I think the most shocking part of this comic strip is that John actually gives Elizabeth a truthful and correct answer to a serious question. Most times he answers his kids’ questions with terrible puns. Example:
Michael: Daddy. What’s “ambivalence”?
John: That’s what you’ll call when you’re faced with an emergency.
Elizabeth: Daddy. What’s “poise”?
John: It’s what a New Yorker calls a handbag.
However when this comic strip was published in 1988, Lynn Johnston was one year away from losing her mother to cancer, so John’s honest answer may have been one of her ways of coping with her upcoming loss.
Back in 2010, my husband ended up in the hospital with an infection that went septic. It was 2 days before our older daughter’s 8th birthday. He needed 2 surgeries. They lost him twice on the table, and he was given a 35% chance of surviving the ordeal at all. The girls & I went to see him every single day; the girls, young as they were, never complained but went to see him willingly. The older one even opened her birthday presents in his ICU room (the nurses were wonderful and brought the girls popsicles). Thankfully, he came home after 3 weeks. Every year since then the girls don’t ask for much for their birthdays, just glad that he’s there to celebrate with them.
Wasn’t there the strip where Thelma Baird died, and Elizabeth’s parents had to tell her that no one lives forever? Death is a natural part of our lives.
After my mom died, I was a lot closer to my dad. He was never one for open displays of affection, but I started saying “I love you” to him just before hanging up the phone every time we talked. It took him about a year, but he started returning the sentiment. In fact his last words to me before he passed were “I love you too.”
This strip made me think of the classic film “Highlander”. The hero could not die (unless beheaded). However, that meant it was hard to have a family, as he was going to bury his wives and children.
The member of the Pattersons that is most begging for a heart attack or stroke is Elly. With all that screeching to John and the kids and screaming over trivial issues, Elly’s blood pressure is through the roof.
On average every living thing, that has a heart, gets a billion beats before it quits. Lost my father in 1996 and mother in 2010. Was able to be with my mother for four years. 2 to take care of me from nearly dying, and 2 to take care of her for cancer treatment. She was “cleared” of it but then 3 weeks later they discover her liver riddled with a very aggressive cancer. She didn’t want to go through the intense chemotherapy aka toxic therapy and died about 3 weeks later. Despite the problems I was happy to have gotten closer to her then.
Boy, did this one ever hit close to home. An assessment nurse gave my mom 1-2 weeks to live in November 2012, but Mom fought back and stayed with us until April when she passed at 90 and you’d better believe that we both said “I love you” at the end of every conversation.
None of us are born with warranties, folks. Don’t miss the chance to tell people you love what they mean to you. I didn’t do that with either my sister or father before I lost them. I regret few things more.
Certainly more sympathy than the one my mother-in-law told about the place she worked during WWII: When the surrender was announced, there was cheering, except for a few “ladies” that were angry – hoped hubby would not come home so they could collect the insurance!
Templo S.U.D. over 6 years ago
don’t we all when it comes to our loved ones
Lee Cox over 6 years ago
And the older you both get, Elizabeth, the harder you’ll wish for it!
howtheduck over 6 years ago
I think the most shocking part of this comic strip is that John actually gives Elizabeth a truthful and correct answer to a serious question. Most times he answers his kids’ questions with terrible puns. Example:
Michael: Daddy. What’s “ambivalence”?
John: That’s what you’ll call when you’re faced with an emergency.
Elizabeth: Daddy. What’s “poise”?
John: It’s what a New Yorker calls a handbag.
However when this comic strip was published in 1988, Lynn Johnston was one year away from losing her mother to cancer, so John’s honest answer may have been one of her ways of coping with her upcoming loss.
Wren Fahel over 6 years ago
Back in 2010, my husband ended up in the hospital with an infection that went septic. It was 2 days before our older daughter’s 8th birthday. He needed 2 surgeries. They lost him twice on the table, and he was given a 35% chance of surviving the ordeal at all. The girls & I went to see him every single day; the girls, young as they were, never complained but went to see him willingly. The older one even opened her birthday presents in his ICU room (the nurses were wonderful and brought the girls popsicles). Thankfully, he came home after 3 weeks. Every year since then the girls don’t ask for much for their birthdays, just glad that he’s there to celebrate with them.
ladykat over 6 years ago
I certainly understand Elizabeth’s feelings.
USN1977 over 6 years ago
Wasn’t there the strip where Thelma Baird died, and Elizabeth’s parents had to tell her that no one lives forever? Death is a natural part of our lives.
Pipe Tobacco Premium Member over 6 years ago
Today’s comic brought tears to my eyes. I so understand and share the sentiments.
Travel-Monkey over 6 years ago
Reasonable physical fitness is something we should do for our children and spouse.
JanLC over 6 years ago
After my mom died, I was a lot closer to my dad. He was never one for open displays of affection, but I started saying “I love you” to him just before hanging up the phone every time we talked. It took him about a year, but he started returning the sentiment. In fact his last words to me before he passed were “I love you too.”
USN1977 over 6 years ago
This strip made me think of the classic film “Highlander”. The hero could not die (unless beheaded). However, that meant it was hard to have a family, as he was going to bury his wives and children.
Petemejia77 over 6 years ago
Well it’s not kid! Get over it!
rebelstrike0 over 6 years ago
The member of the Pattersons that is most begging for a heart attack or stroke is Elly. With all that screeching to John and the kids and screaming over trivial issues, Elly’s blood pressure is through the roof.
Night-Gaunt49[Bozo is Boffo] over 6 years ago
On average every living thing, that has a heart, gets a billion beats before it quits. Lost my father in 1996 and mother in 2010. Was able to be with my mother for four years. 2 to take care of me from nearly dying, and 2 to take care of her for cancer treatment. She was “cleared” of it but then 3 weeks later they discover her liver riddled with a very aggressive cancer. She didn’t want to go through the intense chemotherapy aka toxic therapy and died about 3 weeks later. Despite the problems I was happy to have gotten closer to her then.
Guilty Bystander over 6 years ago
Boy, did this one ever hit close to home. An assessment nurse gave my mom 1-2 weeks to live in November 2012, but Mom fought back and stayed with us until April when she passed at 90 and you’d better believe that we both said “I love you” at the end of every conversation.
None of us are born with warranties, folks. Don’t miss the chance to tell people you love what they mean to you. I didn’t do that with either my sister or father before I lost them. I regret few things more.
tuslog1964 over 6 years ago
Certainly more sympathy than the one my mother-in-law told about the place she worked during WWII: When the surrender was announced, there was cheering, except for a few “ladies” that were angry – hoped hubby would not come home so they could collect the insurance!
Alphaomega over 6 years ago
I’m not a fan of hugging amongst my adult peers, but nothing’s better for your soul than a spontaneous hug from a child.