How to write a compelling contest entry

After leaving our New Home we moved into a older home that needs tons of work that will be extremely expensive, and since I no longer work money is tight.  I cannot do any of the things that need to be done due to my illness.  I have 3 different diseases that have no cure and we have a lot of trips to the doctor. 

I really need a vacation.. I'm a single mother of two boys and their father never takes them.  I am always doing things for the boys and put my self last.  I would really love to have a vacation.

I would wrote but after ready all these compelling stories, I gave up the thought.   There is no way a person could win with some of these stories out their.

We really need to go on a vacation.

My husband got laid off his job of 32 years in December, 2008.  He's still not working and things are getting pretty stressful.  We're not going to be able to go away on vacation this year when we could really use it the most!  I'll be taking some vacation time but we'll have to spend it at home. Help.....we need to escape for a little while!!!!!

It started three years ago with the sudden death of my mom.  What a blow for me and my family!  We struggled to pull the family together and continue on as she would have wanted.  Less than a year later, a con-artist convinced our step-father we were going to take all that he had and put him in a nursing home.  He now will not even ecknowlege his grandchildren now.  

Then, my Grandmother of 101 years who lived in her own appartment, dies leaving the family rocked again. 

Within nine months my husband dies in the night.  I awoke early in the morning and found his side of the bed empty.  I found him on the couch.  I can't tell you how devistated I am.  He was my best friend and soul mate.  I still feel the pain.  We were great travel companions who loved the outdoors.  I miss that so much.

I would like to go to some sunny place and enjoy some peaceful time, knowing he is with me if only in my heart.

Thank you so much for reading this message from my heart.

My wife and I have been retired for four years but have done enough volunteer work in our new town of Pahrump.I am one of the Directors at our county Museum and put in roughly 24 hour weekly at the front desk.  I am also in charge of the Main Street Project which I have supervised the move in of our one room school,our first general store (circa 1900) a very nice ranch house which was slated for destrution, two silos and some farm equiptment.  We have re-roofed all the buildings and are working on the windows and new paint. I am just finishing up a 3 year as the District VP for the National Active And Retired Federal Employees on which amoung other things have put on 13 to 15 Health Fairs each year for all our Federal people. I am an active Toastmaster and have been the Sgt. at Arms for our club four years. I am a third year trustee for the local Moose Lodge. My wife assist me in many of these volunteer activities. This year I was honored by the United Waywith a plaque as thr Golden Heart Winner for 09 and my wife also received a cetrtificate in reconition of her work.  I really my vacation has been earned. We would love to go to Australia if possible.

My Family is my everything.....

MY HUSBAND AND I ARE PROBABLY LIKE MOST OF THE BABY BOOMERS - OVERWORKED, STRESSED TO THE MAX - YET WE ARE A VERY HAPPY COUPLE.  WE TRY TO FIND THE GOOD IN EVERY DAY IF ONLY FOR A FEW SHORT MINUTES.  WE HAVE A BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER, MARRIED WITH 2 GORGEOUS GRANDDAUGHTERS ( THE TRUE LOVES OF OUR LIVES ) AND NOTHING WOULD PLEASE US MORE THAN TO BE ABLE TO VACATION WITH THEM.

In January 2008 my little world started to slowly fall apart.   My girlfriend was diagnosed with lukemia, and passed away on May 28th she was only 45.   In June of the same year my father in law who lived with my husband and I and my Mom had surgery and passed away on July 3 of complications following the surgery.   In the middle of all this I was told that I was losing my job as our company had been sold and my job along with others was being handled by the US, so as of August 28, I lost my job.   At this time we decided to move back to a small town near where I grew up so my Mom could be close to her other children and get to spend more time with them as we had lived 4 hours away from them and she didn't really get to see them much.   My husband and I have never really had time to spend just the two of us for a really long time and it would be so nice to have some alone time.

Stressed out..........My husband and I did plan and reserve a vacation spot from Homeaway rentals.  Unfortunately we went thru a layoff at our jobs.  Due to this we had to cancel our family vacation.  We did lose part of our deposit.  I feel that we all need a vacation toget away from this stressful year.  Even if we do not win this vacation, I know that we will still have a great summer as long as my family is together.  Who ever wins I know they will have an awesome time relaxing and just getting away from the day to day stess everyone is feeling especially this year.  Thank you for the opportunity to have a chance to give my family an awesome time away.

Thank you,

Cindy

After reading all your stories, I have decided not to enter for myself. Surely all of you deserve a vacation, and I am glad one of you will win a free one. For those who do not win, I hope that you find a way to relax at home. My partner and I love to dance to some favorite music in our living room. That is free and fun. Sometimes we light candles. Another thing we do is hike, or just go for a walk around the neighborhood. Walking is very relaxing. We are two women with very little money but a lot of love, Have a great vacation everyone!

I am 68 years young and have just retired after over 30 years of public service. My wife is slightly younger than I am and has been teaching out youth for almost 35 years. She is burnt out from the "no child left behind" which does not allow her and her fellow teachers to actually "teach her students" but rather teach to the test.

We are both at witts end. My wife more than I and therefore we really need to but cannot afford to get away. Thank you for your consideration in this contest.