Young TJ started life in North Texas, during a dust-bowl time, when life was at its hardest. He must leave home at an early age to survive. He works at different jobs and experiences many difficult times that test his values. As he becomes a man and finds his way in life, TJ meets the girl of his dreams but he also becomes the target of greed and murder. With the help of his friends and adopted family, TJ overcomes the evil of Rodney Crisp, his ill-gotten partner. Rodney wants TJ killed so he can take over the mining operation. No matter what happens in TJ's life, his roots run deep and he sticks to the honest, hard working values his parents instilled in him; and the reward for this is a family and happiness.