Human Interest Story ( 5,001 - 10,000 Multi-Day)Back
Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Brainerd Dispatch Entry Title: ‘Lifting a darkness off my shoulders’: Brainerd man proud of Afghanistan service that impacted his life Entry Credit: Chelsey Perkins Judge Comment: This story really hit me, it made me realize how much I have taken our military for granted, never thinking about the horrors that they face, and the things they have to deal with for the rest of their lives, just so I can go about business as usual. After reading this story, I will nwcwer take that sacrifice for granted again.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Alexandria Echo Press Entry Title: Rosary in her pocket and Love across the pond - two part series Entry Credit: Thalen Zimmerman Judge Comment: Those of us blessed to be born in the USA take so many things for granted. We complain about the smallest things, and fail to respect and appreciate what we have. Those mentioned in this story know how blessed they are to be here, having gone through a literal hell. It made me want to be a better citizen, stop complaining about insignificant things, and be much more understanding and kinder to those who are seeking a safe and kinder life here.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Alexandria Echo Press Entry Title: Nobody's darling but mine Entry Credit: Celeste Edenloff Judge Comment: In a world where more than 50% of marriages end in divorce, this couple serves as a shining example of what true love is, and what it takes to keep a relationship alive and growing. Being married for that many years, they have no doubt faced every sort of struggle imaginable, but worked through it, because they wanted to and because they loved each other. It made me want to work even harder on my own marriage, and see that relationship and my wife of 25 years as my greatest and most important treasure.
Competition Comment: I read through each one of these stories dozens of times, and even now, I find myself wrestling with my decisions. I can't help but wish that I could give all of them an award, as they each touched my life in a different way.
