April gets head lice. Deanna meets Michael's parents, and vice-versa. Deanna finally tells Michael she loves him, with a little prodding. This book contains one of the strip's most touching episodes, the death of Elly's mother. The bottom strip of pg. 59 always gets to me, agnostic that I am. The bottom of pg. 60, as well. Lynn Johnston wrote that this was her tribute to her own mother, who went in a similar fashion, with grace, courage and humor. Elly brings her father home to stay with them after her mother's death. Mike mentions the idea of marriage for the first time to Deanna. Liz graduates High School. Elly's father moves back to his own home, and the family has a memorial service for Elly's mother. All of pg. 112 is particularly touching. Gordon's wife Tracey is pregnant again. All in all, a poignant book filled with sadness, joy, hope and anticipation. And most of all, love. ( )