Make a long story short for your chance to be published in Reader’s Digest and win $25,000. Here are a few of our favorite entries so far in our “Your Life: The Reader’s Digest Version” contest. After reading these, head over to Facebook and enter your own story about a special moment or lesson that shaped your life.
“Sometimes You Just Can’t Help Who You Love”
By Lorraine Grisez
I’m from an Army town, El Paso, Texas. My grandfather was in the Army. My dad was in the Army. As I graduated high school, most of my friends were dating Army guys. I swore I would never be an Army Wife. So I enlisted in the Marine Corps and went off to travel the world while serving my country. I went everywhere from California to Cuba, Germany, Bosnia and more. A successful Sergeant at 24 years old, I was stationed in Norway when I fell madly in love with… a soldier. We’ve been married almost 11 years now. Seems you just can’t fight fate. I did an awful lot of traveling to avoid being exactly who I am happy to be today — a third generation Army wife.
“Don’t Save the Perfume”
By Christy Nunez
When my 35-year-old husband of 10 years was diagnosed with terminal cancer, I realized something I wish I’d learned long before. Don’t save the perfume. Not for a special occasion or going out with others who aren’t important. Rather, wear the good stuff just to curl up on the couch, watching TV, taking an evening walk. Put on make-up he likes or her favorite shirt just because. Every moment with a loved one is special. I came downstairs with my hair done the way he liked, in a dressy dress, and perfume on. He asked where I was going. And I told him, “I just want to look and smell nice for you.” The love in his eyes in that moment was unforgettable and worth everything. So don’t save the perfume.
“10,585 days and counting…”
By Meghan Thompson
I’ve learned to be proud of myself, share my accomplishments, embrace my faults, and open my eyes to see the amazing things that so many others tell me are there. I’m relaxed, accepting that I’m a work in progress. No one expects me to be perfect, strong and infallible 100% of the time. I live my life with no regrets, taking time to experience anything and everything that tickles my fancy. I no longer feel guilty for devoting time to myself, dreaming of who I’m on my way to becoming. I’ve stopped feeling like I’ve fallen behind where I should be, and am secure to be moving at the pace just right for me. I surround myself with the positive, bidding adieu to the negative thoughts, people, and situations in life. I’m leaving a mark to be proud of, and have fallen head over heels in love with myself.
“Every Eleven Years”
By Michelle Christian
When I was a young girl, my mother, her best friend and her son, spent tons of time together. He was younger and was always in my face… he was annoying. Eleven years later, he was a teen and visited me with a gemstone as a gift… he was okay. Eleven more years later, he found me again. I was in a relationship… he was my friend. Eleven more years later, we fell in love, but he had to move away… he was my heartache. Eleven years, this year, I found him again. We have been dating and we are falling for each other, all over again… he is my love. I can’t wait to see what the next eleven years bring!
