... in response to Vietnamese and the "nail " bus..., posted by MsDuong on Aug 18, 2002Vietnamesse couple here in Houston who came from Viet Nam with the boat people who escaped during the last days of the war. They had been millionaires there and lost it when the Viet Cong distroyed their buisness. They started again with the US military and succeeded quite well. They escaped with the boat people refugees. When they got to the refugee area they once again were able to develope a 3rd business that made them amoung the wealthiest in the refugee camps. But eventually the camps came to an end and they lost all again. They were given residence here in Houston and bought a donut shop from a family member in the Greenspoint area (at that time one of the worst and most violent in Houston). They lived off their discards and small amnounts of rice but paid for the business in just over two years. From there they expanded and invested. They slept on flower sacks in the back room. They are now millionaires again and have now become millionaires 4x in their lives in 4 different businesses. I think the thing that impressed me the most is that family members only gave them the start not the wealth. They did the rest on their own.
Recent discussions with my wife clarified that her family really did intend for her/me/us to provide for their every need. I offered to help them purchase a mototrcycle and let them pay Honey back so she would have an income. They decided I was buying it for them with no obligation on their part. I said I would buy Honey and I a house there to retire in and they would be allowed to stay with us. It became that we would put the home in their name and purchase it for them. I was even to pay for the 35 y.o. Joyal to retire (remember the girl who cause all our problems?) A recent discussion with her mother overheard her say that at one point my wife was their hope - now they have to start all over again with the other children (and I send them $50/mo.?).
Hmmmm? I think I see a big difference. Count yourself lucky and learn from what they are doing.
Bear and Honey