You're very much loved Dearest Coco, and you deserve all the love and support, you're giving so much joy and time to us. My offer is still valid, as I genuinely want to do something for you in return. 💜
Coco I knew who you were.... I've followed you here on UA-cam but never anywhere else. I've never seen your show but thought you were hilarious since I've been watching you. But since you started this daily inspiration I can say I have become a TRUE fan. I've found more of your work and watched it and have just fallen in Love......not in some weird fucking odd ball fan shit way. I just Love your work and that wonderful personality. I WILL...I HOPE someday see Miss Peru live.
Thank You! I felt this in my heart! The way you talked about this, to me shows how much it changed you. I just love the way you broach the more sensitive things in life. Death is a reality for us all, but I hope to have some of my own Coco-ness to throw at it when the time comes. You're a gem! ¡Viva Coco Peru!
I had a very close friend - then in the late 80's - I heard rumors he was not well. I went to go see him and he told me he had strep throat and some other BS. I told another friend not to worry and she said, "No I think he has cancer!" I ran into his Mom and she said no it was just the strep and it got more infected blahblahblah. Well I went to the cottage with my parents and kids - came home and I found out he had died of Aids when I was away. I never got to say good bye and tell him how much he meant to me and how much I loved him. I just sobbed and cried for weeks - I couldn't get over it. Went and saw his Mom and she told me he had asked her to keep his illness a secret and didn't want me to know because I had kids. Stupid time and stupid people made him think I would be afraid or not want to be with him. NOT me I would have been at his side every step of the way. Well long story short - I had a dream where I was chasing him through the streets and I was yelling for him to stop - I wanted to talk to him. He was running and laughing - he ran up these big stairs on the side of a building and went inside. I followed him in and he was sitting on the couch laughing and said to me,"I'm OK, it's OK! I am happy and please don't cry anymore!" After that dream I stopped crying, not because I wanted to, but because all my thoughts of him turned to all of our good times and our friendship. Very crazy how life is! We are always so sad to lose people we care for - but we have to remember they are OK :)
Reading this story reminds me of the only video recording I have of my grandma before she died in December. She talked about John Lennon and about Elizabeth Turner, how she was a champion for the LGBT+ and how she helped people with AIDS. She talked about how people were ignorant back then and that she too probably believed that garbage because she didn’t know better. I don’t know, it was a really deep and insightful conversation with her - she was a brilliant woman and this comment reminded me of that time. I am sorry that you weren’t able to say goodbye but I think it beautiful that he came to you in your dreams. I’ve had a really hard time - off and on, with my Grandma’s death (then recently my 16 year old cat - to add more salt to a wound wide open) and this comment really hit me. Thank you for sharing. I hope one day I will stop crying because even if she is okay, I still miss her so much. Your comment has moved me to tears.
So sorry that you lost your friend. I've lost over 40 to that disease. I guess, on some level, I was lucky, I was, and am, a fat guy. so nobody wanted me. but now at age 66, I'm alone with no friends. I was with all of them until they passed, and I'm left to go by myself. My greatest hope is that they will come to get me soon.
My best friend passed from AIDS too in 1992 . He was 21 .I was in my twenties. I wish I could have been there for him more in the end . He was so beautiful and brave. He always just acted annoyed by it . He told me once that he was going shopping for a font for his headstone. And I said to him don’t talk like that you’re going to be fine and he said “honey you gotta know what you’re gonna do with your bag of bones “..... your story totally reminded me of him. 🌈 ♥️
What a touching story, It got me very emotional. Please forgive yourself Coco, because Woody doesn't blame you, he knows that you love him! You were a very handsome young man indeed. Sending you a big hug. Love you Coco. 💜
I lived in San Francisco and LA in the late 80’s and it still haunts me. Pages of obituaries with beautiful young men, loss of beloved coworkers, the AIDS quilt on display on the lawn in front of the White House. I felt anger at lives lost too young, and now I wonder what could have been. I still grieve. 😢😢 it still breaks my heart.
we were so young to deal with all that, I think back and all the losses in my 20s just left me unable to cope...on a lighter note what an adorable young man you were, a cutie pie
Such a sweet memory of a blessed friend for you! Death is a hard thing to handle for everyone and there isn't a guide book on how to handle the ends and outs of it. We all wish afterwards to have done more for our loved ones before they'd died and it tends to taint our memories. Don't let what you wished you had done, do this to your great memories of a true southern gentleman. As for being able to convince the Italian salesmen that you weren't that type of man made me laugh as in I could hear it now! You with your Bronx accent saying you don't like women that way 😂😆
You were his friend. And you werea good friend. We don’t deal with death the same way. You were also younger then him sorry you lost a dear friend to a horrible disease. My mom has been dead for 5 years and I still miss her .
Coco, I lost my best friend of thirty years about three years ago. I was there when he drew his last breath. He was HIV positive, in great shape till the end, but died of pancreatic cancer despite being a health nut since learning he was HIV positive. I knew him before I walked into my first gay club. We both moved to Boston and lived a block a part from one another. My fondest memory of him is one Sunday, morning/ afternoon-ish, him calling me and asking me if I wanted to do brunch. We both had to decide if the gentlemen company we both had from the night before, (after a Saturday night of debauchery), were worthy of inviting to go with us. In the end, we both ditched our companies and opted for brunch for just the two of us to compare notes. I miss him dearly. I've often thought about moving back to Boston, ( I just lost my mom and was her caregiver for over the last year, that's when I discovered your videos BTW and have to move and start again), but being a middle aged, jaded man, who lost his best friend... and his waistline, I think my experiences in Boston will be so much different than the memories I cherish. Your videos brought me so much comfort over the last year. My mom died slowly from stage 4 brain cancer. But you managed to keep me laughing. Thank you.
It took me two times to watch this clip, your memories of Woody and that guilt. I lost a few Woody's and can not tell you how much guilt I have for not being there. This is in my opinion one of your best TWIS ... Coco I felt the pain and could hear that regret in your voice. Hugs and lots of love because he now lives on in so many whom never met him, but wish they could have. Thank you!
I don’t know that I’ve ever cried watching a UA-cam video. I was in my late teens trying to talk to and uncle who was dying of HIV disease. I never realized how I felt about those last conversations, where I was trying to be light and uplifting and felt I was missing the opportunity to communicate how profound my relationship with him was. Coco, you’re not alone in that experience.
Those we lost to AIDS have always been described in such sweet terms - they were some of the best of us. It wasn’t just sadness, it was a fear like today’s generation wont’t ever know. I knew I should get tested frequently, but so much of me never wanted to know. In the end I would go and then wait and worry until I was sick. And all to find out I needn’t have worried. We may feel like the lucky ones because we were spared the disease, but we’re also lucky to have the Woody’s of the world looking down on us.
One of my first memories is going to my cousins funeral who passed from AIDS in 1992. He was in his late 20s early 30s. I was 5 . later in life I learned he was gender non conforming and possibly a drag queen. I wonder how many more stories like Woodys and my cousins there are. Just breaks my heart to think of how many amazing talented peoplewe lost to that awful disease.(revised after I told my mom about this comment and she saved his obit in a picture frame by her bedside so I was able to correct the info )
Coco darling, your friend knows how you felt then as well as now... They only leave us in the physical sense & can hear our thoughts of them & when our hearts speak of them at any time...💜💜💜💜💜 Thank you for sharing another beautiful memory with us. 💖
Oh, my.... I cried with this one, as I so could relate to it. I think when we are young (emotionally and in age) we have friends who are more aware and lift us up. I am thankful for those, like your friend, who could see our wide-eyed naivete and help us become whe we are today. Love to you always for your openness and love, Coco. Best wishes. Tom
Pure beauty Miss Coco. I literally can empathize with you since I lost my husband this way. I hate romanticized tragedy,but I honestly found so much love in those times. I lost all my friends and my hubby,the damage was something I buried. But art,music,and finally being happy as the emotional Cancer I am helped alot,and of course your stories! So ya see hon,what you do is healing,humor is the best medicine. I think of Mis Chicos Diamantes all the time,and corny as it may sound for years I tried being happy for them. And then one day,my Salvatore in guardian angel form figuratively slapped me saying,"Baby. Be happy for yourself, that will make me happy!".
The way you tell stories is so comforting, if that makes sense I just put my phone down and closed my eyes it felt nostalgic even though I wasn’t even born yet during the time your story took place. Sending lots of love!
Such a great time of life - you're not alone at all. Loved Woody to pieces. I'm connected to John-Alan on FB. Only recently same across John again on FB - in all these years, can you belive? Loved this particular "thought while in solitude" so much. So many memories.
Im just now viewing this all these years later. Ive always been kind of a late bloomer.. anywhoo.. I love you Coco! You always, even in the midst of heavy moments, always lighten up the world in yiur words and stories. You are a fabulouse story teller. How you emancipated yourself from that heavy memory!! Bravo. We need to feel such emotions of such immense times, as long as we need/needed to feel them. You help me to lighten my emotions too, in all that you say and do. Many great blessings to a beacon of light like you!!! 😘💕💜🕊
I don't think people are ever ready to react to the death of someone close to them....You do what you can and know that they will understand and that you loved them...That's the best you can do...
That was a really tough time. AIDS seeped into every aspect of our lives. It was overwhelming. In the movies they made about it years later, everyone always knows what to say and how to react, but that wasn't the way it was. Now 30+ years later, perhaps some of us for whom the world got better after ART have begun to forget what that time was really like; the fear and the horror, our world grinding to a halt, while the broader public either looked away or jeered. It wasn't all AIDS Galas and ActUp protests, there was the mind wrenching, everyday drip-drip-drip of it all. Don't kick yourself, Honey, even saying a "stupid" thing was (and still is) saying the right thing, 'cuz it's about being human. Life ain't like in the movies.
I recognized you right off in this photo, same beautiful smile........I lost my first cousin the same way in 1986, and I miss him dearly.........thank you so much for your thoughts in solitude Miss Coco 💗🌷💐🌻💕🌷
I found this video by chance today. Your picture was taken just before my 21st birthday. Hearing your reminiscences brought back a flood of emotions and memories from that best of times/worst of times. You are not alone in feeling unable to convey more to those that were dying in those days. I think the joys of youth wouldn’t allow the sadness to overtake us. It’s been on long road since then, darling. But thank you for bringing back those memories. I didn’t realize how much I needed some of those today. ❤
Thank you Coco for patronizing my parent company - Bed, Bath & Beyond (I work at World Market and loved your visit video from a few years ago). I hope this is not an insult to you, but you are hot as both a boy and a girl. Regarding your precious Woody, I totally hear you on the desire to be a better friend in such a time. You may not know what you mean, or how to express it exactly, but I feel you in my heart because I have lived it myself. Thank you Coco my precious.
I have your same bed topper! Mine is grey from the BBB and I probably got it from the clearance/return shelf with a coupon. I like they let you coupon on the clearance. It's a velvety feel and I like the lines. The bed looks really like I put a lot of effort when I just pull the covers on straight. I like your remembrances and Woody sounds like such a special friend. I have so many old memories. It's nice to think back and smile in your heart. I'm sure you meant so much to him too. Beautiful photo of all of you. Beautiful. I'd love to see the dress Woody made. I bet it was just great too.
Thank you for sharing this. I too have experienced that feeling of not being there for a close friend when they’re terminally ill. Friend passed away when we were 13 and I just didn’t didn’t have those coping skills to be helpful as a friend. Thank you for helping me not feel alone.
Wow! Was not expecting such a tear jerking story. First, fate is cruel, had I been born in a different place in a different time, I'd possibly be "Mr. Coco" today. Second, I really love hearing people talk about the past and our history, especially with AIDS and the gay movement. I was in a little vacuum bubble most of my life and never even knew about that stuff until much later in life. The closest thing I can relate to is years ago I had a much older friend. He was gay/bi/whatever and had grown children and we'd hand write letters and send each other baked cookies when sick. He had some kind of blood cancer and right before he was going into hospice he made his round of calls to say goodbye to everyone and I was on that list. I too had no clue what to say and was in shock. Perhaps the best thing in those situations is just to let the other person say what they'd like to say and listen. It's very different having physical distance between someone and yourself and getting the pre-death call versus being in their presence physically till the end.
I understand. I remember when my friend Mugsy passed...I didn’t know how to deal or react when his best friend came to tell me I was stunned. To this day I wish that I had gone to see him.
BB&B came up once in a David Letterman Top 10 list... it was at the time of the riots in LA after the Rodney King verdict, and Letterman did a list of "Top 10 stores that would never be looted in LA" and one of the items was "Bed Bath & Bea Arthur".
Thank you so much for sharing. This reminded me of quite a few people in my life that are no longer here due to AIDS. I was ill-equipped to cope with all of the loss as well. I find peace in their memory and I wish the same for you as well ❤️
🥺This was a hard watch. Having carried profound guilt and regret from the same situation for the past 20 years continues to be gut wrenching and I truly sympathize with everyone in similar situations....but while we litter our lives with our would’ve, should’ve, could’ves; our actions and inactions carry similar weight as they both, hopefully, mold us into better people...be it through recognition or regret. It is clear that in sharing Woody’s friendship you unified many in the comments; joining in solidarity over loss and transformation. Thank you for sharing, Miss Coco; in building a more compassionate community, you are honoring Woody’s life. Stay well 🧡
I feel like I just had that memory with you! You’re such a wonderful storyteller. Definitely brightens my day! Thank you! My condolences for your friend. He sounds like a hoot!
Hey Coco. I just found this video. I've been loving you since 93. I had a makeup artist friend at the salon where we worked. His name was Billy. Fabulous person. Used to make all his drag outfits. He beaded a pair of little lycra shorts to go to South Beach on a company trip. I was his part time care giver when he got too sick to work. It has been one of the most important things I have ever done and I was a hot mess party girl at the time. I think when it came to AIDS, we just have to say we did the best we could. His best friend would not come see him towards the end. He could not take it. I feel honored that I got to be a part of his exit. All my love
Thanks for sharing. Those times during the height of the AIDS crisis were very hard on people and we dealt with them the best we could. Remembering those we lost and keeping them in our hearts.
You are so heartfelt and right on. Thank you for sharing your stories. Especially this one about Woody. You are not alone in what you describe about not knowing how to be, what to say, in the early 90’s regarding death-especially from AIDS. Much love, keep it coming, and come back to the Berkshires. 💖
I got choked up today Miss Coco from this video remembering Woody. We all have our stories, be grateful you knew such a wonderful person. She must have been so much fun. Shout out to my friend Tony, where ever you are .... Always with love ..... Huggs to you Miss Coco
Coco I was touched by your story today...that's all I can say he seemed a genuine heart and friend.....I can say I had a genuine friend and his ex wife who divorced before me...but, I remeber visiting him while my marriage was falling apart...he was such a good family friend and he rescued me from spending a night in an airport..in orlando...I bought him dinner and he let me stay in the guest room.....and I don't think I truely thanked him for that..cause he drove 45 min to pick me up and then turn around the next day to drop me off....he was such a genuine guy....well, after i divorced i never saw him again and just recently in the last year...by chance searching up his address in texas where he had moved to...and found his obituary... i was crushed and sad for days and days cause he was " good ol phil"...well, that's my story...too much to read but, I questioned my self did I say the right thankyou for what he did...I never thought he would die in his middle 50s....thanks coco..for this that stirred up the emotion...and just let me say...you are and were and still a handsome fella and beautiful inside and out🥰🥰🥰🥰🤗🦋🦋beauty is beauty........
Wow Miss Coco this was moving. I hope you share more photos and stories like this. Such an amazing look into your world and I love how open you just were. You were beautiful then and beautiful now! I love you 💕
Wow - Miss Peru...That was only two years (1993) before I moved to NYC. I stayed for 20 years! You were/are absolutely adorable! What a lovely memory of your friend Woody - I think everyone has to have that one regret before a close one passes! Thank you for your whole series of "Solitude" - all very informative and thoughtful!
Never be ashamed or beating yourself up over what you could have said or done. Those times back then were very scary and just like now except it’s a sexless virus going on. Your friend and you did what was best at the time. Time is a gift too. You doing this videos are gifts too. Your stories bring me such joy right now. Thank you!
This totally brings back my memories of living in San Francisco in the early 90's, my good friend at the time was getting regular piercings at this place called Body Manipulations. Including a "Prince Albert"... and I had to help take care of him cuz' he was in so much pain afterwards. Lost friends too.. as this was just before the cocktail came out. Bittersweet memories indeed.. thank you CoCo.
I hope you share more photos and back story in future videos. I was moved as you recounted your nemories of Woody and the impact he had in those formative years. I don't know if there is any age one c9uld be to have prepared us for the devastation and paranoia of AIDS. But I was extremely touched by your honesty and insight as you recalled your lastl conversation with Woody. Think of it this way, whatever you didn't say or didn't know how to say to Woody in those final days you have certainly communicated to countless people and have helped, inspired and brought light to a huge following. Woody continues to guide and support you and has played an important part in your career as well as, in other lifetimes.
Coco, As an RN, I worked on AIDS units, and like you and so many, I too lost many patients and friends to the complications of AIDS. Believe me, having the right words to say to someone who is near the end of their life, and for whom you care for doesn't come easy, and often doesn't come out the way we hoped it would. Woody knew that your friendship was caring, loving and trusting. That he called you one final time was most likely his way of not only saying goodbye but also a way of saying *I know this is hard for you, so I’ll be the one to reach out and make it easier*. Thank you for this very personal story, it truly touched my heart ❤️
Those mashed potatoes - the little things - turned out to be the big things. Coco thank you for sharing Woody's story and your friendship. As someone who lost several close friends during the height of the AIDS years, I understand what you're trying to say. Your #alonetogether Thoughts While in Solitude videos have been a little ray of sunshine for me during this time. I've lost my job due to COVID-19, and you're absolutely helping me cope and keep the proper perspective, and a smile on my face. Thank you for being as FABULOUS as you are. xxx ooo One of your little Coco Puffs in Texas (Southern, like Woody!)
Thank you, Coco darling, for sharing your story about Woody and San Francisco and the piercing lady. What a kick! We used to eat at the Neon Chicken in the Castro, and our favorite waitress was named Bubbles. The chicken livers were to die for. It's so much fun to share cherished memories of the people and places we love.
Those of us who lived through the 80s and 90s in NYC, have this story in common. I cried so many tears and spent many hours visiting sick, young men in the hospital. Even now, it still makes me angry. Strangely, thinking of the people I knew that passed is now almost peaceful. So beautiful and brave; I was privileged to know all of them.
I gotta say, I love you Coco, so much! In a world of façades and half-truths, you are always real. And I appreciate that and these videos so much! Thank you.
omg Miss CoCo! December 1991 was my first Christmas! and right now I'm in my late 20s! I've unfortunately lost a few good friends along the way, too. I never quite know how to handle a goodbye either, but I always feel like they knew that I cared. Otherwise, they wouldn't have wanted to say goodbye to me. I hope your December is lovely! Thank you for all of these wonderful videos!
Hello beautiful Coco, well we're kinda out of solitude now, at least here in Australia anyway. I'm sure you want remember me but you sent me a little video for my birthday 3yrs ago. My beautiful son now my daughter, she transitioned this year, got you to send me a special birthday message. I so looked forward to watching you every night before I went to sleep, you made covid isolation abit easier to deal with and every night when you said " goodnight my Coco puffs" I'd kiss my phone goodnight and hoped you we're ok. The video you sent from my now daughter is SO PRECIOUS to me and I watch it every birthday. You just now popped up as I'm scrolling through UA-cam videos. Thankyou again for making those days a little better for everyone. Love to you always Coco, absolute legend 💛💚💙💜❤💕🌻
I'm bingeing all your videos lately...so I am a little late haha. Love your photos of friends. What a group of cuties! Woody seems like the most genuine, sweet, old soul. Thanks for sharing. When we look back on ourselves we are always the most critical. I know from experience. Woody loved you & u him, and you were there for him the way your could. I know he felt your love. Love u Coco!🌈❤🧡💛
What a beautiful memory! Coco, I think many of us did not know how to handle the passing of our friends at that time. You were not alone in that regard. So many things that could have been said, should have been said. However, they are Home and I am sure your friend is enjoying garlic mashed. Charming story. ( I love the coupons from Bed/Bath/Beyond! )
Coco thank you for this video. I've had two times like this in my life... When my next door neighbor was sick with cancer, he even came over to say "I'm dying" and I can't remember exactly what I said but it was some bs. And another time my uncle had died and we went to his wake and I talked to his kids like their fathers death had never even happened! I was asking them about what they were looking forward too and how their lives were going at that time. I look back at it and cringe, because those people wanted to talk about dying and goodbyes and memories, but I thought it would be more comfortable for me and them to talk about other things. I hope we all find the strength to talk about those really emotional times, when nothing is going to change the outcome of someone's future, hopefully we can make their passing more comfortable.
Thank you for your complete honesty We loved lived a nd survived the plague. I am a nurse and held many hands as they passed over He knew you loved him love you Coco
Thank you so much for sharing with us about Woody. Because you obviously cared for him so much you were able to really help me get the feel for who he was. You know Coco you mentioned your guilt in possibly not saying the right thing or behaving in the right way and for us human beings that really is the norm. I lost my husband 13 years ago and not a day goes by where I don't think of something I wish I had said. But something that was very important to him was he was afraid that when he passed away he would be forgotten. And I said to him for as long as I live that simply will not happen because of my joy in talking about who he was and how great of a person he is. So remember by sharing Woody with us there is no greater gift then you could give him. Love you dearly. Big hugs.
Miss Coco this story hit home for me. I moved away from my hometown and my best friend died of cancer there. The only thing I do was say goodbye over the phone. I didn't know what to say or if she even heard me at all. Hearing your story makes me feel like she did. I hope he watching over you, while eating his garlic mashed potatoes.
I love you Coco Peru every time I listen to you no matter what's going on in the world you always make me happy and your voice is just so calming! You're an amazing person! And I'm one of your biggest fans!
Coco: this is the most moving of your videos. I was in NYC during those dark and scary days. It helps me to know that wasn't alone in dealing with many deaths in my early 20s. This history needs to be told.
This was so touching and wonderful. Thank you for sharing that -- I was also in twenties in the 90's and had a hard time dealing with losing friends. Many regrets that I did not tell them I loved them before they left.
what a beautiful share. thank you so much for laying open your soul and humanity. we all have regrets. some of us dont even get a phonecall, theyre just gone all of a sudden. Woody loved you because you are a lovely person.
I needed this. I'm in the middle of writing and this falls into place flawlessly. A very dear friend passed and only one of his "drag friends" called him. He was the costumer. He was the show director. He was the one they came to for dinner and love when their families deserted them and when it was his time to go, nobody could even call. That crushed his partner - all of us really, but I think it was just simply too painful for them. I get it now. You're a treasure, Coco.
I truly appreciate that you share such intimate memories with your cocopuffs :) It helped me get through a very bad morning - never change Miss Coco Peru!!
Hold tight to all that is good withyour dear friend, love is ALWAYS there. 💗 So glad I met you!!! When I lost my mom a few years ago, I turn to people like you who example such a beautiful ❤️. Like mom
Coco, I find it so wonderful to hear all these stories of your past and how exciting it was. I am just ending my sophomore year of community college as a musical theatre major and soon moving out of my small, small, small southern town to go to university. Hearing your stories fills me with so much hope for my future as well as makes me appreciate you so much more! I am truly deeply sorry you had to lose such a dear friend earlier than they needed to go. Woody seemed so lovely from your story of him and reminds me of a friend I have here. He will be missed and live on forever through your memory and this video. Thank you for being so vulnerable with us. Sending love!
Oh Coco.... this story has rocked me to the core. I had a friend that passed away in the mid 90s the same as your friend did. Just as you I did not realize he was slipping away until it was too late and I will never forgive myself for not being there more for him. The way you put this into words was perfect. And I thank you ❤️
None of us had the coping skills back then. When I saw that date on the photo, the first thing that came to mind was that I had just tested positive 2 weeks earlier, and then a week into January I was in the hospital with a full blown AIDS diagnosis. Most of my friends didn't know how to deal with it so they just disappeared, just as I had previously reacted with friends diagnosed before me. We were all trying to navigate in unchartered territory and we can't spend the rest of our lives beating ourselves up over the past. All we can do is work at loving ourselves and loving others as best we can going forward. Sending love ❤
I'm sure you realize this but maybe not. You tell a story like they used to in the 30s 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s - of course with current language but your words paint a picture, that in normal recounting would just never capture both the outrageous but also the real. You're one in a billion and I'm so grateful that you're doing this and that I can look forward to yet another story. Love and appreciate you so much !!
Love the Alpachan sweater.. I have 2 alpachan blankets from my childhood that friends of my parents brought back from South America in the late 70's. I still keep one at the foot of my bed after all these years.
What a beautiful story. Thank you. Please don’t feel guilty. He wouldn’t want you to feel that way. Plus, you learned better and you acknowledged how you feel. How many millions of people never grow to be capable of that? Love, Brian
We didn't know how to deal.... I wish the same thing. The times I could've, should've, would've but didn't. But as I've gotten older I realize they knew me well enough that there was never a question of how I really felt. Woody would LOVE the fact you told this story and would be so excited about how your life has turned out.... BTW I haven't thought about Loehmanns in years... my Mother would go when they had the backroom sales and come home with bags and bags of clothes and tell my Dad how proud he should be that she saves him that kind of money😕...he never said a word. That was her way of getting out of still spending a fortune.
Thank you for your support. It really does mean so much to me. The love I fell from your comments is worth so much to me. xoxo
You're very much loved Dearest Coco, and you deserve all the love and support, you're giving so much joy and time to us. My offer is still valid, as I genuinely want to do something for you in return. 💜
it's a community of Love built around YOU, Coco Peru.
Clint 'n' Rafa sittin' in a tree....
Coco I knew who you were.... I've followed you here on UA-cam but never anywhere else. I've never seen your show but thought you were hilarious since I've been watching you. But since you started this daily inspiration I can say I have become a TRUE fan. I've found more of your work and watched it and have just fallen in Love......not in some weird fucking odd ball fan shit way. I just Love your work and that wonderful personality. I WILL...I HOPE someday see Miss Peru live.
Thank You! I felt this in my heart! The way you talked about this, to me shows how much it changed you. I just love the way you broach the more sensitive things in life. Death is a reality for us all, but I hope to have some of my own Coco-ness to throw at it when the time comes. You're a gem! ¡Viva Coco Peru!
😘🌈
He called you, and got exactly what he wanted: a moment of your time. You shared it with him. ❤️
I had a very close friend - then in the late 80's - I heard rumors he was not well. I went to go see him and he told me he had strep throat and some other BS. I told another friend not to worry and she said, "No I think he has cancer!" I ran into his Mom and she said no it was just the strep and it got more infected blahblahblah. Well I went to the cottage with my parents and kids - came home and I found out he had died of Aids when I was away. I never got to say good bye and tell him how much he meant to me and how much I loved him. I just sobbed and cried for weeks - I couldn't get over it. Went and saw his Mom and she told me he had asked her to keep his illness a secret and didn't want me to know because I had kids. Stupid time and stupid people made him think I would be afraid or not want to be with him. NOT me I would have been at his side every step of the way.
Well long story short - I had a dream where I was chasing him through the streets and I was yelling for him to stop - I wanted to talk to him. He was running and laughing - he ran up these big stairs on the side of a building and went inside. I followed him in and he was sitting on the couch laughing and said to me,"I'm OK, it's OK! I am happy and please don't cry anymore!"
After that dream I stopped crying, not because I wanted to, but because all my thoughts of him turned to all of our good times and our friendship. Very crazy how life is! We are always so sad to lose people we care for - but we have to remember they are OK :)
Reading this story reminds me of the only video recording I have of my grandma before she died in December. She talked about John Lennon and about Elizabeth Turner, how she was a champion for the LGBT+ and how she helped people with AIDS. She talked about how people were ignorant back then and that she too probably believed that garbage because she didn’t know better. I don’t know, it was a really deep and insightful conversation with her - she was a brilliant woman and this comment reminded me of that time. I am sorry that you weren’t able to say goodbye but I think it beautiful that he came to you in your dreams.
I’ve had a really hard time - off and on, with my Grandma’s death (then recently my 16 year old cat - to add more salt to a wound wide open) and this comment really hit me. Thank you for sharing. I hope one day I will stop crying because even if she is okay, I still miss her so much. Your comment has moved me to tears.
@@SourEggz **HUGS**
That was beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing that with all of us. ❤️
So sorry that you lost your friend. I've lost over 40 to that disease. I guess, on some level, I was lucky, I was, and am, a fat guy. so nobody wanted me. but now at age 66, I'm alone with no friends. I was with all of them until they passed, and I'm left to go by myself. My greatest hope is that they will come to get me soon.
we've all missed opportunities like that, Coco. take heart! the good news is that where Woody is now ... he understands.
Couldn't have said it better myself ♥
My best friend passed from AIDS too in 1992 . He was 21 .I was in my twenties. I wish I could have been there for him more in the end . He was so beautiful and brave. He always just acted annoyed by it . He told me once that he was going shopping for a font for his headstone. And I said to him don’t talk like that you’re going to be fine and he said “honey you gotta know what you’re gonna do with your bag of bones “..... your story totally reminded me of him. 🌈 ♥️
This story was not just from your heart.....it was from your soul.
What a touching story, It got me very emotional. Please forgive yourself Coco, because Woody doesn't blame you, he knows that you love him! You were a very handsome young man indeed. Sending you a big hug. Love you Coco. 💜
He knew who you were, Coco. And he knew you loved and appreciated him. We beat ourselves up even when we know they wouldn’t want us to,
‘91 .....it was just a blink of an eye ago....and another world away
MICHAEL CUTTINEAUX I so miss the 90’s.
Crazy, right?
I lived in San Francisco and LA in the late 80’s and it still haunts me. Pages of obituaries with beautiful young men, loss of beloved coworkers, the AIDS quilt on display on the lawn in front of the White House. I felt anger at lives lost too young, and now I wonder what could have been. I still grieve. 😢😢 it still breaks my heart.
we were so young to deal with all that, I think back and all the losses in my 20s just left me unable to cope...on a lighter note what an adorable young man you were, a cutie pie
Miss coco I swear your the best this was truly a very touching story
This was probably the one that hurts the most. It's the coulda, shoulda, woulda and looking back in reflections. Tears.
Such a sweet memory of a blessed friend for you! Death is a hard thing to handle for everyone and there isn't a guide book on how to handle the ends and outs of it. We all wish afterwards to have done more for our loved ones before they'd died and it tends to taint our memories. Don't let what you wished you had done, do this to your great memories of a true southern gentleman. As for being able to convince the Italian salesmen that you weren't that type of man made me laugh as in I could hear it now! You with your Bronx accent saying you don't like women that way 😂😆
You were his friend. And you werea good friend. We don’t deal with death the same way. You were also younger then him sorry you lost a dear friend to a horrible disease. My mom has been dead for 5 years and I still miss her .
Coco, I lost my best friend of thirty years about three years ago. I was there when he drew his last breath. He was HIV positive, in great shape till the end, but died of pancreatic cancer despite being a health nut since learning he was HIV positive.
I knew him before I walked into my first gay club. We both moved to Boston and lived a block a part from one another.
My fondest memory of him is one Sunday, morning/ afternoon-ish, him calling me and asking me if I wanted to do brunch.
We both had to decide if the gentlemen company we both had from the night before, (after a Saturday night of debauchery), were worthy of inviting to go with us.
In the end, we both ditched our companies and opted for brunch for just the two of us to compare notes.
I miss him dearly.
I've often thought about moving back to Boston, ( I just lost my mom and was her caregiver for over the last year, that's when I discovered your videos BTW and have to move and start again), but being a middle aged, jaded man, who lost his best friend... and his waistline, I think my experiences in Boston will be so much different than the memories I cherish.
Your videos brought me so much comfort over the last year. My mom died slowly from stage 4 brain cancer. But you managed to keep me laughing.
Thank you.
It took me two times to watch this clip, your memories of Woody and that guilt. I lost a few Woody's and can not tell you how much guilt I have for not being there. This is in my opinion one of your best TWIS ... Coco I felt the pain and could hear that regret in your voice. Hugs and lots of love because he now lives on in so many whom never met him, but wish they could have. Thank you!
I don’t know that I’ve ever cried watching a UA-cam video. I was in my late teens trying to talk to and uncle who was dying of HIV disease. I never realized how I felt about those last conversations, where I was trying to be light and uplifting and felt I was missing the opportunity to communicate how profound my relationship with him was. Coco, you’re not alone in that experience.
Those we lost to AIDS have always been described in such sweet terms - they were some of the best of us. It wasn’t just sadness, it was a fear like today’s generation wont’t ever know. I knew I should get tested frequently, but so much of me never wanted to know. In the end I would go and then wait and worry until I was sick. And all to find out I needn’t have worried. We may feel like the lucky ones because we were spared the disease, but we’re also lucky to have the Woody’s of the world looking down on us.
One of my first memories is going to my cousins funeral who passed from AIDS in 1992. He was in his late 20s early 30s. I was 5 . later in life I learned he was gender non conforming and possibly a drag queen. I wonder how many more stories like Woodys and my cousins there are. Just breaks my heart to think of how many amazing talented peoplewe lost to that awful disease.(revised after I told my mom about this comment and she saved his obit in a picture frame by her bedside so I was able to correct the info )
Coco darling, your friend knows how you felt then as well as now... They only leave us in the physical sense & can hear our thoughts of them & when our hearts speak of them at any time...💜💜💜💜💜 Thank you for sharing another beautiful memory with us. 💖
Oh, my.... I cried with this one, as I so could relate to it. I think when we are young (emotionally and in age) we have friends who are more aware and lift us up. I am thankful for those, like your friend, who could see our wide-eyed naivete and help us become whe we are today. Love to you always for your openness and love, Coco. Best wishes. Tom
Pure beauty Miss Coco. I literally can empathize with you since I lost my husband this way. I hate romanticized tragedy,but I honestly found so much love in those times. I lost all my friends and my hubby,the damage was something I buried. But art,music,and finally being happy as the emotional Cancer I am helped alot,and of course your stories! So ya see hon,what you do is healing,humor is the best medicine. I think of Mis Chicos Diamantes all the time,and corny as it may sound for years I tried being happy for them. And then one day,my Salvatore in guardian angel form figuratively slapped me saying,"Baby. Be happy for yourself, that will make me happy!".
The way you tell stories is so comforting, if that makes sense I just put my phone down and closed my eyes it felt nostalgic even though I wasn’t even born yet during the time your story took place. Sending lots of love!
Such a great time of life - you're not alone at all. Loved Woody to pieces. I'm connected to John-Alan on FB. Only recently same across John again on FB - in all these years, can you belive? Loved this particular "thought while in solitude" so much. So many memories.
Im just now viewing this all these years later. Ive always been kind of a late bloomer.. anywhoo.. I love you Coco! You always, even in the midst of heavy moments, always lighten up the world in yiur words and stories. You are a fabulouse story teller. How you emancipated yourself from that heavy memory!! Bravo. We need to feel such emotions of such immense times, as long as we need/needed to feel them. You help me to lighten my emotions too, in all that you say and do. Many great blessings to a beacon of light like you!!! 😘💕💜🕊
Aunty CoCo , teaching us life lessons , your never promised tomorrow, say it now do it now♡
I don't think people are ever ready to react to the death of someone close to them....You do what you can and know that they will understand and that you loved them...That's the best you can do...
That was a really tough time. AIDS seeped into every aspect of our lives. It was overwhelming. In the movies they made about it years later, everyone always knows what to say and how to react, but that wasn't the way it was. Now 30+ years later, perhaps some of us for whom the world got better after ART have begun to forget what that time was really like; the fear and the horror, our world grinding to a halt, while the broader public either looked away or jeered. It wasn't all AIDS Galas and ActUp protests, there was the mind wrenching, everyday drip-drip-drip of it all. Don't kick yourself, Honey, even saying a "stupid" thing was (and still is) saying the right thing, 'cuz it's about being human. Life ain't like in the movies.
I recognized you right off in this photo, same beautiful smile........I lost my first cousin the same way in 1986, and I miss him dearly.........thank you so much for your thoughts in solitude Miss Coco 💗🌷💐🌻💕🌷
I found this video by chance today. Your picture was taken just before my 21st birthday. Hearing your reminiscences brought back a flood of emotions and memories from that best of times/worst of times. You are not alone in feeling unable to convey more to those that were dying in those days. I think the joys of youth wouldn’t allow the sadness to overtake us.
It’s been on long road since then, darling. But thank you for bringing back those memories. I didn’t realize how much I needed some of those today. ❤
My condolences on the loss of your friend. *hugz*
Thank you, Coco, for helping me forgive myself for not knowing what to say to a friend who was dying.
Thank you Coco for patronizing my parent company - Bed, Bath & Beyond (I work at World Market and loved your visit video from a few years ago). I hope this is not an insult to you, but you are hot as both a boy and a girl. Regarding your precious Woody, I totally hear you on the desire to be a better friend in such a time. You may not know what you mean, or how to express it exactly, but I feel you in my heart because I have lived it myself. Thank you Coco my precious.
I have your same bed topper! Mine is grey from the BBB and I probably got it from the clearance/return shelf with a coupon. I like they let you coupon on the clearance. It's a velvety feel and I like the lines. The bed looks really like I put a lot of effort when I just pull the covers on straight. I like your remembrances and Woody sounds like such a special friend. I have so many old memories. It's nice to think back and smile in your heart. I'm sure you meant so much to him too. Beautiful photo of all of you. Beautiful. I'd love to see the dress Woody made. I bet it was just great too.
Thank you for sharing this. I too have experienced that feeling of not being there for a close friend when they’re terminally ill. Friend passed away when we were 13 and I just didn’t didn’t have those coping skills to be helpful as a friend. Thank you for helping me not feel alone.
Wow! Was not expecting such a tear jerking story. First, fate is cruel, had I been born in a different place in a different time, I'd possibly be "Mr. Coco" today. Second, I really love hearing people talk about the past and our history, especially with AIDS and the gay movement. I was in a little vacuum bubble most of my life and never even knew about that stuff until much later in life.
The closest thing I can relate to is years ago I had a much older friend. He was gay/bi/whatever and had grown children and we'd hand write letters and send each other baked cookies when sick. He had some kind of blood cancer and right before he was going into hospice he made his round of calls to say goodbye to everyone and I was on that list. I too had no clue what to say and was in shock. Perhaps the best thing in those situations is just to let the other person say what they'd like to say and listen. It's very different having physical distance between someone and yourself and getting the pre-death call versus being in their presence physically till the end.
I understand. I remember when my friend Mugsy passed...I didn’t know how to deal or react when his best friend came to tell me I was stunned. To this day I wish that I had gone to see him.
BB&B came up once in a David Letterman Top 10 list... it was at the time of the riots in LA after the Rodney King verdict, and Letterman did a list of "Top 10 stores that would never be looted in LA" and one of the items was "Bed Bath & Bea Arthur".
Thank you so much for sharing. This reminded me of quite a few people in my life that are no longer here due to AIDS. I was ill-equipped to cope with all of the loss as well. I find peace in their memory and I wish the same for you as well ❤️
🥺This was a hard watch. Having carried profound guilt and regret from the same situation for the past 20 years continues to be gut wrenching and I truly sympathize with everyone in similar situations....but while we litter our lives with our would’ve, should’ve, could’ves; our actions and inactions carry similar weight as they both, hopefully, mold us into better people...be it through recognition or regret. It is clear that in sharing Woody’s friendship you unified many in the comments; joining in solidarity over loss and transformation. Thank you for sharing, Miss Coco; in building a more compassionate community, you are honoring Woody’s life. Stay well 🧡
I feel like I just had that memory with you! You’re such a wonderful storyteller. Definitely brightens my day! Thank you! My condolences for your friend. He sounds like a hoot!
Coco such a heartfelt story you are one of a kind! You touch my inner emotions please more stories . Thkyou!
Hey Coco. I just found this video. I've been loving you since 93. I had a makeup artist friend at the salon where we worked. His name was Billy. Fabulous person. Used to make all his drag outfits. He beaded a pair of little lycra shorts to go to South Beach on a company trip. I was his part time care giver when he got too sick to work. It has been one of the most important things I have ever done and I was a hot mess party girl at the time. I think when it came to AIDS, we just have to say we did the best we could. His best friend would not come see him towards the end. He could not take it. I feel honored that I got to be a part of his exit. All my love
Thanks for sharing. Those times during the height of the AIDS crisis were very hard on people and we dealt with them the best we could. Remembering those we lost and keeping them in our hearts.
You are so heartfelt and right on. Thank you for sharing your stories. Especially this one about Woody. You are not alone in what you describe about not knowing how to be, what to say, in the early 90’s regarding death-especially from AIDS. Much love, keep it coming, and come back to the Berkshires. 💖
That was so sweet! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing. Can't imagine living through such a horrible time. Shed a tear for Woody and that lost generation of amazing people.
I got choked up today Miss Coco from this video remembering Woody. We all have our stories, be grateful you knew such a wonderful person. She must have been so much fun. Shout out to my friend Tony, where ever you are .... Always with love ..... Huggs to you Miss Coco
Coco I was touched by your story today...that's all I can say he seemed a genuine heart and friend.....I can say I had a genuine friend and his ex wife who divorced before me...but, I remeber visiting him while my marriage was falling apart...he was such a good family friend and he rescued me from spending a night in an airport..in orlando...I bought him dinner and he let me stay in the guest room.....and I don't think I truely thanked him for that..cause he drove 45 min to pick me up and then turn around the next day to drop me off....he was such a genuine guy....well, after i divorced i never saw him again and just recently in the last year...by chance searching up his address in texas where he had moved to...and found his obituary... i was crushed and sad for days and days cause he was " good ol phil"...well, that's my story...too much to read but, I questioned my self did I say the right thankyou for what he did...I never thought he would die in his middle 50s....thanks coco..for this that stirred up the emotion...and just let me say...you are and were and still a handsome fella and beautiful inside and out🥰🥰🥰🥰🤗🦋🦋beauty is beauty........
Wow Miss Coco this was moving. I hope you share more photos and stories like this. Such an amazing look into your world and I love how open you just were. You were beautiful then and beautiful now! I love you 💕
Wow - Miss Peru...That was only two years (1993) before I moved to NYC. I stayed for 20 years! You were/are absolutely adorable! What a lovely memory of your friend Woody - I think everyone has to have that one regret before a close one passes! Thank you for your whole series of "Solitude" - all very informative and thoughtful!
Never be ashamed or beating yourself up over what you could have said or done. Those times back then were very scary and just like now except it’s a sexless virus going on. Your friend and you did what was best at the time. Time is a gift too. You doing this videos are gifts too. Your stories bring me such joy right now. Thank you!
This totally brings back my memories of living in San Francisco in the early 90's, my good friend at the time was getting regular piercings at this place called Body Manipulations. Including a "Prince Albert"... and I had to help take care of him cuz' he was in so much pain afterwards. Lost friends too.. as this was just before the cocktail came out. Bittersweet memories indeed.. thank you CoCo.
Wow, way to make a tear come to my eye. Glad he had a friend like you.
I hope you share more photos and back story in future videos. I was moved as you recounted your nemories of Woody and the impact he had in those formative years. I don't know if there is any age one c9uld be to have prepared us for the devastation and paranoia of AIDS. But I was extremely touched by your honesty and insight as you recalled your lastl conversation with Woody. Think of it this way, whatever you didn't say or didn't know how to say to Woody in those final days you have certainly communicated to countless people and have helped, inspired and brought light to a huge following. Woody continues to guide and support you and has played an important part in your career as well as, in other lifetimes.
Coco, As an RN, I worked on AIDS units, and like you and so many, I too lost
many patients and friends to the complications of AIDS. Believe me, having the right words to say to someone who is near the end of their life, and for whom you care for doesn't come easy, and often doesn't come out the way we hoped it would. Woody knew that your friendship was caring, loving and trusting. That he called you one final time was most likely his way of not only saying goodbye but also a way of saying *I know this is hard for you, so I’ll be the one to reach out and make it easier*. Thank you for this very personal story, it truly touched my heart ❤️
Thanks for sharing this, Coco... Here's to Woody and ALL of the wonderful friends & loved ones whom so many of us lost... xo
Those mashed potatoes - the little things - turned out to be the big things. Coco thank you for sharing Woody's story and your friendship. As someone who lost several close friends during the height of the AIDS years, I understand what you're trying to say. Your #alonetogether Thoughts While in Solitude videos have been a little ray of sunshine for me during this time. I've lost my job due to COVID-19, and you're absolutely helping me cope and keep the proper perspective, and a smile on my face. Thank you for being as FABULOUS as you are. xxx ooo One of your little Coco Puffs in Texas (Southern, like Woody!)
Thank you, Coco darling, for sharing your story about Woody and San Francisco and the piercing lady. What a kick! We used to eat at the Neon Chicken in the Castro, and our favorite waitress was named Bubbles. The chicken livers were to die for. It's so much fun to share cherished memories of the people and places we love.
Those of us who lived through the 80s and 90s in NYC, have this story in common. I cried so many tears and spent many hours visiting sick, young men in the hospital. Even now, it still makes me angry. Strangely, thinking of the people I knew that passed is now almost peaceful. So beautiful and brave; I was privileged to know all of them.
I gotta say, I love you Coco, so much! In a world of façades and half-truths, you are always real. And I appreciate that and these videos so much! Thank you.
Miss Coco... that was a very beautiful story and you are absolutely right... it was the best of times and the worst of time.
omg Miss CoCo! December 1991 was my first Christmas! and right now I'm in my late 20s! I've unfortunately lost a few good friends along the way, too. I never quite know how to handle a goodbye either, but I always feel like they knew that I cared. Otherwise, they wouldn't have wanted to say goodbye to me.
I hope your December is lovely! Thank you for all of these wonderful videos!
Hello beautiful Coco, well we're kinda out of solitude now, at least here in Australia anyway. I'm sure you want remember me but you sent me a little video for my birthday 3yrs ago. My beautiful son now my daughter, she transitioned this year, got you to send me a special birthday message. I so looked forward to watching you every night before I went to sleep, you made covid isolation abit easier to deal with and every night when you said " goodnight my Coco puffs" I'd kiss my phone goodnight and hoped you we're ok. The video you sent from my now daughter is SO PRECIOUS to me and I watch it every birthday. You just now popped up as I'm scrolling through UA-cam videos. Thankyou again for making those days a little better for everyone. Love to you always Coco, absolute legend 💛💚💙💜❤💕🌻
Coco, you’re a treasure to me. I love your stories. I miss your uploads. Big big hugs.
I'm certain he looks after you Coco...that kind of bond is eternal...Love you Darling!! 💋
I'm bingeing all your videos lately...so I am a little late haha.
Love your photos of friends. What a group of cuties! Woody seems like the most genuine, sweet, old soul. Thanks for sharing.
When we look back on ourselves we are always the most critical. I know from experience. Woody loved you & u him, and you were there for him the way your could. I know he felt your love.
Love u Coco!🌈❤🧡💛
Crying over woody and your story. Time goes by so fast. Thanks for sharing your thoughts..
What a beautiful memory! Coco, I think many of us did not know how to handle the passing of our friends at that time. You were not alone in that regard. So many things that could have been said, should have been said. However, they are Home and I am sure your friend is enjoying garlic mashed. Charming story. ( I love the coupons from Bed/Bath/Beyond! )
Coco thank you for this video. I've had two times like this in my life... When my next door neighbor was sick with cancer, he even came over to say "I'm dying" and I can't remember exactly what I said but it was some bs. And another time my uncle had died and we went to his wake and I talked to his kids like their fathers death had never even happened! I was asking them about what they were looking forward too and how their lives were going at that time. I look back at it and cringe, because those people wanted to talk about dying and goodbyes and memories, but I thought it would be more comfortable for me and them to talk about other things. I hope we all find the strength to talk about those really emotional times, when nothing is going to change the outcome of someone's future, hopefully we can make their passing more comfortable.
This video still moves me, two years after you posted it. It has aged well. And so have you, Miss Coco.
Thank you for your complete honesty We loved lived a nd survived the plague. I am a nurse and held many hands as they passed over He knew you loved him love you Coco
Wow ,you brought a few tears with that one ! That was really something , Coco !!!
Thank you so much for sharing with us about Woody. Because you obviously cared for him so much you were able to really help me get the feel for who he was. You know Coco you mentioned your guilt in possibly not saying the right thing or behaving in the right way and for us human beings that really is the norm. I lost my husband 13 years ago and not a day goes by where I don't think of something I wish I had said. But something that was very important to him was he was afraid that when he passed away he would be forgotten. And I said to him for as long as I live that simply will not happen because of my joy in talking about who he was and how great of a person he is. So remember by sharing Woody with us there is no greater gift then you could give him. Love you dearly. Big hugs.
Your Personal Stories to all of us are Priceless - This impacted me hard.
We All Love You-Hugs from the Bronx 💝💝💝
Miss Coco this story hit home for me. I moved away from my hometown and my best friend died of cancer there. The only thing I do was say goodbye over the phone. I didn't know what to say or if she even heard me at all. Hearing your story makes me feel like she did. I hope he watching over you, while eating his garlic mashed potatoes.
Thank you for doing these videos! They are a real bright light during these times
I love you Coco Peru every time I listen to you no matter what's going on in the world you always make me happy and your voice is just so calming! You're an amazing person! And I'm one of your biggest fans!
Coco: this is the most moving of your videos. I was in NYC during those dark and scary days. It helps me to know that wasn't alone in dealing with many deaths in my early 20s. This history needs to be told.
This was so touching and wonderful. Thank you for sharing that -- I was also in twenties in the 90's and had a hard time dealing with losing friends. Many regrets that I did not tell them I loved them before they left.
Miss Coco, I love you so much. Thank you for sharing. More stories about your adventures in the 90's, please!
what a beautiful share. thank you so much for laying open your soul and humanity. we all have regrets. some of us dont even get a phonecall, theyre just gone all of a sudden. Woody loved you because you are a lovely person.
Bless Woody's friendship and spirit that he shared with you, Coco. 👨❤️👨💞
You are not alone, and thanks for all you do.
Thanks! Enjoy your videos!
I needed this. I'm in the middle of writing and this falls into place flawlessly. A very dear friend passed and only one of his "drag friends" called him. He was the costumer. He was the show director. He was the one they came to for dinner and love when their families deserted them and when it was his time to go, nobody could even call. That crushed his partner - all of us really, but I think it was just simply too painful for them. I get it now. You're a treasure, Coco.
Coco what a lovely story. I bet we've all been there while someone has passed and wished we would of said more. Your the kindess💗💗
I truly appreciate that you share such intimate memories with your cocopuffs :) It helped me get through a very bad morning - never change Miss Coco Peru!!
Hold tight to all that is good withyour dear friend, love is ALWAYS there. 💗 So glad I met you!!! When I lost my mom a few years ago, I turn to people like you who example such a beautiful ❤️. Like mom
Coco, I find it so wonderful to hear all these stories of your past and how exciting it was. I am just ending my sophomore year of community college as a musical theatre major and soon moving out of my small, small, small southern town to go to university. Hearing your stories fills me with so much hope for my future as well as makes me appreciate you so much more! I am truly deeply sorry you had to lose such a dear friend earlier than they needed to go. Woody seemed so lovely from your story of him and reminds me of a friend I have here. He will be missed and live on forever through your memory and this video. Thank you for being so vulnerable with us. Sending love!
Oh Coco.... this story has rocked me to the core. I had a friend that passed away in the mid 90s the same as your friend did. Just as you I did not realize he was slipping away until it was too late and I will never forgive myself for not being there more for him. The way you put this into words was perfect. And I thank you ❤️
As long as they know..you loved them..its what matters..we lost so many during those years..that brought back some sad memories.
None of us had the coping skills back then. When I saw that date on the photo, the first thing that came to mind was that I had just tested positive 2 weeks earlier, and then a week into January I was in the hospital with a full blown AIDS diagnosis. Most of my friends didn't know how to deal with it so they just disappeared, just as I had previously reacted with friends diagnosed before me. We were all trying to navigate in unchartered territory and we can't spend the rest of our lives beating ourselves up over the past. All we can do is work at loving ourselves and loving others as best we can going forward. Sending love ❤
I'm sure you realize this but maybe not. You tell a story like they used to in the 30s 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s - of course with current language but your words paint a picture, that in normal recounting would just never capture both the outrageous but also the real. You're one in a billion and I'm so grateful that you're doing this and that I can look forward to yet another story. Love and appreciate you so much !!
You’re a doll. Wisdom and beauty in one New York style package. Love ya!
Love the Alpachan sweater.. I have 2 alpachan blankets from my childhood that friends of my parents brought back from South America in the late 70's. I still keep one at the foot of my bed after all these years.
What a beautiful story. Thank you. Please don’t feel guilty. He wouldn’t want you to feel that way. Plus, you learned better and you acknowledged how you feel. How many millions of people never grow to be capable of that? Love, Brian
We didn't know how to deal.... I wish the same thing. The times I could've, should've, would've but didn't. But as I've gotten older I realize they knew me well enough that there was never a question of how I really felt. Woody would LOVE the fact you told this story and would be so excited about how your life has turned out.... BTW I haven't thought about Loehmanns in years... my Mother would go when they had the backroom sales and come home with bags and bags of clothes and tell my Dad how proud he should be that she saves him that kind of money😕...he never said a word. That was her way of getting out of still spending a fortune.
Why did this make me cry? Your sincerity is beautiful, dear Coco.