I LOVED BETTY FORD

I had the privilege of being the "handler" for President and Mrs. Ford one night at an awards event. I was with them from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. They were two of the nicest, warmest, most unpretentious people you could ever hope to meet. They were both up in years, so I took them to nap/rest around 6:30, to allow them to

be fresher for the dinner at 7:30. I had an opportunity to thank her for being so candid, honest, and courageous. I can think of no First Lady who could compare to her in those areas. She never hid anything that was important to her. Thank you, dear Betty, for the help you gave to cancer patients, to addicts---for all these lives you saved and will continue to save.