Yolanda was someone who touched my life in ways that are hard to describe.  I met her when I was a young woman who just arrived in San Francisco, and she completely took me under her wing.  She showed me the ropes, listened to me cry over boys and fears of growing up; and was also a major sounding board for me while my mom was sick and eventually passed.  We took one epic trip together, a big group adventure to a friends' wedding in Brazil, and I will never forget it.  We visited a few cities and tagged along with our friend's family, and her ability to learn Portuguese as we went and make friends with locals was unlike anything I'd seen. 

I'll never forget this moment in Salvador.  We had just settled into our hotel which was less than optimal and our group was a little less than enthusiastic about it while shuffling about and getting ready for the evening.  It was a little hectic getting used to a city environment because we'd been tucked away for about a week prior.  And I stepped out of my room and saw Yolanda here, totally at peace and in the moment of being where we were: one of the most magical cities I've ever visited (or probably ever will visit).  She knew it before any of us knew it, and was completely able to take it in.  This is who she was, and perhaps it was something she struggled with too, but she was able to be so present wherever she was.

I'm so grateful for this photo taken with film, but more importantly to have had this moment with her.  What a teacher she was.

Day 75: Yolanda ⎢ July 2004 ⎢ Salvador, Brazil