Stone Soup by Jan Eliot for July 28, 2014

I’m sure Arnold would rather like being called “Arnold” rather than “Dad”… ;)

I don’t even call my stepmother “Mom”; I’ve only had her since I was 23. I think her grandchildren (the older ones who are old enough to talk) also call my father by name.

My Daughter’s stepdaughter calls her “mama K” and me “nana J”. She is now 25, but never lived with them.

dissent in the ranks!

It’s because they have never met Arnold. I think they would like him once they get to know him personally.

My stepsons (& their wives) call me “Gae” (my name). Grandchildren call me “Gramma Gae” – nicely alliterative.

My ‘stepdad’ married my mom when I was three. He may not have contributed any DNA but he worked his ass off to feed me, clothe me, house me and educate me. Damned right I called him Dad. He earned that title of love and respect.

I believe that Valarie does know Arnold. There was a piece quite a while ago where she indicated they went to school together. I also think the family did meet him.

What on earth are they so teed off about?

Funny how Val looks so much like Holly in the last panel!!

You’re seriously over thinking this, Val.

@magic walnut: April-December relationship, Mom moving to Africa, eloping, not being the flower girl. Take your pick.

Agreed Val.

Aaaand the “How DARE you get happily married to a guy we’ve known for years without our permission/approval rather than spend your remaining years with us as a free babysitter?” hissy fit begins!

I cannot remember the family ever meeting Arnold, so I think that is the big problem they are having. All I recall is Phil looking at a photo of Arnold and recalling that they may have gone to school together, although Arnold was several years older than Phil (and Phil is a few years older than Val, not to mention that Arnold is a bit younger than Evie, so the age sequence makes sense). Anyone have the reference for the family meeting Arnold? – I’d like to see it. And yes, Evie is an adult and it is her business, but she really should have told her family first (like an adult child should tell his/her parents – common courtesy if nothing else) – especially if they hadn’t met the new spouse!

Oh boy.

@Blackwolff9 , Exactly lol yep you’re right. I say tough shes earned being happy. Evie doesn’t need permission from anybody.

While in Thailand, Evie sent Val the picture in the January 1, 2010 strip. In the January 6 strip, Phil recognized Arnold from his high school days, explained more in the next strip.

My younger brother became a stepfather to two girls about 10 and 12, and they have always called him by his first name instead of Dad.

Well, I see nothing wrong with having a somewhat younger boyfriend (and I might have gone to 15 years – per mabrandt – if it took that to find a good one) but not young enough to embarrass my kids.

but I have found one I consider perfect for me (assuming he sticks around) who is about 6.5 years younger (I’ll be 77 in September) and my 4 children will be happy as long as I am.

Feel lucky. He lives on another continent. Unfortunately, my stepdad only lives an hour away from me.

Why should Val and Joan call their mother’s new hubby “dad”? He is neither their father nor did he adopt them.