and tears. Those characters were more than 2 dimensional!

Call me selfish, but I'm hoping that you really hate everything about retirement, that you find that you get bored with your old drawing style -- and that you really don't have anything new to say about the old characters that you can't say about the 2008 characters. I hope after 6 months or a year, you have the WILD idea of continuing with Liz & Anthony's honeymoon and filling in the blanks for the story line that you so beautifully and succinctly ended this Sunday. ;-)

Brava for a job well done.

Martha M, Wakefield RI


Dear Lynn:

I have enjoyed your cartoon strip for many many years. When the daily newspaper arrives, I cannot wait until I turn to the page where your cartoon strip appears. It brightens up my life because it is so true to life - maybe too true. One of my favourites which I have sent to my children and friends is the one where John and you have just come home from the office and he says "I don't know why you are so upset just because I called you stupid and a "klotz" (and in a cloud above his head he utters "just because it's true). I have worked with my husband for many years in our graphic design studio/printing business and I have been the recipient of those exact words on more than one occasion. At times I feel like I want to throw a piece of equipment at his head. Thank you for bringing us the wonderful and sometimes not so wonderful events in all of our lives and speaking for many of us who think of things to say but never do. You have spoken for most of us on more than on!
e occasion. I will truly miss seeing Elizabeth and Anthony expand their family and April getting married. But I guess it is always better to end on a high note which you certainly did. Thank you once again for the great stories and the realization that we all could relate to the incidents.

Looking forward to the new stories beginning.

Lynn, you are indeed the greatest.

Marilyn A, Toronto ON


I was so distraught to think you were ending the strip. Now I'm excited to see that you are returning to your root storyline. My family grew up with you and yours and I felt like someone was looking over my shoulder taking notes and writing my family story too. I watched our kids go to school and then college together, begin dating, get married and even start their careers and families at the same time. Many times I cut the comic strips, pasted them on cardboard, and mailed them to my son in college to show him his 'parallel brother/sister.'
Thank heavens you have not closed the door! Now with grandchildren, I want to watch you, read you and follow you into the next chapter of my life. You have touched my life for years and I have finally taken the time to THANK YOU for your guidance, wisdom, semnse of humor, touch of reality, and laughter in my life and my family. I wish you well and am excited that you have the opportunity to 'Do Over' and enjoy the next 'time of your life'. There will be millions of us sharing that same joy!

Gini, USA


Dear Lynn,
My last exchange with you was in l984/85, when I was in Lesotho, Southern Africa with my family. My folks sent me the strips, and it was a good link to Canadian family life.

Your story has followed my parenting and family "milestones" such that I feel like we have been chatting over coffee for thirty years.

Bravo! A modified re-run for the next generation sounds perfect.

Barbara, Ottawa ON


Thank you so much for being a very important part of my life every day for a long time. You have brought me laughter and tears. You have made me think and ocasionally soul search. I look forward to the new strip. Yhanks again and God bless you!

Lamar S, Montgomery AL


For 25 years I have been avid reader of the 'For Better or Worse'Âť comic strip. A Jr. High writing assignment started what became either a daily tradition or secret pleasure for me reading about the life of the Patterson family was indeed well enjoyed 'thirty seconds' of my daily life. Unless you decided to do something different than your current plan all that changed on September 1st, it was the last 'For Better or Worse' strip I will ever read.

The Pattersons aren't a real family in the traditional sense but after 25 years I am afraid to say that I found them more interesting, down to earth, and REAL than some of my REAL neighbors. Several of my real neighbors had to agree with me that the Pattersons did indeed make great neighbors as my friends and I regularly talked more about the Patterson family that appeared in daily newspaper than what we did about other people who lived down the street from us.

On Thursday August 28th when John stated -That sounds like a nice way to end the story- I knew there was something a foot. My fears were confirmed on Saturday August 30th, you were ending the current story line of the strip. When I learned that you were “starting over” in my honest opinion your decision to end the story as we know it and start over is hypocritical at best and downright mean.

I could of almost accepted a conclusion of the Pattersons story and a start of the'Smiths' story but going back and starting over with the Pattersons is unforgivable. . It is sort of like an author deciding to rewrite a number one seller because 29 years later. Now even the most casual readers will be nit-picking your stories because we already know the Patterson's they already are our Friends and that isn't them. These reworks are simply some imposters attempting to assume their lives.

I am further disappointed by you lame excuse of wanting to simplify the story. There are so many better ways you could have handled this, such as move the central family from John and Elly to either Michael and Deanna or Anthony and Lizard Breath.

While I would like to wish you all the best, I cannot and I as harsh as this sound I hope that amateurish attempt to rework the history of the Patterson Family is unsuccessful.

A faithful reader for the past 25 years, but no more.

Jeff, Minnesota


I just want to thank you for a very considerate strip. I especially appreciated the words of Grandpa Jim being spelled out as he said something else. My mother had a stroke and had so much trouble getting her words out. I was brought to tears many times by Jim's "thoughts." You brought the strip to a close in a very classy way.

Charlene D, Gloucester Point, VA


I have been reading "the comics" everyday since around 1950. I love Peanuts, Calvin & Hobbes, The Far Side, Pearls Before Swine, the funny and outrageous stuff. I also love the stories. Terry & The Pirates, Steve Canyon, Dick Tracy, Prince Valiant. The classic stuff. I don't know when I started reading yours but once I did, I was hooked. I was so afraid that Jim would pass on before the wedding but you did a brilliant job with that. I look foward to starting all over again with you. You are a CLASSIC too!

Rob, Cutler Bay, Florida


I have been planning to write for such a long time. I sarted to read FBoW when it first appeared in The Age Newspaper in Melbourne Australia. It seemed that over the years Elly and I faced lots of issues at the time that I did.It might have been childcare,returning to paid work or the death of a parent.Even when we moved to sweden in 1982 a kindly American neighbour past on newspapers so I could continue to enjoy the lives of the Pattersons.In my proffessional life as a family therapist you can immagine how wonderful the strips have been in illustrating various parenting dilemmas. I have many yellowing comics that I have kept over the years as have some of my co wotkers especially the Youth Worker who found much to enjoy and share. I wonder who remembers 'tough marshmallows'.Well Elly has done it again, in 4 weeks our daughter is to marry and so all the wedding strips have been a joy,I have found myself saying Elizabeth is doing this, or thinking this.Mty daughter!
Jane knows who I am referring to. I had a tear in my eye when I read the conclusion. It is great to know that whereever we live in this world we all share so much in common. Many thanks for all the years of nods ,and smiles, and some sad times

Regards, Adele


I have been an elementary principal for many years and I keep one of your old strips posted on my door for all to see. It takes place when Elizabeth is little. She just got home from school and is trying to tell her mom about her day. Ellie, watching TV, impatiently puts her off, saying she is trying to hear the news. The last frame shows a sad Elizabeth saying, "I thought that's what I was telling you". (or something to that effect) I love that strip and many parents have seen it and read it in my office. Thank you for so many years of insight into family life.

Mary H, Michigan



I haved loved this comic strip for many years. I love how Elly seems so real and touches real issues for real life. It almost seemed like some of the issues she faced were the same issues I was facing and I didn't feel alone in facing them. Thank you for not only entertaining us but also for making me feel that I am not alone. Your insight will be missed. Enjoy your new adventures.

Cindy, Casper WY


I have been reading this comic strip for oh so many years. My dearest friend and I spoke to each other every day about this strip laughing and crying together especially when Farley died. My husband and his wife thought we were nuts. I have since lost my dearest friend to cancer but I will never forget our special times talking about this strip that was so real and so true to life, everybodies life. I have since become a Grammie and I cannot tell you how many deeply moving strips about the joys of being a Grandparent are on my refrigerator. I was devastated and cried for some time when I read that the strip was ending. You however tied everything up with a beautiful ribbon. I cried when you mentioned the infant son to be born to Elizabeth and Grandpa's imminent death. Thank you for so many wonderful years and I look forward to sharing these new strips with my new Grandson.

Paulette O, Plainview New York


I have been reading FBorFW since 1985. I found the collection books in the Stars and Stripes stores in Germany where my husband was stationed. April was born the same year as our second daughter and it has been a delight to see April and Kim (my daughter) grow up together. I have loved the stories. I will miss seeing April finish things along with my Kim, but I do appreciate the wrap-up of all the lives in the Aug. 31 Sunday strip. Thanks for so many years of great stories.

Estela, Ft. Rucker, AL


I just want to say Thank you! Thank you for the laughs, tears and just fun reading. I have read your comic strip since I was 7 years old, and now I am 30. I grew up with the Patterson family and see so many similarities to my own. Thank you!

Good Luck and I look forward to reading about the past.

Kelly R, Glen Head, NY


Dear Lynn, Have so enjoyed the strip. I always wanted to be able to draw a cartoon series. I could never get the same one twice, even when I did a crow for our school yearbook. I was amaized at how I could ID all your people. The last series dealing with grampa and his feelings even if unspoken was great.continued success. Going to The K.I.S.S. method,to me wont change the content, you deserve a break. Here's to another 29.

Evert D, Holland, MI


Lynn,
I too, cried at the end of the current comic strip. I have been reading the story of the Patterson's for years and marveled at how their lives have paralleled ours. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for starting my day out right every morning for the last 20+ years. You are truly a gifted story teller.

Theresa, Columbus, OH


What a flash of genious, to be able to go back and "do" it again. This is an "if only" dream come true.

Robin P, Elizabethtown, NC


Congratulations on finishing the story of the Patterson family. I've read your strip for eons and for the past few years, I've made it my daily first check on the Internet. My DH's family has always posted certain FBOFW strips on their fridge that seemed to parallel our own lives. I'll be looking forward to your look back as well.

Thanks!

Heather, Landenberg, PA


Dear Lynn,
As a boy, I loved comic strips and comic books and I loved to do cartooning myself - now as an adult (a husband, father and pastor) I have picked up the hobby again of both looking into the comic strips as well as starting to create my own. As I did, I found myself falling in love with your comic strip! Thank you so very, very much for your artistry as well as content of your story. As a father who is looking for good work, such as your own that is just plain good wholesome fun - thank you, thank you, thank you! Keep writing! Keep going! Take care!

Matthew H, Kansas


We have laughed and cried with you for so long. I am glad you decided to continue on. I have lost parents and pets, raised children, gotten divorce, and more. Each step of the way your strip mirrored the emotions, trials and tribulations. Thanks for everything and being the voice of my generation.

Kay, Atlanta, GA


I was so sad when I read the Saturday (8/30)strip. I asked myself what happen to all these people? Thanks for Sunday's strip that answers my question.

Thank you and best of health in the future.

Todd S, Chicago, Illinois


Lynn,
What an appropriate ending for the story. I know that in your new endevors you will do well and we certainily will stay loyal, "For better or for worse." My best to you and the staff.
Love, Linda

Linda S, Hagerstown, MD


A thousand thanks for your humane, educational, and life-affirming strip. It always meant a lot to me.

Brian S, Wisconsin


I've been a fan since the beginning and found myself crying while reading the strip on the back porch Sunday. What a blessing to open the paper this week and keep reading the strip! Thank you, thank you! Like all your fans, I need your perspective everyday, not just the day I found out I was pregnant at 40 with two other children age 13 and 10, not just the day the dog died, not just the day I stood next to my daughter at the mirror and saw all those bags under my eyes. Like Elly, I have not cut my hair yet, and certainly cannot cut the ties to your wonderful strip!
One more thing, I've always wanted to bring up - you really must have been looking in my window when my toddler daughter decorated the bathroom with toilet paper. She is 30 now, but I still have the feeling that you got that particular idea from our house. All the other similarities, I can chalk up to coincidence.
You have enriched our lives. Congratulations and blessings to you!

Cathy M, Clifton Springs, NY


Dear Lynn,
At first I was shocked to find out that Liz's wedding was the last of the episodes of the strip. Then, I was thrilled to know you will be going "back to the beginning" and will continue to bring us the true-to-life adventures of the Pattersons that I have enjoyed from Day One.
When the strip was evolving over the years I was sure you had a camera hidden in my house because as our children came along and grew up so did Michael, Elizabeth and Meredith. FBorFW is the absoulutely best strip and is the only one that I would seriously miss if it ever were discontinued. Thanks for so many years of happiness and, at times, tears!

Rich P, West Virginia


Bravo Lynn the way you ended your comic strip is one of the best series you did. Congratulations and I hope this gives you more personal time to do as you as you please.

Susanne, St. Catharines, ON


Reading Sunday's strip really created a mix of emotions in me.
I too am one of the people who have been reading the strip from the beginning.
Michael is only a couple of years younger than me and I have been watching him, Lizard Breath and April grow up.
I will miss the daily doses of the Pre-September Pattersons...but also look forward to revisitng the younger Pattersons.
The one I look forward to seeing most is Farley.
Thanks for 29 years.
I really wasn't looking forward to the "new runs"...but seeing how the story line was wrapped up was a good ending.
I'm glad we weren't just hanging and got to hear how things progressed for everyone.
I vowed that once the story arc ended I wasn't going to tune in every morning as I always have...but for the past two mornings I find it's the first thing I go to when I turn on the computer...and I really can't see that changing.

Ann, Ontario


My dear Lynn Johnston and staff,

I framed the last original Sunday Peanuts comic and it is hanging on my wall. Your Sunday strip will be joining Sparky on that wall of honor. Thank you for many years of joy!!

Pamela, Wyncote, PA


Oh my gosh, I can't believe I am writing to a sunday comic writer!!! I feel like I know all of your characters personally. The wedding was tearjerking!!! I have never cried while reading a comic. Thank you for giving me a functional family to read about.

Pam H, Roanoke TX