Yvonne Pierre, The Day My Soul Cried: A Memoir

"No matter what challenges or obstacles we experience, we must make a CHOICE to become better or bitter because of it. Will and pray your way through it. In my opinion, the difference between those who are considered strong and those who are seen as weak are what they DECIDE to focus on. But, having down moments don't make someone weak, it makes them human. We wouldn't be human if we don't "feel", but at some point we MUCH force ourselves to get up!"

"You can't expect to reap a harvest that you're not willing to plant."

"Some people simply REFUSE to be happy. If they were stuck in a tunnel you can show them the way out and give them a light, but they will just sit there complaining about how they got there. They are more willing to fight to STAY there instead of fighting to coming out. Okay it happened. Now what? Stop focusing so hard on how you got there, focus on how you're going to get out! Keep it moving!"

"The enemy uses those things your insecure about. Free yourself and take your power back by being secure in who you are - flaws and all."

"Use what you've been through as fuel, believe in yourself and be unstoppable!"

"Your gift will unlock doors that you prayed for God to open."

"When you focus on someone's disability you'll overlook their abilities, beauty and uniqueness. Once you learn to accept and love them for who they are, you subconsciously learn to love yourself unconditionally."

"For every person who closed the door in my face, thank you. For every person who told me I wasn't good enough, thank you. For every person who laughed and told me that I was wasting my time going to college, because I was going to fail, thank you. For every person who tried to break me, thank you. For every person who took my kindness for weakness, thank you. For every person who told me I was wasting time chasing my dreams because I would fail, thank you. It could of broke me. From the core of my heart, I thank you. I truly mean it, because if it weren't for each of you I wouldn't be who I am today. I wouldn't of spend hours and loss sleep studying. I wouldn't developed tough skin. You pushed me to think about what I "really" want out of life. You pushed me to master my craft. You helped me develop the drive, passion and determination. You pushed me to not wait for someone to believe in my vision, but to find a way to make things happen. I know you didn't "intend" to, but I thank you for teaching me to believe in myself! AND you taught me to TRUST in God and lean on my faith, not man. Thank You!"

"My greatest fear is having to face God and explain to Him why I wasn't able to fulfill my purpose."

"My children taught me the true meaning of unconditional love."

"Often people ask, "How can you say you're blessed to have a son with Down syndrome" My outlook on life has forever changed. I see my own challenges differently. He's always showing me that life is so much bigger than self."

"Recognize that there's something AMAZING about you. Everyone has something that comes very natural for them - natural gifts and talents. That gift/talent is that thing or things that comes easy for you, but hard for most. The greatness that is stored within was given to you, because it was meant to be used. Whether you've been running from it or haven't discovered it yet, it's there. It's your job to discover and master it. It wasn't given to you in vain, it's part of your purpose."

"The increased desire to please God and seek HIS approval will decrease the desire to seek approval from man."

"You'll have less heartaches and disappointments if you stop seeking from others the things ONLY God and you can give yourself!"

"In many cases, people hold on so tightly to their past pains to avoid letting go of the “excuses” and the fear of having to be accountable for their life."

"My faith has strengthen. God has shown me through my son with Down syndrome to not take anything for granted. I'm more grateful."

"Don't base your decision on the opinions of those who don't want to see you grow."

"I Have a Dream... someday my son, Zyon and ALL individuals with disabilities will be seen as HUMAN beings. I Have a Dream... someday the human & civil rights of individuals with disabilities are honored and they are treated as equals. I Have a Dream... someday ALL parents who have children with disabilities see their child as a blessing and not a burden. I Have a Dream... someday there will be more jobs and opportunities for individuals with disabilities. I Have a Dream... someday there will be UNITY "within" the disabled community. I HAVE A DREAM!!!"

"Don't build a team that will fuel your 'ego'. Build a team that has the skills, desire & passion for fueling the 'vision'."

"Don't allow the pride, ego and insecurities of others stunt your growth."