Everything is Beautiful – Photo Story of Erica Mario & Laila

Till about a month ago life was an inspiration for young Mario Groppi with a well paid job as a designer. The economic crisis caused him to lose his job and his apartment in New York City. The loss has not taken his spirits from Mario.

I met Mario and Erica with a rescued pit bull puppy Laila. They rescued Laila when she was left all by herself, sick and suffering from an infection. Without a home of her own, Erica did not hesitate for a moment before she took helpless Laila in with her.

Erica, now 19, grew up in Pennsylvania and always wanted to travel. She now hops freight trains and moves from one city to another, making living off the streets or some small time job. Erica reminded me of Riff Raff  Joel who I met about a month back.

Mario paired up with Erica in New York and were caring for ailing Laila together. All the while I was there, numerous people stopped by to ask about Laila and many offered help in whatever way they could.

Erica showed me her other interests, in tattoos and her piercings. Each one was engraved with a reason and to remind her that everything in the world is beautiful and that peace and unity are above anything else.

These photos were taken with the professional street photography cameras & equipment and are displayed as they were taken without any digital manipulation except to reduce their size.