Mario 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 southern most tip of the United States. He is happily married to a very loving and supportive wife. Her name is Mary. They have two dogs. One is a Lab mix named "Sparky" and the other is an amusing Pomeranian who goes by "Puki." They also own two lovebirds. Oddly enough, they 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 everyday. One of the ways he copes with his struggles is by writing. Hence, María Misses Her Hero is born.
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. That's why this particular book is very important to him.
Mario wrote María Misses Her Hero with the intention of delivering a sense of belonging and connectedness to military-connected children who, like he, experience their own form of sacrifice. Most importantly, to instill understanding, empathy and patriotism in the hearts of all who read it.