The Paths of the Laotians’ Cross Dresser’s
2005 Update
The original 1995 article in the Woodstock Times ran:
“In 1980, I sponsored a young Laotian family so they could escape
confinement in a Thai refugee camp and come to America. The father,
Vilay, was bright and mechanically gifted and within months was making
good money as a partner in my construction firm.
Together we soon bought land and built a home for their family.
Since a mortgage was not an option for them, I put in time and money in
return for a half interest in the home.
Although prospering, after a few Woodstock winters – never
before having endured snow – they longed for the climate of their
homeland. About that time one of my tenants, Chloe Dresser, asked me
if I knew of any home she could buy with a small inheritance.
To make a long story short, Chloe bought Vilay’s half
interest, Vilay took his family to Louisiana and used his capital to buy a
shrimp boat. By the time of closing, Chloe and I had fallen in love,
and still are, with 2 children of our own.”
Update for 2005
In 2003, I received a call from Vilay in Georgia, who had
found a great buy on a home for his family, but didn’t have the credit
established to purchase it. Fortunately, I was able to help
him buy it. In October 2004, he decided to take his family to
Florida and was able to sell his home for a $60,000. profit.
Last summer, I bought a home in need of immediate
renovation here near Woodstock. I called Vilay, and he and his wife
came up for a couple of weeks to help out. We had a joyous reunion
after more than 2 decades. |