THANK YOU, TYRONE

[Billy Love]

33. My best friend was a mulatto.

His mom of African-American descent and his father a white Jewish man. Cory and I have been friends for 30 years even though we have drifted apart. I try to make a visit once a year to his family with my family - he doesn't live far, and I really don't have time anymore to spend with friends. We met when I was only 7 years old, Cory being a year and three days younger than me, but he is a genius so he was able to stay with my class.

He was as white as you could see, but his younger half-brother is African American. I loved the family and cherish them. Many of my religion would not associate themselves with African-American people, but I learned to respect their culture, their lives, their food, and everything. He was there for my engagement party, but did not come to my wedding in New York even though he was invited.

I think about Cory constantly, but he is now a hermit, living at home. I am going to try to pull him out soon by offering him a opportunity to work with me (I need a manager for a store I'm about to open up, and I think he'll be a fine fit) and we can spend time together again.

I really miss him, and other than my other best friend ( my wife ) - he's the only one other person I really want to spend time with. I don't know much about him and what he has done since college (we went to college together after high school).

I don't know why I'm telling you this, but when I read your story, it brought back memories of my best friend Cory.

Thank you, Samantha. I just hope you find your Tyrone someday.