Pearls Before Swine by Stephan Pastis for December 24, 2012
December 23, 2012
December 25, 2012
Transcript:
Andy: 'Dad, listen... When I got you that Christmas hat, it was my way of saying'- No no no. 'Dad, listen, I know we've had problems, but you gotta know something... I love'- Nurse: Are you Andy? Andy: Yes.
I am truly hoping that my instincts are awry…….that Pastis has not had a death of father or father-ih-law. If so, my heart goes out to him and his family. If not, it is a somber, thought provoking series.
Thank you for putting the snark on hold today; I am not being snarky when I say I was really touched by the last panel. I think everyone on the planet has wished they had a chance to say goodbye to someone who left too soon.
Lost mine a little over a year ago. I was in the room when he left. I know he loved me, but for 50 plus years, I also knew he was ashamed of me. I just didn’t turn out like he wanted and he let me know it.
Sympathies to Andy. It hurts but you’re a good person to care so much.
Dang if this strip didn’t bring a tear to my eye. I lost my Dad almost 20 years ago & I was with him when he passed. Excellent & very good strip today Stephan. Thank You.
been hearing about some good things that put faith in humanity. like, people going to the layaway and paying for other people’s layaway. or, donating toys for tots. or, paying the next 500 dollars of groceries at a grocery store in CT.
My brother and I were estranged from our dad, his choice. He died of cancer without ever contacting us. I only found out later from his second wife, because legally she had to provide us a copy of his will. In which he unsurprisingly left us nothing.
Sometimes your strip is so absurd (that’s a GOOD thing) that I am thankful that I still wear blue suits…because I wet myself sometimes…and it doesn’t show
Wow, this is very heavy for a comic strip at this time of season. But there are two sparks. Andy did his best to reconcile and the sensitive nurse there to comfort him in grief. What lessons should we take from this??
This is grim Xmas eve material. If you are trying to be cathartic and touching, I think it is misplaced. If this is some form of autobiographical insight, I feel for you and appreciate your willingness to share – but this brings sadness and pain to many at a time when joy would come so easily. All of us who have lost our parents will think back on bittersweet memories, reviewing how we could have done something more or not done something we regretted too late. We don’t need help to revisit that pain and regret. Those that have not had such a loss will be given the chill of irrevocable loss at a time when their hearts should be warm. If you are processing the death of an estranged parent, take time to process it away from this venue. Share your pain with those that love you, mend, and bring your humor back to here.
As a child whose mother has always been cold, mean and emotionally distant, this was sweet. It really struck a chord with me. I make sure to hug my daughter every single day and tell her how much she means to me.
Sometimes things never need to be said .But I gotta say Stephen can often do this to ya , make you laugh then cry in the same strip. Brilliant . thank you .
I have only a short time left, and when I go I hope that my kids and grandkids can find happier thoughts, especially at this supposedly joyful time. That’s what I look for here -an escape and a humor haven. These recent strips are a bummer and, as someone mentioned earlier, misplaced. Perhaps they are cathartic for Stephan Pastis. If so, my condolences. But I look forward to a return to nuttiness and smiles.
I unfortunately learned this the hard way….a friend of mine and I would argue all the time over the littlest things. Pretty soon I grew cold to her apologies. She moved away, we lost touch, and then she passed away in a car accident. I’d never forgiven her, and it crushed me. Never again will I hold a grudge. It’s too painful.
Lots of complaints about this storyliune since it started, but there sure are a lot of folks still here and having a cathartic moment as well. Nice contrast moment for those who find this time of year bleak.
I hope that nice nurse takes him home and keeps him and he never has to wear a chain again, and he gets to sleep on the couch and sit on her lap and have toys and treats and they live happily ever after. That would be the best Christmas strip ever. C’mon, Pastis – let Andy have a forever home that he deserves.
I wish everyone here a very Merry, Peaceful Christmas, with fond memories to be shared with the ones you love…and never forget to tell the ones you love that you do.
chireef almost 12 years ago
always say you love some one before it’s to late, this is kind of sad … but a good story arc
terpsjas almost 12 years ago
:-(
Sherlock Watson almost 12 years ago
Sometimes there are no words.
Kamino Neko almost 12 years ago
;_;
rained123 almost 12 years ago
Andy ..you are the real hero…it is very easy to give up…good going….
Rocky Premium Member almost 12 years ago
Yeah. It doesn’t look good.
Coyoty Premium Member almost 12 years ago
Fortunately he managed to break the chain that kept him from his family.
Ottodesu almost 12 years ago
I got to say goodbye to my Father. I am deeply grateful for that.
porkerroy almost 12 years ago
Cold
Hillbillyman almost 12 years ago
This is so verry poignant. Thank you Mr. Pastis, this one wwill be remembered for a very long time.
vlechtja almost 12 years ago
Oh no!
orinoco womble almost 12 years ago
The pain of mourning can be a positive thing. What’s worse is when your father dies and all you feel is a sense of release.
kathleenashbaugh almost 12 years ago
I wasn’t expecting that. And we are all feeling so sorry for him. The power of the comics! Thank you, Stephan!
zero almost 12 years ago
Chet Atkins wrote a song about something like this - well, the hat part. Don’t be afraid to wear it Andy. Or anybody else.
lunatics_fringe Premium Member almost 12 years ago
Nice Christmas Eve strip, Stephan.:D
maryswigm almost 12 years ago
I am truly hoping that my instincts are awry…….that Pastis has not had a death of father or father-ih-law. If so, my heart goes out to him and his family. If not, it is a somber, thought provoking series.
knight1192a almost 12 years ago
What you’re supposed to think is Andy’s father has died. But why do I think he’s still alive and has told the Nurse to get rid of Andy for him.
pipesadsit Premium Member almost 12 years ago
Even though Andy didn’t get the “L” word out, he kept on trying to show him. After all, he broke through chains to get there. :-)
greenmage128 almost 12 years ago
This is why I read Pearls Before Swine. Padtis never fails to surprise or amaze me, whether it be comedy or heartfelt moments like this.
Carl Rennhack Premium Member almost 12 years ago
@greenmage128—I fully agree with your comment!
jmartin1955 almost 12 years ago
See I’m not sure if he is dead or just gave the hat back.
JoeStrike almost 12 years ago
Thank you for putting the snark on hold today; I am not being snarky when I say I was really touched by the last panel. I think everyone on the planet has wished they had a chance to say goodbye to someone who left too soon.
DaleStart almost 12 years ago
No matter what may follow tomorrow, in tomorrow’s comic or in life, this is a critical lesson. Well portrayed.
Darsan54 Premium Member almost 12 years ago
To all those unsure – yes, Andy’s father is dead.
Lost mine a little over a year ago. I was in the room when he left. I know he loved me, but for 50 plus years, I also knew he was ashamed of me. I just didn’t turn out like he wanted and he let me know it.
Sympathies to Andy. It hurts but you’re a good person to care so much.
Darsan54 Premium Member almost 12 years ago
PS: Stephen P. Thanks for the great series. You have helped.
radconPU83 almost 12 years ago
Anyone know if this is tragically autobiographical?
Mostly Water Premium Member almost 12 years ago
Our deepest feelings live in words unspoken.
finale almost 12 years ago
Just “the look” was all we needed between us. Same with me and all of my kids.
jcomics52 almost 12 years ago
This one is DARK. Though almost every character thats introduced is killed off.
Dapperdan61 Premium Member almost 12 years ago
Dang if this strip didn’t bring a tear to my eye. I lost my Dad almost 20 years ago & I was with him when he passed. Excellent & very good strip today Stephan. Thank You.
vwdualnomand almost 12 years ago
been hearing about some good things that put faith in humanity. like, people going to the layaway and paying for other people’s layaway. or, donating toys for tots. or, paying the next 500 dollars of groceries at a grocery store in CT.
f_lohmann almost 12 years ago
Wow, umm…Merry Christmas
LilyWrites almost 12 years ago
Okay, you made me cry.
dragon2knight almost 12 years ago
Great story arc, I’ll remember this one for a very long time! Thanks for the reminder!
Number Three almost 12 years ago
Awwwwwwwwww!
xxx
skyblue717 almost 12 years ago
I appreciate the story arc. But, I thought it was a little sad for Christmas. PBS is still my favorite comic strip!
Stream of conscience almost 12 years ago
Everyone should have a Christmas hat.
SAINT12345 almost 12 years ago
NRA
LuvThemPluggers almost 12 years ago
That kind of nurse is priceless….
patricew52 Premium Member almost 12 years ago
and on Christmas Eve………
nursenen Premium Member almost 12 years ago
I can’t remember the last time a comic strip made me cry.
Kev_a_Swing_Dancer Premium Member almost 12 years ago
Well, I’m crying.
donblassvivar almost 12 years ago
what a bummer and andy is so nice. what a shorrible christmas present
pumaman almost 12 years ago
My brother and I were estranged from our dad, his choice. He died of cancer without ever contacting us. I only found out later from his second wife, because legally she had to provide us a copy of his will. In which he unsurprisingly left us nothing.
Dave Thompson Premium Member almost 12 years ago
Wow. Didn’t see that coming. Well done, Staphan.
formerbarristeraswell almost 12 years ago
Sometimes your strip is so absurd (that’s a GOOD thing) that I am thankful that I still wear blue suits…because I wet myself sometimes…and it doesn’t show
rnmontgomery almost 12 years ago
Wow, this is very heavy for a comic strip at this time of season. But there are two sparks. Andy did his best to reconcile and the sensitive nurse there to comfort him in grief. What lessons should we take from this??
Sisyphos almost 12 years ago
Nooooo! Andy!(Maybe, just maybe, Andy’s dad hasn’t died, as some are suggesting. But I think he has.)
pearlsarefuzzy almost 12 years ago
A great one, Steph.
155088 almost 12 years ago
You’re in a rut, Stephen. How about more crocs???
monahans almost 12 years ago
This is grim Xmas eve material. If you are trying to be cathartic and touching, I think it is misplaced. If this is some form of autobiographical insight, I feel for you and appreciate your willingness to share – but this brings sadness and pain to many at a time when joy would come so easily. All of us who have lost our parents will think back on bittersweet memories, reviewing how we could have done something more or not done something we regretted too late. We don’t need help to revisit that pain and regret. Those that have not had such a loss will be given the chill of irrevocable loss at a time when their hearts should be warm. If you are processing the death of an estranged parent, take time to process it away from this venue. Share your pain with those that love you, mend, and bring your humor back to here.
steinhicemathews almost 12 years ago
I am about to go have a good cry…
My brother died two years ago the 23rd. I tried to call him the night before, to remind him I loved him, but he had already started going comatose.
With all the sappy treacle out there about Christmas, this strip said it all: love one another.
bmw22202 almost 12 years ago
So sad.
GypsyWoman almost 12 years ago
As a child whose mother has always been cold, mean and emotionally distant, this was sweet. It really struck a chord with me. I make sure to hug my daughter every single day and tell her how much she means to me.
OldTooly Premium Member almost 12 years ago
OK Mr. P you got me again. Sitting here on Christmas Eve crying. I still bought your book though and LOVE IT! Who is Gwen really?
toxic bob almost 12 years ago
“If there’s anything that’s due ‘em, now’s the time to slip it to ’em, for they cannot smell the flowers from the grave.” – Tito Cavalli
phaze58 almost 12 years ago
Sometimes things never need to be said .But I gotta say Stephen can often do this to ya , make you laugh then cry in the same strip. Brilliant . thank you .
SwimsWithSharks almost 12 years ago
Also props to nurses and doctors working today and tomorrow.
(She looks like a doctor. Do nurses wear stethoscopes?)
tazz555 almost 12 years ago
What a damper on the strip on christmas eve
GerardoDreadful almost 12 years ago
Viejo idiota
codedaddy almost 12 years ago
I have only a short time left, and when I go I hope that my kids and grandkids can find happier thoughts, especially at this supposedly joyful time. That’s what I look for here -an escape and a humor haven. These recent strips are a bummer and, as someone mentioned earlier, misplaced. Perhaps they are cathartic for Stephan Pastis. If so, my condolences. But I look forward to a return to nuttiness and smiles.
Starbossa_1341 almost 12 years ago
I unfortunately learned this the hard way….a friend of mine and I would argue all the time over the littlest things. Pretty soon I grew cold to her apologies. She moved away, we lost touch, and then she passed away in a car accident. I’d never forgiven her, and it crushed me. Never again will I hold a grudge. It’s too painful.
Hoodude almost 12 years ago
@pumaman..oh he left you a lot,and you can keep it or let it go…your choice
freeholder1 almost 12 years ago
She told him he was asleep and you know what sleep means to a dog….
freeholder1 almost 12 years ago
this would be Dad’s fault. never forget that. Just forgive it.
rinsenlather almost 12 years ago
Oh, hello tears… Where did you come from? ;_;
Timeflyer2011 Premium Member almost 12 years ago
Oh, poor Andy.
freeholder1 almost 12 years ago
Lots of complaints about this storyliune since it started, but there sure are a lot of folks still here and having a cathartic moment as well. Nice contrast moment for those who find this time of year bleak.
P-B almost 12 years ago
February 7, dum dum.
sierraseven almost 12 years ago
I hope that nice nurse takes him home and keeps him and he never has to wear a chain again, and he gets to sleep on the couch and sit on her lap and have toys and treats and they live happily ever after. That would be the best Christmas strip ever. C’mon, Pastis – let Andy have a forever home that he deserves.
BillWa almost 12 years ago
Damn
AStarofDestiny almost 12 years ago
I wish everyone here a very Merry, Peaceful Christmas, with fond memories to be shared with the ones you love…and never forget to tell the ones you love that you do.
mikenassour Premium Member almost 12 years ago
This is no longer a comic strip. It’s a reflection of life.
Iwasfromrussia almost 12 years ago
Yeah, he’s dead, man, I’m so sorry
listmom almost 12 years ago
No fair — PBS is not supposed to make me cry!
iamemskware almost 12 years ago
Geez! Full of Christmas cheer — NOT!
battison Premium Member almost 12 years ago
.
KatP Premium Member almost 12 years ago
D.E.P.R.E.S.S.I.N.G.
AnonymousUser over 11 years ago
I miss my mom…. I never got to say goodbye thanks to those…
theokratie over 11 years ago
…
glowing-steak32 about 9 years ago
…no…
Clearstream about 8 years ago
cries PBS IS NOT SUPPOSED TO BEEEE SAAAD!
One Navy Seal almost 5 years ago
Rest In Peace, large doggo.
Jef The Cyclist over 3 years ago
He will have a nice place in heaven. I’m sure of it.
Josequeen over 3 years ago
Ohmygods, I’m running out of tears to cry