nsp, I do appreciate your prayers for my health, and I'm sure they'll help. I know that just communicating with like minded individuals certainly helps my frame of mind.
In regard to "South Side Soul", I was in my teens, and within walking distance of 63rd and Cottage Grove. This was in the Summer of 56, and Chicago had some of the most spectacular cool nights; you needed a sweater or sport coat in the evenings. My older cousin had a closet full of both.
At this time, you could walk Cottage Grove at night, and feel as safe as in your own yard; the sidewalk was bustling with people; well dressed people I might add.
In the evening, I would choose one of my cousins sharpest sport coats or sweaters, and go strolling on "the boulevard". There was a "Walgreens" with a long lunch counter on 63rd and Cottage, and lots of pretty girls my age would be sitting at the counter enjoying a coke or whatever, but mostly "window shopping". I liked to stroll down the aisle behind them to see how many eyes I caught; that was my evening thrill.
This was only a block away from the fabulous "Pershing Lounge" where star quality people were coming and going; that was the aura in that small part of the "South Side" at that time.