Nearly four months after his ordeal began, Ed Chrisman enjoyed neighborly hugs and warm handshakes on May 2 from family and friends who gathered at the Arlington Heights Community Hall for a homecoming celebration.

Chrisman, who recently turned 89, was arrested in Mexico on January 8 along with his grandson, Gary Chrisman, Jr., on charges that the two men tried to solicit young girls to pose for nude photographs. No evidence has ever been presented to corroborate the charges, but the grandson remains in a Mexicali jail. A hearing is set for May 8 for Gary Chrisman, Jr., after which the family is hopeful he'll also be set free.

The elder Chrisman was finally freed on March 14, weeks after a Mexican judge ordered his release, saying the man's rights had been violated. Even though the hearing was labeled an "emergency," the ruling was made February 9 and another five weeks went by before Chrisman was released.

The Arlington man, who's been called "the grandfather of his church," spent the first three days in a filthy cell with no food, no water, and no bed. Even after being moved to a slightly better area of the prison on medical advice, he still endured miserable conditions.

"A guard there had a dog who had puppies," he remembered, "and the rats were so big they'd drag the pups off."

He contracted pneumonia and his health deteriorated as he sat in jail, his only comfort the faithful visits of his family from Arizona and the northwest, and the food and other meager gifts they were allowed to bring him.

A quiet man with a quick smile, Chrisman didn't hesitate when asked what helped him get through the days.

"There was an angel watching over us," he said. "Even after I was moved, I was still able to see Gary Jr. nearly everyday, and we knew we weren't forgotten."

Not forgotten, indeed. Bill and Linda Hartman are the pastors at Chrisman's church, the Arlington Assembly of God. "There were lots of prayers, lots of phone calls," said Linda Hartman. "And when Ed was released, we knew that God had answered."

Jan Potts was dishing up cups of punch at the homecoming event on Sunday. She is related to Ed Chrisman through marriage, and is Gary Jr.'s aunt. Potts is thankful for Chrisman's freedom, but believes his "absolutely absurd" incarceration was part of God's plan.

"Ed was there for a reason," she said fervently, "and that was to get us back on our knees, praying."

"We were all surprised that our country couldn't do better," said Potts, "although we've been grateful for the support that [state senator] Val Stevens has provided."

A memory book on the front table of the community hall told the story in vivid details. In addition to news clippings and transcripts from TV newscasts, the book held copies of letters written to U.S. officials, cards and letters from friends and well-wishers, and photos showing Ed Chrisman's jail "tattoo" and the haggard-looking man crossing the border with his son, Gary Sr.

Don Chrisman, another of Ed's sons, lives just a few miles away from his father's Arlington home. He is understandably relieved that his father's traumatic adventure has come to an end, but is still concerned about his nephew.

"He's a straight shooter," Don said of Gary, Jr., "and I'm hoping we'll get good news after his hearing on May 8."

As for Ed Chrisman, who often winters in Yuma, Arizona, one thing is abundantly clear.

"I'm never going back to Mexico," he vowed.

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