For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for March 30, 2021

can hardly wait to know how the guys’ week went without the gals

The grandmother who walks with a cane is reaching down to pick up the baby in panel 1. We don’t see her carrying the baby in the next panel, so I have to assume someone stepped in to prevent that disaster.

Elly hired Mrs. Lloyd who comes Monday and Thursday, who is supposed to make sure that they have good meals and do some cleaning. Will Elly’s 6 casseroles be judged as good meals or cooking that should be avoided at all costs?

Why “lawns” with a plural?

Why is Elizabeth setting up a joke in the final panel that is only answered in Elly’s thought balloon? Unless Elizabeth can read her thoughts, I don’t think she is going to get the punchline.

Grandpa Jim picked them up at the airport and drove them to the house, so why are they taking a taxi? Has Elly been there so long making casseroles that Grandpa Jim lost the ability to drive?

What a strange question, Elizabeth. Comes out of nowhere, it does.

Why the guilt? You asked your mom and dad if they wanted to move near you but they refused. It’s their choice. You gave it your best shot.

….***siiiiiigh***….

Poor El. I know what she’s thinking and it’s never easy.

which one is that in? :D

Elly’s comment in the final panel speaks volumes. The problem is that at that stage, she doesn’t yet realize it.

Lynn’s Comments:

My parents lived on the other side of the country from my brother and me. When their health began to deteriorate, we both tried to see them as often as possible but it was hard to make time for a 5-hour flight. We felt helpless and guilty for not being there for them, but we did have some wonderful caregivers for whom we will be forever grateful.

I know her parents are old, but they have done a pretty good job so far.

I know that feeling of guilt. I have hubby who uses a walker due to stress work of 36 years on back, he does not walk straight, yet he can bend down to pick up what falls. He tried a cane did not work out.

It seems the only one with a problem here is Ellie.

What would you do El, have them declared mentally unfit and commit them to an institution? Or maybe destroy your marriage by moving back home and guilting them? No you’ve done the best you could, but they still value their independence. So give yourself a break.

Yes, burning the pot holder was bad and could have led to a house fire. However, it only seems Elly’s mother needs attention. To the best of our knowledge, her father still seems mentally awake. Seems that Elly is worried the world is not how it should be.

As my own grandmother said: “Do not make a federal case out of this.”

Worrying is Elly’s heroin.

It is a part of her.

She makes every excuse why she must do it.

It will kill her one day.

The daughter could be holding or watching the baby in [anel 2.

Since when does Elly feel guilt? She’s been bullying John, Mike, and Lizzie for years and never felt a twinge, even when has her foot halfway down her throat!

Poor Ellie, I had a similar feeling when I had my adult son over for a visit last fall. He had a bad infection in his toe. I took him to the emergency, they gave him antibiotics and told him to keep his toenail trimmed. They didn’t tell him how to clean and dress it. This was his second visit to a hospital with zero results. I showed him how to soak it, clean it and wrap it using alcohol. He is developmentally delayed. He also didn’t wan to bother his caregivers about it. I had to send him home not and trust that he would keep taking care of it. It did heal.

We all know what is going to happen.

Do you only read this strip to find fault? That’s how it seems to those of us who love the characters.