Tami Roman grew up in a middle class single parent household in White Plains, NY. Since her mom worked three jobs to support them, Tami spent many days and nights alone, undoubtedly a "latch-key" kid responsible for raising herself. It wasn't until Tami's mother met and married Ali Akbar that her childhood changed drastically. Ali, a devout Muslim taught Tami the value of higher education, spiritual foundation, and strong family values. Although, it was the Muslim culture that would subconsciously teach Tami that women should be submissive and eternally supportive of their husbands, as they are the head of the household.
Falling in line with the culture may have worked for Tami, but not her mother. Upon Ali's infidelity, Tami's mother immediately divorced him, leaving Tami broken and confused. The only man that she associated unconditional love with was snatched away and the only woman she ever loved and respected became a hardened, skeptical, workaholic. Tami would spend the better part of her life trying to find love lost and working hard to never become as distant as her mother.
Over the next couple of years, Tami and her mother would go through many trials and tribulations. Bonding beyond belief, to the point they appeared to be more like sisters than mother and daughter. Especially when they were forced to live on the streets for six (6) months because her mother was unjustly terminated from her job, they stuck together, faced the toughest of storms and developed a relationship that would stand the test of time. Tami didn't attend her prom and almost didn't participate in graduation ceremony because she couldn't afford her cap and gown. All of life's down points helped Tami and her mother to become strong, independent, knowledgeable, humble women who know, understand, and appreciate the value of life.