No Excuses: A Memoir

Yolanda Alvarez was born to this world like us all - ignorant of the world’s harshness and joys. No one at that time could have known the things she was to accomplish or the profound effect she would have on those she would meet. I can say thisbecause I am one of those people.From the first day I met her, Yolanda was a force of nature. She has seen the best and the worst that people have to offer. Yet, she has never censored herself in the things she does or in the ways she communicates with others. She is conscious of individual perception yet refuses to accept the world as it is. When someone is discovered as being in need, Yolanda makesit a point to be available to lend a helping hand or ear even to a stranger. Her strength of character has always moved people to be better than they are or what they think themselves to be. Watching her move through life’s obstacles is proof that even when you think you have nothing left to give and you think the world is about to swallow you whole, you can come out from under it the better. Those who think they can quiet or censor her are in for a rude awakening. I have learned so much from her in the years I have known her and I know I will continue to do so as Yolanda… is just getting started.