expression, noun
long-cherished dream
A dream or ambition held for many years. Often used when that dream is finally realized or spoken of with deep feeling.
彼は長年の夢だった小説家になった。
He became a novelist, which had been his long-cherished dream.
長年の夢が叶って、自分の店を持てた。
My long-cherished dream came true and I was able to open my own shop.