For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for April 06, 2022

“Like what kind of questions,” asks Elizabeth. Oh, the mysteries of life, girl. The mysteries of life.

The problem here is that IF Liz gets a hold of the diary, she is not at all likely to honor Mike’s desire for silence on the contents.

After he leaves, Elizabeth gets the diary which reads:

Dear Diary,

I need help understanding the questions, like: Why is my sister reading my diary when I told her not to?

Thanks,

Michael

Keeping a diary is a harmless way to vent—as long as it doesn’t end up in the “wrong” hands. Like Elly’s, for instance!!

Good for him. Lawrence will let the word spread when he’s ready

Elizabeth is female she can not, not read his diary, “She just want’s to help”

This is the beginning of Lynn Johnston trying to convince everyone that Saint Michael is supposed to be some sort of budding intellectual..

Why does his friend Lawrence being gay upset him so much? Lawrence is the same guy you have known for years and liked nothing has really changed, except for your own reaction.

Well, there you go. I suppose that is really what confession is all about. Not that I would know, but still I get the concept. A long conversation with a priest might be helpful right about now. …maybe

Just the slightest hint of maturity developing in Mike? I know he does finally grow up…. .

I probably started 5 or 6 Diaries as a kid growing up. Each one only lasted a few days, maybe weeks before I gave up on them.

And I suspect Lawrence is one of the questions.

Not having kids do mothers really read their children’s diaries???

Wow. Mike getting serious. I don’t think I can stand the strain.

He wrote: “With Lawrence’s news to me, now is the time to start a band. We have set it up where Michael will be a construction worker, Brian an Indian, Gordon a policeman, and Lawrence in a leather outfit. Just need to think of the name of our band…The Townspeople, The City Dwellers?…Hmm”

NOW he’s finding wisdom. Life really isn’t about finding answers. It’s about understanding the questions.

So what would he write about Lawrence? Why is he gay?

“The answers make you smart . . . the questions make you wise.” (Alan Jay Lerner)

Keep waving that catnip under Elizabeth’s nose, Mike. It’s as if you WANT her to read it!

bad idea to keep a diary with snoops around, try a tape recorder

Diary is soundlessly letting off steam.

Michael is growing wise

Michael’s got the idea. . . .

Is this the first indication we get that Michael’s going to be a writer?

If can even understand the questions, you have a head start.