“Everyone should chase their dreams and take the risk to find themselves,” says Linda Riddle. Throughout her life, Linda wondered about the years before she came with her mother and her new stepfather from Thailand to the US at the age of three. She says, “I hadn’t been back to Thailand or seen my biological father in all that time…until this year. Together with my husband and partner Todd and our kids, I embarked on the journey of a lifetime. Because of that journey into the past, I’m a whole person today.”

Each family tree has deep roots…and Linda’s stretched back into Thailand. She says, “Going back to Thailand was meaningful for me…and for my brother, too. His wife, my Thai sister-in-law, spent a month in Thailand before our arrival doing the research to find our father…and to make our trip run smoothly. We’ve come so far from our own beginnings. I also wanted my kids to see their heritage and to find their own roots. Having that strong sense of self is a gift they’ll carry throughout life.”

Every step of the journey brought new memories. “On the top of a fifty-floor building named Heavenly,” says Linda,“my son proposed to his girlfriend. She said yes…making another perfect memory and a new beginning for all of us!” Todd says, “This trip changed my perspective about life on the other side of the world. Seeing such a joyful attitude and strong work ethic opened my eyes. I’ve been incredibly moved by how many people reached out with open hearts to show us kindness.”

The trip culminated with the long-awaited meeting between Linda and her biological father. She says, “I had so many things I wanted to say, but we were only able to look at each other across the language barrier and laugh and cry. What happened over the years we were apart? He had been a contractor, but the end of his job left him with no benefits and no family…except us. Now he lives in a four by four shack with a concrete floor. He sleeps on a pallet, has a television with a single channel, and one photo of me as the little girl he remembered and longed to see again…but he’s happy. We take so much for granted here in America…and I’ve been so blessed to have the opportunities my mom and stepfather gave me. Seeing my father’s meagre material possessions, I truly understand my personal drive to give my kids a better life. I’ll keep this trip forever in my heart. It’s closure…and the beginning of a renewed relationship with my father and a deeper understanding of who I am.”

Real Estate Riddles: When is a house more than a house? When it’s a home! Linda says, “Now more than ever, Todd and I understand that a house is more than four walls and a roof. Our team of agents and managers forge personal connections with our clients. We take pride in being big enough to stay on top of everything, but small enough to deliver personal attention and service! Todd adds, “Whether we’re working on a 2 million dollar deal or a hundred thousand dollar deal, we give our clients the same care and attention. We put our hearts into finding your home!” Team Riddle has consistently been the top Sienna Realtor for over ten years with ReMax Fine Properties, and a Top 20 Multi-million Dollar Producer in the state of Texas.

Re/max Fine Properties
Todd & Linda Riddle
4500 Highway 6 Suite A
Sugar Land, TX 77478
Cell: (713) 540-0608
Business: (713) 540-0608
Fax: (281) 778-8867
License Number: 520449
www.teamriddle.com