My name is Murtle Jacobus Graner. I'm the eldest of three children. I graduated from high school in 1993 and gave birth to my first child in 1994. I'm now happily married and a mother of six extraordinary kids. I've lost one of my daughters, Shakira in 2009 when she was only six weeks old. I have an Associates' degree in Management and Leadership. I've always wanted to become a lawyer but the universe had other plans for me. My family is the most important people in my life. My friends and extended family members also play an important role in my everyday life. I value honesty, respect, trust, and integrity above all else. My biggest inspiration is Rumi. He is an ancient writer and his views on life, love, and family really captivated my heart, mind, and soul. I would describe myself as caring, loving and most of all, unselfish. I always place the needs and success of my children before mine. It is my wish for them to be the best they can be. We've been through extremely tough times as a family; from living on the streets at a gas station to moving to a shelter for homeless people, to losing my six-week daughter. I suppose it was my unshakable faith in God Almighty that carried us through. Everything we've been through as a family has shaped me into becoming the person I am today. If I could have a career without worrying about money or any practical constraints, I would choose to be a writer over and over. I wouldn't change it for any other high-paying career.