For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for August 31, 2008

So the present is done and future is told. Then the story begins again on Monday? I am excited! To Comicreviewer, Again I say, Why is it that, as a culture, we are more comfortable seeing two men holding guns than holding hands? ~Ernest Gaines I hope to read more stories about the diverse groups Lynn supports in her comic. Way to go Lynn!!

WOW!

Okay, where’s the tissue? That was awesome.

Although I have not read the For Better Or For Worse strip from the beginning; thank you for the time that you made me feel like a part of a family, even though it was part of a family drawn by Lynn Johnston. Lynn when you said that Grandpa Jim lived to be 89 years old and lived long enough to see the birth of his great-grandson James Allen Caine; that brought back memories when my own Grandfather George Edward Monroe, Sr. lived until he was 84 years old and he got to see some of his great-grandchildren.

I’m glad to see the story end like this. We can dream on about the Pattersons, knowing the story ended happy.

Jesse and Ms. Edwards didn’t get to Liz’s wedding? Where’s Tracey? Ah, well, a pretty good ending. It wasn’t the full group portrait I hoped for, but at least we had most of the principals in the splash panel with the title.

Thanks Lynn, for sharing yor family with us. My parents are from Canada and my brother and I have spent a great deal of time with family there. We all have enjoyed your strips for many years (I think I remember back before Micheal was born!)

I am looking forward to taking the journey again!

Lynn, Best of luck to you! I feel as though I know you personally - our families seemed to “grow up” together - as I “saw” them through your comic strips eyes. Young motherhood, those teenage years, seeing them become adults.

End of present “For Better or For Worse”

Thank you for the marvelous, and realistic, journey through life. Thank you for keeping it real and not being judgmental or hiding things that some people might find uncomfortable.

Best of luck to you, Lynn.

Thank you Lynn, for a beautiful family story well told. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to the new story.

Thanks for 29 years. Your family has been a part of my family.

Thankyou for entertaining us throughout the years with your stories everyday. FBOFW was a strip that I never wanted to admit was my favorite but it was almost always the first one I so eagerly read. For some reason I never lost interest in following the lives of a family whom I hardly had anything in common. Good luck & God bless.

What a nice wrap-up to a wonderful comic series! Am looking forward to the “new” story, however “recycled” it may be (as some are already complaining, without having seen it yet). Have always enjoyed the fact that the story is set in Canada; it’s part of the strip’s appeal, in my opinion. Although both my parents were born in Detroit, MI, my mother grew up in Ontario, so I have always had a “soft spot”, so to speak, for Canadiana, if that’s the right word (my spell checker doesn’t seem to think so…).

Again, it’s sad to see that some people have to inject their homophobia and negativism into the comment section here. If you don’t like, don’t read it. If you are afraid of people that are unlike yourself, you miss out on a lot of interesting people. I truly believe that “Variety is the Spice of Life” and that the world would be a much duller place if we were all alike.

I understand that some people, like TheComicReviewer, may be uncomfortable with homosexuals or homosexuality, but I don’t understand why the mere mention of it gets you so disturbed. It’s not going away; even other species have homosexuality, so, if you are a so-called Christian, that should be evidence that it is entirely natural. God doesn’t make mistakes, as they say! Although, I wonder, sometimes, with all the suffering, poverty, war, famine, etc. if He/She is really on the job. But that is MY personal belief, and I don’t try to impose it upon anyone.

I wish others felt the same way about imposing their beliefs on me. There is a difference between free speech and hate speech, and I think some of the commenters here have crossed that line. I am looking forward to the new storyline, and on that positive note, I hope that everyone here can learn to accept each others’ differences, if they can’t learn to appreciate them.

All my best to LJ, and thank you for many years of reading pleasure.

Dr. Gary, North Carolina, USA

Such a lovely ending to a classic comic strip. I hope that in between the the new storyline format we get updates on the Patteron’s.

Lynn: “YOU ROCK THE HOUSE!”

What a fabulous 29 years…. I’ve been reading FBOFW the entire way! Today’s ending was more than I expected. I’m looking forward to Monday’s new/old adventure! Thanks Lynn, and best of luck!

Wow! I didn’t see this coming! I am sad–as this strip has been my favorite for many of my seventy years. Looking forward to Monday’s “rebirth”. Good luck! John Weems

I am happy that Lynn ended this cartoon strip this way. I would always wonder what ever happened to these wonderful characters. I look forward to seeing the new cartoon strip. I am sure it will be very good.

Unbelievably touching.

I too did not see this coming. I read this last strip, took a deep breath and cried. I know these people. I’m glad the strip ended on a happy note, but it’s hard to say goodbye. Your family got me through some hard times in my life and my family’s life. Always real, honest, loving approaches to all of life. Thank you Lynn from the bottom of my heart, for sharing your life with us. God bless.

Last For Better or For Worse: save forever :-)

Dear Lynn,

You have made so many people laugh and cry with your comic strip. Thank you so very much for bringing the Pattersons and all their friends and extended family to my home each and every day.

AP

This story has been a part of my life for so long the family seems to be a part of my family. I will miss the Patterson family cont. story, but look forward to looking back. Thank you Lynne for many years of love, laughter and family. I can only hope that every once in a while you will slip in an update about the family we love. God Bless and good luck.

“ComicReveiwer” would you please get a life!

Thank you. For bringing real life to the comics. Loved this comic and enjoyed the reading as the family changed. Showing how real life occurs. This was the best.

And yes, ComicReviewer, you need to get over yourself. If you didn’t like the storyline, then God gave you the ability to choose not to read it. Go read Blondie, where nothing changes, nobody ages, and life is perfect.

Thank you; I love it! Reminds me of the end of “Jo’s Boys,” but I like this one better.

It was nice of Lynn to give us this epilogue. I wasn’t expecting it. Well, done!

Thanks for this wonderful finale Lynn. This is really great to see them fading into the future instead of just stopping. I’m enjoying the early strips that I missed the first time around. Thanks again.

What a gift you have, Lynn.

What a gift you gave!

Im excited and can’t wait until Monday!!

I have loved this comic for as many years as I can remember. It has been so much a part of me and my own life. It has been a joy to read, except when there have been deaths. I hated it when the dog died and grandmother, but this too happens in real life. Thank you for the joy that your writing has brought me each day. Love to you and your family. Brenda Poole

To Kr. Gary or gtweaver1: Thank you! I wish more people had your way of perceiving life. There is no room in this world for narrow mindedness.

I’m with gtweaver aka Dr. Gary.

But what becomes of Shiimsa?

I must have missed something because I have not seen anything in the comic that has been promoting a homosexual lifestyle. I look forward to seeing more of the FBoFW stories.

Looking forward to returning to the beginning!!!!!!

Thank you for so many years of good wholesome american attitudes. Looking forward to the new series. Mzpat1313

This family and their friends have been part of my life for decades. I will miss the Pattersons, even as we revisit the story from a different perspective. I’m glad she included life in all its facets with such sensitivity– Lawrence and Shannon, Farley’s death, Grandpa Jim’s aging. Well Done!

A very fond farewell indeed. Everyone please ignore people like the TheComicReviewer. They crave attention and will say or do anything to provoke a reaction. Don’t waste your positive energy trying to fill their emptiness.

Thank you!!!!

I look forward to the next 29 years. Lynn draws one of the best on the market today. Our family has taken this strip to heart. On the day that Grandma died, my Father-in-law died, and my wife cried and cried. Keep up the good work and Semper Fi. Don

Very well done Lynn on your achievement.

Perfect way to end a wonderful story! I have been reading this since Lizzard breath was a toddler (anyone remember the red rain boots and umbrella strip?)

P.S comic reviewer, get a life! If the strip offends you read something else, no one is stopping you

TheComicReviewer, get a life (well said cmwulf)!

And TheComicReviewer as if you can do any better….Oh wait you can’t do any better because this is the best.

All things come to an end, good and bad. This has been a bright spot in the lives of many people for a very long time and will be missed greatly. I wish Lynn well in whatever she does next, and thank her for 29 years of joy. ~Angel~

Keep

These are tears in my eyes. oh my! It was like a good book, that I read a little at a time for 29 years.

cptcarrot, I could describe the story for you, but Lynn’s website does a far better job. on fbofw.com go find Lawrence’s story. It was a very good and important story, and who knew it would be so moving? It explains everything, including the intolerance felt by some of her more bigoted fans and a few newspapers.

Thank you for a wonderful, warming , family read each day for more years than I care to remember. I look forward keenly to you new episodes. Keep up the good work Lynn.

Thank you,thank you,thankyou for tieing up all the families lives. For every old road that ends a new one begins. I will be looking forward to finding out what is around the next bend. Good luck on you new endeavor.

Fade to black. The play is done. The book is closed. My heart is heavy with the end of the strip, but life DOES go on. And thankfully, so does Lynn. Thank you, Lynn, for bringing us into the lives of the Pattersons and making them a part of OUR lives. One person forgotten in the follow-up is Shannon…What DID happen to her? I’m sure great things, but I am curious to know for sure.

Well, it’s nice that she ended it with telling of what happened to everyone instead of leaving it open. TheComicReviewer needs to shut his/her mouth and stop being so closed minded about real life issues.

thank you lynn as I watched my son (Michael’s age) get married today, I cried in joy for him and his future….then came home to read your beautiful summation of FBOFW. Thanks for letting my family grow up with yours.

I will cut and keep the strips that remind me of when my children were young, and send them on to their children someday

again, thank you

Lynn, I don’t know if you read this or not, but if you do let me tell you how much this strip has meant to me.

I was born in 78. Which makes me smack dab in the middle of Micheal and Elisabeth. So as they were doing things growing up I was too. In some ways it was almost eerily similar. As I became a man it was even more ironic. I went to college and became a teacher. In my spare time I’m writing a book. My parents had a second child when I was a teenager. Guess who she’s like? While I haven’t married or had children I hope someday soon I will be able to and have the kind of life Mike and Liz lead. If my life turns out half as good as FBOW I know that it will be a well lived life.

Thank you again for everything. In honor of your last strip, I’ve boughten your latest book Home Sweet Home. I thought that would make you as happy as my comments.

Thank you for everything Lynn.

Amazing. we all hope for happy endings with our families, and I could not be a bigger fan of the Petersons. I’ve been reading since day one and Eileen and her family have been like a son to me.

epilogue - August 31, 2008

I’ve read this comic strip from the start…I was nine and found it cute and interesting…I was fascinated as time went by to watch them grow up as I was. It took my breath away to realize I was reading the ending…but I wouldn’t have changed a thing. It was beautiful. Thank you for sharing this with us for the last 29 years.

I wasn’t expecting an epilogue and bugger if it didn’t make me cry. Oops. Sorry, ComicReviewer. Don’t read that ‘b’ word. Didn’t mean to offend. Thanks Lynn. That was a nice touch.

AliKzam wrote in part:

cptcarrot, I could describe the story for you, but Lynn’s website does a far better job. on fbofw.com go find Lawrence’s story.

Specifically, here: http://www.fborfw.com/features/lawrence/

Sorry to see the comic end!!, at the same time, looking forward to seeing what’s next! :)

Sorry to see the comic end!!, at the same time, looking forward to seeing what’s next! :)

Last word, Thank you again Lynn. A real strip real life,real time. There will never be another like it. Godbless and good luck jg

What’s happening here!!! All the good comics are fading away. I was so angry when my local paper discontinued FBOFW, but now it’s the end of the syndication??? Thanks Lynn, for writing an intelligent, realistic, warm and funny strip.

End Summary

Probably like many here, I’ve been reading Lynn Johnston’s FBOFW strip for a good portion of my life (as a kid way up into adulthood). I loved the Patterson family from the start and their stories. I enjoy reading as an escape… and I enjoyed escaping into this family life and keeping up with everyone. I guess you get a little wrapped up in the many wonderful story lines. My favorites that are bookmarked on this site are by far from the FBOFW series.

I am sorry to see it all come to an end, of course, but I wanted you Lynn Johnston to know that your strip was very much appreciated!

I have also been enjoying the FBOFW “re-loaded” too!!! So it’s great to still be on the ride!

Thank you!

RAF

This is a wonderful conclusion and summary to a great comic strip!! :-)

I have enjoyed Lynn’s comic strip throughout the years and I will be disappointed but not surprise at her change of direction. The only change I would encourage Lynn is not to be so subtle with her Christian faith. Numerous opportunies have been missed in the series, just attending church services is not a way of truly expressing your faith. Why was there no mention of God and during the marriage ceremony between Anthony and Elisabeth? Or, is God and our relationship to Christ simply not important to express to others, externally, when it comes to family matters? -Brian

Last new strip

I’m bawling like a baby!! Thank you, Lynn. You’ve been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’m going to seriously miss the Pattersons! God bless!! gin : )

Wow, what a nice way to end the saga of For Better or For Worse. Like most here, I grew up on this story, often realizing how closely it mirrored my own family’s life. It made me laugh, cry, shout, gasp, tsk, nod and beam with pride that so many of life’s issues were portrayed so well. Kudos Lynn! And good luck with your next project.

God in Heaven!! I remember when April was born in the middle of a snow storm!

I love this strip and will continue to read it regardless…

I’m reading this in 2012. STarted with the latest updates and then went back in time to read it all….

I’m from India, A very different culture and people altogether but Pattersons have been a part of my life. I was addicted to reading this and falling for the emotions everyday.

Very well written and poured out. Simply Loved It. I have been deeply involved with Elly, John, April, Micheal, Eliz , the dogs and everyonnneeeee :) :) :)

Looking back on this from 2019, I remember my kids were the same age as Michael and Elizabeth and could only follow in newsprint. I just reread the story from the start, and I missed so much! Thanks to gocomics for the opportunity to do so, well worth the subscription. Although I loved it, I cannot go back again. I wish there was a chance she could update to 10 or 15 years later.

I’ve read these strips so many times – in the comics pages, from the books, then online. I never really get tired of the storyline – maybe because I’m close to Elizabeth and Michael in age and their lives seemed to mirror some of mine.

What I’ve been sad about (other than the end of my favorite comic) is that I couldn’t quit reading the train wreck that was the comments section on this site. While so many of you also love the artwork and ideas of Lynn Johnston, the ignorance and ugliness was astounding. It was a sad reality check that not everyone can exhibit kindness.

Lynn, I have loved your work for decades. Thank you for a wonderful run.

Thank you for your strips.

Definitely my favorite comic. I can’t say I’ve read every day’s edition of every comic for any other strip. Lynn deserves all the accolades and $ she earned from these 29 years. It was often unrealistic. Seems like everyone in the family was a big success, including professionally, and very few really bad things happened to the key characters. The fact I’m typing, yet, another comment…as so many others have done, is a testament to the enjoyment and ability to relate that Lynn has brought. I have all the animated specials and DVDs..and 4 big books. Definitely my favorite strip. 13 years later, I say continue enjoying retirement.

This has been the greatest thing I’ve ever read

Thanks Lynn

Do you think you could do like a 15 years later where everybody is doing

Please

I remember reading how Lynn would wind up the strip (at least the present-day ones) in 2008, so I thought the last story arc would end with April’s graduation.