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People show amazing signs of strength & hope in the face of misfortune. I ran into Alysha sitting outside a sandwich deli on the 8th Avenue in New York City, moments from Central Park. She was busy cuddling Joel Von Jovi, her few weeks old cat, who she rescued.
In her early twenties, Alysha was working in a city law firm when she was laid off. Her life changed but there is so much of hope in her for better days in the future. She spends most of the days on the 8th Avenue and appreciates any help that others could offer.
While I was sitting down and talking to her on the sidewalk, her friend would stop by and occasionally hand over sandwiches, coffee and drinks, trying to make sure, in whatever way she can, to help her best friend in need.
Towards the evenings, Alysha & Joel Von Jovi would walk up to the big hotels nearby for a bite to eat from their kitchens and a place to spend the night under a roof. So far, the arrangement has worked out well, for the hoteliers started to help her out & her cat with whatever money they can to meet her immediate needs.
What struck me about Alysha is her immense hope. Amongst her destituteness, she has not lost herself. There was not a sign of anger or despair given that a month ago she had a nice apartment in the city, she had the time and money to play music & play her guitar & had a nice life of anyone her age, all of which vanished in a single stroke of luck.
She had an amazing smile on her face that braved her misfortune and the love of caring for another helpless cat. She let me photograph her on the streets of New York and has allowed me to put this photo story up.
