Mario YbarraMario Ybarra, Jr. is a genuine, kindhearted and easygoing person. He always strives to put a smile on people's faces. He is quite inquisitive as he believes every person has a unique story to tell. He lives in the southernmost tip of the United State and is happily married to Mary, a very loving and supportive wife. They have two dogs, a Lab mix named "Sparky" and an amusing Pomeranian who goes by "Puki." They also own two lovebirds who, oddly enough don't have a name. Mario lost his father eight days before his first birthday. He never had the chance to know him. As a result of his father's tragic demise, he has grown up battling various mental health issues. Depression and anxiety are but a few of the symptoms he fights every day. One of the ways he copes with his struggles is by writing. Despite his mental health challenges, he still manages to advocate for what he believes in. Many people that know him will tell you that he is very passionate about veterans and their families. María Misses Her Hero was written with the intention of bringing awareness to one aspect of the lives of military-connected families, specifically dealing with the children. It aims to instill understanding, empathy and patriotism in the hearts of all who read it. Most importantly, Mario seeks to bring a sense of belonging and connectedness to those children who, like he, experience their own form of sacrifice. Read More Read Less