We found the "rose garden with a path..."

In mid-August 2011, Nguyen Thi Trang, a first-year student at Hanoi Law University, returned home to Ha Linh (Ha Trung district, Thanh Hoa province) for her summer break. On her way back from visiting relatives, her bicycle tire punctured. It was getting dark, and there was no place to get it repaired, so Trang had to walk. She was very worried because the road was deserted and she couldn't ask anyone for help. She cried as she pushed her bike.

By chance, a young man from the Air Defense-Air Force Academy happened to pass by. Seeing the young woman walking and sobbing, he approached her, asked what was wrong, and quickly helped her get her bicycle to a repair shop. During the nearly one-kilometer walk to the repair shop, the two chatted pleasantly. Through their conversation, she learned that Nguyen Truong Giang was from the same hometown as her and was on his way home for summer vacation. Touched by the soldier's kindness, before parting ways, Trang didn't forget to thank him and gave him her phone number to stay in contact.

From that chance encounter, the image of the petite, pretty student captivated him. Occasionally, during breaks, he would go down to the Academy's canteen to use the phone service to call and check on her. Seeing Trang's intelligent responses, approachable demeanor, and, more importantly, knowing that "the rose garden has a path, but no one has entered it yet," he became even more determined to win her over. In their conversations, Giang often talked about the military environment where she studied and worked.

Trang shared with him about her studies and student life. And so, after nearly a year of getting to know each other, their feelings grew stronger, and they both felt a connection, understanding, and shared experiences. At the end of April 2012, Giang took time off from work to go to school and give his girlfriend a bouquet of roses and a heart he made from bamboo toothpicks with the message: "Please be my other half, my love!", in front of their friends. Trang's cheeks flushed red; she was shy and embarrassed...

After graduating, Giang joined the 363rd Division, and was later sent by his unit to attend a political officer training course. Trang, after graduating, also found a stable job near his unit.

In December 2017, the couple officially tied the knot, much to the joy of both families, friends, colleagues, and comrades. Their sweet love resulted in a handsome and adorable son, Nguyen Dang Khoa. Despite facing hardships, their home is filled with laughter and happiness. Trang always manages all household affairs, raises their children diligently, fulfills her duties as a parent, and provides strong support for her husband, allowing him to focus on his work.

Text and photos: THANH QUANG

Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/quoc-phong-an-ninh/xay-dung-quan-doi/tim-duoc-vuon-hong-co-loi-728815