Happy 30th Birthday

To my best friend in the entire world,

You are sumthin else. I am not sure how I got so lucky as to find the man of my dreams, but I found that in you.

When I met you nearly eight years ago, I thought you were the most handsome, charming, and honorable man that would ever walk the face of the earth.

On our first outing, I remember sitting across from you at Santa Fe steakhouse and thinking there was none better than you. I thought God had pulled out all the stops and I had a hard time finding any fault in you.

Several months later, sitting on a park bench in the middle of downtown, as we talked about our futures, and you shared with me your heart for young people, I fell in love.

It was only a short time later that I left for a mission trip to Argentina and my heart ached as I spent ten days away from you. This man whom I had spent nineteen years without, I soon realized was the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.

Nearly nine months into our courtship, I found out that you had spent almost every Saturday morning across the breakfast table from my dad, gaining his trust and permission to pursue my heart. It was at that moment you gained my trust.

After three and half years of ups and downs, you got down on one knee on the fifty-yard line of the Ohio State stadium, and asked me to be your wife. I had never wanted anything more than what you gave me in that moment.

On December 17, 2005, I promised to love, to honor, and to cherish. I will not soon forget the way you looked at the end of that aisle. From that day when you said "I do," you have taken care of my physically, emotionally, and spiritually. You had big shoes to fill from my dad, and I (as well as my dad), would be proud to say you have filled them with great triumph.

And who could forget the day I walked out of the bathroom of the Arlington Hilton, holding a stick in my hand, and told you that you were going to be a daddy. You never looked prouder. I am so glad I could give you that gift X 3 (so far!).

This past year has been a battle year for us. A year that some marriages could have failed and crumbled. But not ours. I love you more and more each time I wake up. You have made stands for our family and stands for you integrity that will leave a legacy with many people - including our children. I have never been more proud than I am of you today.

So, Happy Birthday to the best husband, dad, and friend I have ever known. If the first thirty years are an indication of what's to come - I can't wait!

I love you, Ben.

-Me.

Ramsey children, one day, as you sit and read this, know how much I love your daddy. Boys, grow to be strong and tender-hearted, just like him. Girls, seek to find a man who will be slow to anger and quick to forgive. One who will stand for righteousness and love his family more than his life. Your daddy is a great man and you are truly blessed by his example. He is growing to be more like Jesus everyday.