Six-word stories: IJ readers share short tales of gratitude

We’re just a few weeks away from the end of 2023 — how did that happen so quickly? — and as the year winds down, now’s a good time to stop and reflect on the past year. What did it bring you? How was it different than others before it? What is something you’ll remember going forward, from the little moments to the big milestones? Or is it one you’re ready to put behind you as you head in 2024?

I’d love to know. So, for December, please share a story — just one — of what your year was like with the IJ.

Please make it a story, a personal story, with a beginning, middle and end — not six adjectives, not a cliche and not advice. Make us laugh or cry or at the very least feel something. For an example, here is the famous story attributed to, but not proven to be written by, Ernest Hemingway: “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.” That’s quite the story! Need more examples? “It can’t be. I’m a virgin,” writes Kate Atkinson. “Set sail, great storm, all lost,” says John Banville.

If you want your story to run in the IJ, please:

• Write “Six-word story” in the subject line

• Send one story. Just one

• Include your full name and Marin town in the body of the email, no attachments

• Write your short story in the body of the email, no attachments

• Use proper punctuation and spelling

• Use sentence style in one line

• It should not rhyme

• Do not submit six adjectives — that’s not a story

Please send to lifestyles@marinij.com by Dec. 15 and look for it in the Dec. 26 lifestyles section and online.

Last month we asked IJ readers to share what they’re grateful for. Here’s what they had to say.

Woke up this morning, still breathing. — Richard Schneider, San Rafael

Turkey jumped fence. Thankful for ham. — Valerie Stilson, Novato

Mashed potatoes and turkey gravy; yum. — Pamela Lunstead, Novato

Mexican American gratefully born in America. — Mary Ann Gallardo, San Rafael

Being part of a caring family. — Cece Jonsen, Novato

Silver Peso thankfully serves working people. — Kermit R. Kubitz, Larkspur

Thankfulness makes one more completely human. — David Reinstein, San Anselmo

I’m grateful for Earth Science Novato. — Paul Barrier, Novato

Family, friends, creation, all gifts — thankful. — Ann Carroll, San Anselmo

Diagnosed. Cured. Hair finally grew back! — Mary Denton, Larkspur

Thankful! Generous, supportive, fun life partner. — Evelyn Riebe, Mill Valley

Did it again. I woke up! — Helen Hayes, Ross

Grateful for family, friends, adopted country. — Margarida da Silva, Novato

Nash Rambler; seven adults; Syracuse; Florida. — Nancy Greenfield, Larkspur

Love, 100 miles, in one hour! — Lyle Thomsen, Corte Madera

Family joy is alive and well. — Michael C. Vogel, Mill Valley

Gratefully blessed to be a blessing. — David Curtis, Novato

Grateful for close, enduring family ties. — Jim Koger, San Rafael

Definition of grateful — my three sons. — Kathleen Daly, Corte Madera

Beloved heart occupants: family, friends, life. — Therese Stawowy, San Rafael

Clean air, pure water, Barry Tompkins. — Chuck McDevitt, Corte Madera

Grateful to feel empathy and compassion. — Kay Noguchi, Terra Linda

Photography keeps mind and eyes occupied. — Linda Varonin, Corte Madera

Decades of progressive MS; still walking. — Jenny Wood, Mill Valley

Jerry, Bobby, Phil, Brent, Micky, Bill. — Brad Honsberger, San Rafael

Four grandkids, time flies, new hopes. — Jeff Brusati, San Rafael

Thankfulness forever with amazing spiritual growth. — Antoinette DeLucchi, San Rafael

Family, fun, food, overeat — yes — forgiven. — Davey Myles, Marinwood

My dad, Irving, was a gift. — Carol Hosmer-McConnell, San Rafael

Our family and the love shared. — Sam Fleeger, Marin City

Fifty years in Marin with Bonnie. — John Hanson, Novato

I am grateful for family, friends. — Marie Lazzari, Novato

Grateful for God, country, family, friends. — Angelo Capozzi, Tiburon

My heart is filled with gratitude. — Susan Storch, Greenbrae

Golden girl sleeps. Light shines on. — Joe Gray, Kentfield

Family, friends, freedom, fellowship and festivities. — David Leipsic, San Rafael

I live, I think, thanks Mom. — Hank Simmonds, Kentfield

Sewers and cheese graters are grateful. — Bruce Donals, Fairfax

Front door opens, China Camp welcomes. — Timothy Warden, San Rafael

Illness is weighty. Love is everything. — Tom Baldwin, Corte Madera

Terra Firma! I never looked back. — Merideth Lewis, Santa Venetia

He’s 94. We still have fun. — Mary Waetjen, San Anselmo

Neighbors who have stopped blowing leaves. — Mary Geving, Woodacre

I am grateful to be clean! — David Ammons, San Rafael

Loving mom, Dahway, lives next door. — Kathy Slaught, Larkspur

Democracy, freedom of speech and voting. — Katherine Ware, Belvedere

New cook, burnt turkey, Chinese takeout. — Sara Gordon, San Rafael

I am grateful for meeting you. — Lily Worch, Novato

Nature’s dazzling wonders and adventures embraced. — Lucille Herger, Novato

My gratitude list has 2,358 items. — Rev. George McLaird, Tiburon

Yearlong Korea service. Thankful for life. — Peter Hayward, Novato

Husband’s good taste in two women. — Mary Lou Hayward, Novato

Gratitude? Six words are not enough. — Leslie Stone, San Rafael

A crowded table filled with love. — Sharon Eide, Novato

Sounds of children playing gleefully outside. — Katheryn Horton, San Rafael

Love lost, if found please return. — Matt Raftery, Novato

Still rowing together, two happy years. — Barbara Rowe, Mill Valley

Grateful being alive to be grateful. — Stephen Redner, San Rafael

My husband, best friend, 50 years. — Kimberly Weichel, Tiburon

No seizure for five years, yeah. — Kathryn McMudie, Novato

Old, but healthy; in love, grateful. — Melinda Booth, Mill Valley

Grown children, all exceptional adults. Blessed. — Deb Johansen, Novato

I can walk, breathe and love. — Dave Powell, Novato

“Run for hunger.” Binge after. Pharisaic? — Jane Ure, Mill Valley

No pain when moving, thanks hips! — Diana Chiarabano, Tiburon

Gratitude includes the smallest of things. — Laura Miller, Novato

Staying grateful helps keep me afloat. — Gail Cassee, Mill Valley

Saved by grace, through faith. Hallelujah! — Gigi Bibeault, Terra Linda

Thankful for Marin’s glorious autumn beauty. — Elaine C. Johnson, Greenbrae

Will be grateful for donated kidney! — Carole Bonhomme, Greenbrae

Children, grandchildren living nearby — so wonderful! — Lucy MacSwain, San Rafael

Let’s all relax, savor our November!  — Dart Cherk, Mill Valley

Second chances make all the difference. — Daniel R. Maloney, San Anselmo

Spending holidays with many different families. — Keith Granger, San Rafael

Lessons learned, adjustments made, opportunities ahead. — Ingrid Francis, Mill Valley

Seeing the best in all others. — Jim Williams, Novato

Mother Nature makes me feel grateful. — Janet Benjamin, Tiburon

Adi; de gustibus non est disputandum. — Ron Skellenger, Woodacre

Road trip, brother, sister, bond forever. — Elisa Charne, Novato

I’m grateful for world’s happiest marriage. — Ian Begg, Corte Madera

Escaped COVID death. Breathing freely, gratefully. — Gailya Magdalena, Lucas Valley

I passed the DMV written test. — Pam Thomas, San Rafael

Another new day, I’m alive, blessed. — Ann Eller, Woodacre

Married 1964, 1984; No. 3, 2015, forever. — Pam Berkon, Novato

I appreciate Mother Nature each day. — Billie Forer, San Rafael

Clients thanking me for my work. — Karen Arnold, San Rafael

Hearty thanks for God is love. — Michael Ardito, Fairfax