Patti has been a loyal friend of mine for 30 years. I can always count on her, and I hope she feels the same about me.
We both grew up on farms about four miles apart. Patti has lived the American dream. She is one of my heroes, though history will never record her life, nor will towering monuments be built in her honor. Still, she has my deepest admiration.
More importantly, she will leave the worl…