For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for April 12, 2021

where does “uncle” come in?

I’d only held a baby once in my 61 years (back in the 1980’s) until yesterday, a newborn girl only 6-7 weeks old. It was okay but I don’t think there’s a lot of interaction when they’re that age. Her older sister, who’s now 16 months (I’m her godfather, which means something over here), is a different story. We were making goofy faces at each other and she was laughing and laughing, climbing a chair over and over so I’d pick her up and hold her above my head. The girls’ mom took a pic of one of them on each of my knees and that smile I was getting from the older one is something else.

I rarely miss having kids (a conscious choice) but yesterday, I did.

“Grandfather” has its merits too

April is missing her toes in the first panel. Looks like she is wearing flesh-colored socks.

Uncle is like ‘Daddy’ except that Uncle can give them back.

… and then they become teenagers… Nothing much to be said there… But even when they get into their 20s, they can still be rather tedious until about age 25.

“Papa” is my current favorite.

For me I prefer the sound of Grandpa.

Papaw here

Bulls eye.

It’s the one that will matter most in the end.

Here! Here! Fully agree!

Grandpa is a very close second.

I have been reading FBOW from the beginning. It really does come across as a dire warning to anyone thinking of having children. It should be mandatory reading for pubescent kids as a deterrent to irresponsible reproduction.

Yep. Can’t beat that title.

Very true.

Definitely the most important one……

“Childfree” is pretty great, too.

Yes, indeed, your value and worth as a human being is measured solely by your ability to produce and take care of children. It’s nice to see that same, old line applied to men too.

Nothing could be more relaxing than playing with babies.

When I was a young man just starting down the road of married life, I remember seeing a father in the store carrying a baby. The child was sound asleep, with his head snuggled onto his Dad’s shoulder, and I remember thinking about the trust that little guy had in his Dad, that he would be safe from harm and it was ok to sleep when Dad’s got you. I really admired that man, and quietly wished them both well. Two years later my wife and son (8 months old) and I were shopping, and when we passed by a mirror I saw my son with his head on my shoulder, and sound asleep. A nuclear war would not have ruined that moment.

Tru dat.

Cute feet.

Right up there with dad!! some are irreplaceable!!