30 years ago today, I met my wife for the first time. I remember everything, including my first impression of her, as if it happened just yesterday.
During our 8 years of dating and 22 years of married life, life as a military spouse in harsh, remote conditions could never have been easy for her.
Yet, she never lost her smile, and I am deeply grateful.
During a marathon, a pacemaker runs side by side with an athlete for 30 kilometers. But they do not appear at the finish line, cheering on the athletes from behind. Similarly, my wife supported me from behind so that I could shine throughout my life.
Now that my retirement is approaching, I want to sincerely express my gratitude to my wife, saying, “Everything was thanks to you.”
could never have been easy - to show empathy or appreciation for someone's efforts in overcoming a difficult experience
support from behind - to providing assistance, encouragement, or backing in a way that is not necessarily visible or direct
lovey-dovey - they show their love for each other in public by touching each other and saying loving things
be grateful to - to feel thankful for something or someone
30년 전 오늘, 나는 아내를 처음 만났다. 그녀의 첫인상을 비롯한 모든 것이 마치 어제 일처럼 생생하게 기억난다.
8년의 연애와 22년간의 결혼 생활 동안 열악하고 외진 곳에서 군인 배우자로서의 삶은 그녀에게 결코 쉽지 않았을 것이다. 그럼에도 미소를 잃지 않은 그녀에게 고마운 마음뿐이다.
마라톤 경기에서 페이스메이커는 선수와 나란히 30킬로미터를 달린다. 하지만 마지막 결승선에는 나타나지 않고 뒤에서 선수들을 응원한다. 마찬가지로 내 아내는 내가 평생을 빛날 수 있도록 뒤에서 응원해 주었다.
은퇴가 다가오는 지금, 아내에게 "모든 것이 당신 덕분이었다"며 진심으로 감사의 마음을 전하고 싶다.
- My first impression of him wasn’t very positive. / Your first impression of her might be wrong.
- I admire the way he never loses his smile. / I try to never lose my smile, no matter what happens.
- I wrote a letter to sincerely express my gratitude. / People often want to sincerely express their gratitude but don’t know how.
A: How long have you been married?
B: It was our 22nd wedding anniversary just a while ago.
A: How are you still so lovey-dovey? You’re like a couple of newlyweds!
B: I guess it’s because I’ve never forgotten to be grateful to my wife.
A: Wow! That’s really wonderful.
