November 2024- Carlos Garbiras

While preparing a gluten-free feast for his daughter, carefully wrapping everything in wax paper, he was reminded of his childhood in Colombia. Growing up with little money, he was a 'vulture,' often begging friends with more means until they relented. It wasn’t perfect—very different from his daughter’s life now. He often wonders: should he share how hard his life was, or focus on how lucky they are today.

November 2024- Karen Hurtzog

One Valentine’s Day, her boyfriend (now husband) made her chocolate with Cheerios and eagerly had her try it in front of his family. She had to not only say she liked it but also pretend she loved it. While it was far from perfect, she came to realize that his love language was making things for her. It wasn’t about perfection—it was about love.

November 2024- Deanna Dawson

During COVID, feeling alone, she got a beagle named Izzy. Chaos, fun, and stress all rolled into one, he left her frazzled. A waitress at her favorite restaurant reassured her, saying, 'Don’t worry, it gets better.' When she asked, 'When?' the waitress replied, 'In three years.' Not what she wanted to hear, but it was true. Three years later, life with Izzy isn’t perfect—but it’s pretty great.

November 2024- Jay Kahn

When his wife Linda asked about being a Respiratory Therapist during COVID, he shared how hard he and his peers worked, yet it often felt like it wasn’t enough. He remembered Emily, a sweet 90-year-old patient who was partly deaf and blind. Her oxygen was dangerously low, but she told him, 'Dying is easy, living is hard.' Later, when he returned to check on her, Emily asked to touch his face. She smiled and said, 'Not very perfect, but keep finding the imperfections—that's what life is about.'

November 2024- Sabrina Campbell

A story about her 6-year-old son Kip, now 27. It was a perfect fall day for a carnival, but with Kip being a sweet handful, she was especially nervous about the corn maze. To keep him close, she gave him a pep talk—and a $20 bribe to stick together. But as soon as the muddy maze distracted her, Kip disappeared. Panicked, she raced through the maze, only to find him calmly waiting at the exit. A less-than-perfect afternoon, but a perfectly happy ending—and yes, he got his $20.

November 2024- Brandi Chalker

A cautionary tale of her less-than-perfect wedding and failed marriage. It was a modest backyard affair with a homemade cake, piñatas, and fire dancing—charming but chaotic. Her aunt and uncle skipped it on orders from their cult leader, and other relatives were caught 'hot boxing' their car before pot was legal. As a recovering perfectionist, she now sees that embracing imperfection led to a divorce—but also to a loving friendship with her ex-husband. Letting go of expectations made room for that

November 2024- Ken Gallegos

He and his brother scored tickets to a Dodgers game, and their mom joked they'd get lost because they were such goofs. Sure enough, after the game, they got forced onto the wrong freeway. After circling back toward the stadium, they stopped at a gas station for help and got directions from three 'working' women on the street. They made it home, proving Mom kind of right. He doesn't remember the game, but he'll never forget the three women who saved two goofs that night.

November 2024- Janet Friedman

She dated a man with a stunning all-electric Mercedes that turned heads everywhere they went. But when one tire went out, all four had to be replaced, stranding them in Eureka for four days with only basic cable. Boredom led to an Amish stud site—and a surprising curiosity about Amish porn. Who knew?

November 2024- Rick Roberts

Rick grew up a perfectionist, softened by his hippie years of free love and exploration. Marriage to Renee brought him joy, but his perfectionism strained their bond, leading to divorce. Reuniting with an old girlfriend reminded him of his restless past, but also that true perfection is rare—except for being with Renee... and John Coltrane.

November 2024- Dave Pokorny