history: Once my wife went with her family to the beach and left me at home by myself.   I hate being alone_comma_ but my wife and kids have gone on vacation with her family this summer. Oh no really_comma_ that really sucks to hear. Why were you not able to go?
current: I had to stay home and work.
next: It is sad that you can not go, but you are making a good sacrifice to make sure your family will be able to survive. Also you could use the alone time to do stuff you are not able to do with them around!