There are a few signs that this is a story John is making up just to make Michael feel better:
1. The Boston Strangler? Why would a farm boy in Winnipeg (Iike John was) be aware of how the Boston Strangler looked, or that he existed?
2. John is a farm boy and grew up driving trucks and tractors around the farm. There is no way he failed a driving examination.
3. John’s thought bubble in the final panel tell us that “admitting you are not perfect makes you a better dad” but it could also mean that pretending that are not perfect because you made the exact same mistake your son did (including the bragging) to make your son feel better, also makes you a better dad.
Dear friends of the Patterson family, we have had some sadness and some gladness this year. First, the sadness. My mother burned a pot holder and had to get sent away to one of the old folks places, but I guess life goes on. Now the gladness, April is walking all by herself, Elizabeth passed Miss Edwards’ science class, and as for Michael…well, we love Michael.
Rich man: “Well young man, I must say with your recent achievement of Eagle Scout you have really impressed me. You must meet my daughter, oh there she is. Alison, may I introduce you to Michael Patterson, gentleman, scholar, and soon to be a fine Marine officer!”
Templo S.U.D. over 3 years ago
well, at least the worries of driving are gone, but what about Michael’s broken heart over Martha?
hagarthehorrible over 3 years ago
Like daddy like son, I guess. Down here in india, you will pass when you grease the hands.
howtheduck over 3 years ago
There are a few signs that this is a story John is making up just to make Michael feel better:
1. The Boston Strangler? Why would a farm boy in Winnipeg (Iike John was) be aware of how the Boston Strangler looked, or that he existed?
2. John is a farm boy and grew up driving trucks and tractors around the farm. There is no way he failed a driving examination.
3. John’s thought bubble in the final panel tell us that “admitting you are not perfect makes you a better dad” but it could also mean that pretending that are not perfect because you made the exact same mistake your son did (including the bragging) to make your son feel better, also makes you a better dad.
whenlifewassimpler over 3 years ago
Ahhh what a wonderful thing for thing to say to his dad!
Johnnyrico over 3 years ago
Take yer lumps, Mikey..
DavidHewlett over 3 years ago
This is the most ‘John’ has ever acted like ’Mike’s’ Dad ! ! !!
well-i-never over 3 years ago
Tony Curtis was a driving instructor!?
kab2rb over 3 years ago
I think dad know Michael did not pass, great of dad.
summerdog over 3 years ago
Looks like the Martha thing took a “back seat” : )
buckyteeth over 3 years ago
I wonder if John and Michael had the same examiner?!?
The guy looked old enough.
timbob2313 Premium Member over 3 years ago
If children are never allowed to experience failure as they grow up, then adulthood will be a really massive shock
dv1093 over 3 years ago
Yup – I failed my first test too. Too much confidence and not enough thinking.
1JennyJenkins over 3 years ago
It’s another one for the record, in the tear department.
Lynn is so skillful in wringing out the emotions when it comes to these family milestone moments.
And it is true in my case: this one put a tear in my eye.
:…. – (
Ukko wilko over 3 years ago
Gotta love this one.
djtenltd over 3 years ago
Very good advice and parenting, Jon. Here in America, that seems to be a forgotten element.
rebelstrike0 over 3 years ago
Elly’s Christmas letter:
Dear friends of the Patterson family, we have had some sadness and some gladness this year. First, the sadness. My mother burned a pot holder and had to get sent away to one of the old folks places, but I guess life goes on. Now the gladness, April is walking all by herself, Elizabeth passed Miss Edwards’ science class, and as for Michael…well, we love Michael.
The_Great_Black President over 3 years ago
A strip we’ll never see…
Rich man: “Well young man, I must say with your recent achievement of Eagle Scout you have really impressed me. You must meet my daughter, oh there she is. Alison, may I introduce you to Michael Patterson, gentleman, scholar, and soon to be a fine Marine officer!”
wjones over 3 years ago
Michael will have no problem, very few young boys end up with their first girl or love,
lindz.coop Premium Member over 3 years ago
Those teachable moments…