This is so strange coming from Brian Enjo who, prior to this point, was the kid who had no problem with moral choices. After all, Brian is the guy from the summer camp a few years ago, who squealed on Michael for getting caught trying to look into the girls’ shower to his mother, who then told Elly, who then did nothing. Summer camp Brian would not have hesitated to tell his mother about what happened to Gordon.
This Brian seems to be just the opposite. His conversation is very dark. That this Brian’s only aspiration is to survive his family and be healthy is a clue that something must have gone wrong in the Enjo house. I was worried for Gordon, but now I am worried for Brian.
Although this strip is a replay from its past, it still ranks as one of the best strips I look at on a daily basis, for this very reason. Thank you Lynn Johnston.
if you are his friend you need to be there for Gordon, let him know that you care about him, that he can count on you when times get to be too much for him, that you are there for him no matter what.
Abuse is wrong no matter what the situation is, and especially when a minor is involved. Too bad different times tried to justify being ok with abuse as trying to “keep the peace”.
takes someone else’s bad situation to show you how good yours is, even when the parents get upset you are better off than the physical attacks so many kids go through.
I don’t like the “you have to accept it” attitude that Brian displays here. We should never accept that abuse is okay as long as the abused person doesn’t complain.
I do love the last panel, though. It makes my arms ache to hold my mother again. (14 years and counting.)
He reminds me of the people who say “we’ve all been traumatised in childhood.” To which I would reply, “Wanna compare notes?!” Have you ever seen the eyes of a child who was ritually abused by her parents. They’re hollow, blank, full of pain and asking “WHY?
It is evident “Lyin’ Brian” is covering for Gordon. What did Gordon’s father do to bribe Brian? Give him a stray cat so the Enjos could have some Asian food for dinner?
Surviving and being healthy is so sad, but is sometimes the truth. I just wish the real reason for the shiner was stepping on a rake, getting popped on the face, and being too embarrassed to own up to it.
capricorn9th over 3 years ago
I wonder what howtheduck has to say about the last panel.
Templo S.U.D. over 3 years ago
how wise of you, Brian, to make a tear jerk from Michael’s face
cracker65 over 3 years ago
I believe Mike is seeing life from a completely different perspective.
howtheduck over 3 years ago
This is so strange coming from Brian Enjo who, prior to this point, was the kid who had no problem with moral choices. After all, Brian is the guy from the summer camp a few years ago, who squealed on Michael for getting caught trying to look into the girls’ shower to his mother, who then told Elly, who then did nothing. Summer camp Brian would not have hesitated to tell his mother about what happened to Gordon.
This Brian seems to be just the opposite. His conversation is very dark. That this Brian’s only aspiration is to survive his family and be healthy is a clue that something must have gone wrong in the Enjo house. I was worried for Gordon, but now I am worried for Brian.
Black76Manta over 3 years ago
For being a good and wonderful mother, mike is finally understanding how lucky he is to have you for a mother!
M2MM over 3 years ago
Kids that grow up in a functional family usually don’t realize how good they have it. :) (Not until they meet someone from the “other side.”)
Katsuro Premium Member over 3 years ago
Like Billy Joel sings, “We all have a face that we hide away forever, and we take them out and show ourselves when everyone has gone…”
GirlGeek Premium Member over 3 years ago
I’m not a huge Elly fan but the last panel was sweet.
Johnnyrico over 3 years ago
“Hafta. Hafta. Hafta hafta ‘an hafta ‘an ‘an hafta. Hafta ‘an ‘an hafta ‘an? Hafta ‘an, ‘an ‘an hafta ‘an hafta hafta hafta.”
bkybl Premium Member over 3 years ago
If you look carefully, you’ll see the word is “an’”, a frequent way to shorten “and”; sometimes it’s just “‘n’”.
jamessveta over 3 years ago
You never know how good you have it until you see how bad off others are.
basspro over 3 years ago
Although this strip is a replay from its past, it still ranks as one of the best strips I look at on a daily basis, for this very reason. Thank you Lynn Johnston.
john over 3 years ago
Mike can experience gratitude; who would have thought?
Yardley701 over 3 years ago
Made me cry. I am so glad Michael appreciates the good, kind parents he has.
Jeffin Premium Member over 3 years ago
Don’t know what you got til it’s gone.
Cincoflex over 3 years ago
Now the question is—-will Ellie ask, or just accept the hug at face value?
j.l.farmer over 3 years ago
if you are his friend you need to be there for Gordon, let him know that you care about him, that he can count on you when times get to be too much for him, that you are there for him no matter what.
'IndyMan' over 3 years ago
At least, ‘Mike’ has parents he he not afraid to hug ! ! ! ! !
fullofhope99 over 3 years ago
Abuse is wrong no matter what the situation is, and especially when a minor is involved. Too bad different times tried to justify being ok with abuse as trying to “keep the peace”.
raybarb44 over 3 years ago
Moms do deserve and should get those appreciation hugs all the time……
Bruce1253 over 3 years ago
“. . . Because hell, hell is for children
And you know that their little lives can become such a mess
Hell, hell is for children
And you shouldn’t have to pay for your love
With your bones and your flesh. . ."
- “Hell Is For Children”, Pat Benatar
BrendaMinnis over 3 years ago
takes someone else’s bad situation to show you how good yours is, even when the parents get upset you are better off than the physical attacks so many kids go through.
CoreyTaylor1 over 3 years ago
Elly does NOT deserve that hug. Gordon’s father beat the crap out of him because SHE gave him an excuse to do it!
The_Great_Black President over 3 years ago
Gordon’s father is a dropout. The more education people have, the less violent they are. Stay in school, everyone.
Ginny Premium Member over 3 years ago
FINALLY, the kid is appreciating his mom and what he’s got …
Scoutmaster77 over 3 years ago
Be thankful for what you have.
Jan C over 3 years ago
I don’t like the “you have to accept it” attitude that Brian displays here. We should never accept that abuse is okay as long as the abused person doesn’t complain.
I do love the last panel, though. It makes my arms ache to hold my mother again. (14 years and counting.)
kathleenhicks62 over 3 years ago
Counting his blessings I would say.
Peanut Butter 5674 over 3 years ago
This made me smile. Brian’s a good friend.
soaringblocks over 3 years ago
yeah!
tammyspeakslife Premium Member over 3 years ago
He reminds me of the people who say “we’ve all been traumatised in childhood.” To which I would reply, “Wanna compare notes?!” Have you ever seen the eyes of a child who was ritually abused by her parents. They’re hollow, blank, full of pain and asking “WHY?
JD'Huntsville'AL over 3 years ago
TGISATSLIO
(Thank God It’s Saturday And This Story Line Is Over)
oakie817 over 3 years ago
aw
Aladar30 Premium Member over 3 years ago
Beautiful.
rebelstrike0 over 3 years ago
It is evident “Lyin’ Brian” is covering for Gordon. What did Gordon’s father do to bribe Brian? Give him a stray cat so the Enjos could have some Asian food for dinner?
Ray Helvy Premium Member over 3 years ago
Surviving and being healthy is so sad, but is sometimes the truth. I just wish the real reason for the shiner was stepping on a rake, getting popped on the face, and being too embarrassed to own up to it.
hagarthehorrible over 3 years ago
That is for keeping the family in the ‘good’ category.