Early Love

Her name was Corky, a real knockout! Amber Lee reminds me of her.

I was living in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood (similar to Greenwich Village), working at a blues club, when I met Corky. She was a student at the University of Illinois Chicago Circle Campus. Corky was born and raised in suburban Glencoe. Her parents were super! But Corky thought she needed help "to cope" (her words), so she saw a psychiatrist several times a week -- for years.

Corky and I always had fun. Whenever we were together, she made me laugh. One time, we went to the wedding of a friend of mine, Margo. Like me, Margo was Catholic. She married a Jewish man. After we entered the synagogue and sat down, Corky took one look at both sides of the aisle and whispered to me, "This marriage will never work!"

Six months later, Margo and her husband split up.

Corky and I dated others, too. In time, I married someone else -- and Corky married her psychiatrist!

The last time I saw Corky was a few days before I moved from Chicago to L.A. She was taking a walk with their three children, looking as beautiful as ever! When I told her I was moving to L.A., she didn't want me to go.

"I'm going to miss you, George!" she cried. Corky hugged me. Her kids hugged both of us. Everyone was crying!

Sadly, we lost touch after I came out here. I miss Corky.