A Son Draws Strength From His Dad’s Fight To Build A Better Life
The sounds of Texas.

Courtesy Diaz family
With the coronavirus ravaging the economy, Joshua Diaz, far right, was looking for wisdom. That got him thinking about his dad, Derek. After years of success as a builder in Michigan, Derek faced major setbacks when the economy cratered in 2008. He and his family moved to Texas for a new start. As it turned out, though, he needed a couple of new starts – and he got them. Joshua says it was his dad's tenacity that helped his family through hard times.
“He packed up my mom, my sister and me, and we all moved to Texas.”
“I was offered to come to Beaumont, Texas to build a restaurant. … It quickly became as bad, or worse than what I left in Michigan. I went on unemployment twice.”
“But life still wasn’t done throwing hurdles in the way of my dad’s big plans.”
“I had a minor setback here with COVID-19, but I think I have the arrows in my quiver to understand it. Stay calm, keep moving.”
If you found the reporting above valuable, please consider making a donation to support it here. Your gift helps pay for everything you find on texasstandard.org and KUT.org. Thanks for donating today.
Most viewed right now

‘Early detection, rapid response’: Invasive axis deer spotted at Big Thicket

Texas Standard for Jan. 23, 2023: New invasive species sighted in Southeast Texas nature preserve

Changing winds? These are the marijuana bills we’re watching in this year’s legislative session

This San Antonio teen went from taking tests to shaping his school district’s future in just a year

Despite low demand, gas prices are inching upward again

This historic Gulf Coast hotel is temporarily safe from demolition

‘Early detection, rapid response’: Invasive axis deer spotted at Big Thicket

Texas Standard for Jan. 23, 2023: New invasive species sighted in Southeast Texas nature preserve

Changing winds? These are the marijuana bills we’re watching in this year’s legislative session

This San Antonio teen went from taking tests to shaping his school district’s future in just a year

Despite low demand, gas prices are inching upward again
