Hi, Mariaelena here. I've been reading past messages for several weeks now but this is the first one I've posted. The reason is today I went to see Freddie's gravesite at Forest Lawn. You see, I live within an hour's drive of LA and I've passed by so many times over the years and always wanted to see where Freddie was buried, but never did.

I was 30 to his 22 when he died and I was devastated! I couldn't believe he was gone and I would never see my beloved "Chico" again!

I remember hating that the show continued without him and I only watched the one episode where Ed tells Raul about Chico.

I read his biography at the time, written by his mother and every article I could get my hands on about him. It was so, so sad!

Well, as we all know times marches on. I remember wondering over the years what had happened to Freddie Jr and Kathy. Imagine his son becoming a star in his own right.

I am very grateful to TVLand for bringing Chico back because if it wasn't for them, there wouldn't be this forum and I wouldn't be able to talk with other Freddiephiles http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/smile.gif

As I said, I visited Freddie today. It felt very good to put my hands on the plaque on his crypt and know that his earthly physical presence was that close. If anybody would like me to share my feelings further, please let me know. I don't want to appear too morbid but I felt very close to him today. I left a red gladiola on the crypt because Chico was "LOOKING SO GOOD" in red!!

His father is buried next to him; he died in 1979. His dad's crypt plaque leaves a space beneath his name. I wonder if that's for Freddie's mom?

I have taped almost all of the TVland shows with the exception of some than aired before I realized that Fandemonium was on! If anybody has the Pilot episode, I would love to get in touch with you. Maybe we could trade?

I'm sad just thinking about only a few more episodes with Freddie. FYI --"Ed talks to God" is the last episode with Freddie and I think it will air next Saturday.

ME

Welcome Mariealena (I hope I spelled it right). One day I plan to go see his crypt. I've been planning it for years. He has been sorely missed.

WELCOME!!! Most (all but one) are great people here...Glad to have you with us...

Hello, Mariaelena! We're all crazy about Freddie (and CATM) and it shows! Its nice to get together and chat about a common interest. Welcome http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/smile.gif

welcome.

Welcome Aboard im new here myself and i love it here.

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GET OUT OF MY GARAGE!!!

Welcome, Mariaelena!

I live on the East Coast and I've never been to Freddie's grave, but it is eery how sometimes when you visit a grave you get a feeling that part of that person is there with you, even if he or she has been gone a long time.

I was about 11 when Freddie died. I remember hearing that he was still alive at the hospital, but I don't specifically remember hearing that he had died. I watched some of the Chico episodes with Raul, kind of hoping Freddie would come back and say, "Hey, it was all a mistake, I'm OK."

At least we have the shows and books and the kindred spirits on this board to keep absent friends alive!

Hello, Mariaelana. I would like to hear more about your visit with Freddie. I live in central California and have been to L.A. several times but never had the chance to go to Forest Lawn. I would love to touch the place where he lays. It would be almost spiritual to me. Tell me more, please.
As for all but one of us being friendly...we are just a colorful bunch. Some of us like to color more than others, that's all. But I think the main thing about us stands out...we all LOVE Freddie and miss him very much. I know I do.

Thank you all for being so friendly. It's nice to know there are so many people who miss him like I do.

Chicosladyfair: You're right about the spiritual feeling at his gravesite. I think it's because being so physically close to the only part we have left of his physical self is comforting somehow. I just sat there and thought..."he's right in there...only a foot away or so". Now I'm sure some regular http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/smile.gif people would think that's pretty strange and I should get a life http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/smile.gif and maybe they're right but I'm sure you and the rest of us who really loved him understand what I mean.

Of course, the Freddie I picture in there is the gorgeous one in the CB episode that aired this morning. He looked so handsome in that gray suit, didn't he? It's ironic that the closer he got to the end of his life, the more handsome he became. It's probably the weight loss most of all because it intensifed his cheekbones and features.

If you look at the first or second season you really see a difference! Not a bad one but more like seeing him go from a somewhat chubbier "cute" Chico street kid to a handsome, sophisticated looking "latin lover". His hair was beautiful and shiny, his smile gorgeous, and the way he filled out a pair or jeans!!! As Chico would say..."Ave Maria, purisimmo! Oops I guess this should go in the "hubba hubba" folder http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/smile.gif

On a lighter note, I love reading the hubba hubba "chicote" stuff...with that package, he shoulda worked out of Federal Express, not Ed Brown's garage ! Don't you think http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/smile.gif

Well my VCR's all set to tape Weds. morning episode. Later, amigas.

Mariaelena
I have so many questions I would like to ask someone who was close to him. I

I know what you mean there, Flora...I did that too..Just hoping he would come bounding in and say"LOOOOOOKING GOOD"...The only episode I can stand to watch with Raul is the one where Ed tells him that Chico died, but he never said how....God how that mst have hurt to relive that in a way..Especially since it had been about a year....So so sad!!!

Mariaelena,
You are so right about his looks. My daughter thinks he is more handsome in the earlier episodes, with more weight on. I, on the other hand, like the slim, more toned Chico. But I have also seen a few episodes where we both thought he looked really bad; tired, thin, worked too hard, partied too hard. In any case, he was a gorgeous man.
I would probably give my right arm to visit him but I don't travel well. Imagine that...living in California and not being able to travel. The last time I did some serious travelling was about 6 years ago.
What a feeling to be that close.

I just want to say Hi to all the Chico fans
here...Freddie was certainly very special. He sure was "LOOKING GOOD" in those skin tight jeans!
he is missed so much by all of us.

Hello, Mariaelena and Lindaloo..is that right? Welcome to both of you its nice to have you hear with us..This is a great bunch of people..so come on in and laugh and cry with us when you feel like it!!!

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flannelpjs

Welcome! It's so much fun rediscovering the show!

Welcome Aboard!!!

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GET OUT OF MY GARAGE!!!

Hop aboard lindaloo......... http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/biggrin.gif "Welcome" http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Hi lindaloo, Welcome. Make yourself at home here...I did and not I'll never leave. Speak your mind freely and have a ball!!!

Have fun on here! We're really getting into this show! http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/smile.gif

Sorry I haven't had time to welcome our newest members to our little(?) Chico family. It's always nice to read the posts of people here. A great big southern HOWDIE from WV's Luckymama to all of you.