history: I was hoping to go to this wonderful writing contest. I signed up and everything. Then circumstances changed and I had to cancel. I felt so bad that I wouldn't be able to go.  I wanted to go to a writing conference. It is a huge and allows you to meet so many people. Unfortunately_comma_ something else came up and I had to cancel. I felt so bad that I wouldn't be able to go.  I am so sorry that you couldnt go as I can see this was so important to you.  Why did you have to cancel?  Must have been something important come up!
current: We thought we were going to have to move at the exact same time. It turns out we didn't move after all! But it still would've been hard because it was so expensive. 
next: Im sorry you that happend to you.  DO you write books?