The power of love in a single Facebook image

(Updated 7:59 p.m.) Images have the power to provoke thoughts, evoke emotions, and inspire actions. They can anger us or enchant us, numb us or move us.  A viral black and white photo of an old woman waiting on the sidewalk and wearing a missing person printout pinned to the back of her dress led to a heart-warming reunion between Lola Aurelia Matias and her husband Lolo Luis late Tuesday, after the photo was shared over 53,760 times on the social network Facebook.   Lolo Luis, 78, had been missing for two weeks.   Facebook user Reddie Js, a street photography enthusiast, posted the photo Monday noon.

Reddie Js’ photo of Lola Aurelia which has been shared over 50,000 times on Facebook

  Caught his eye   In an exchange of personal messages with GMA News Online, Reddie Js says he was on his way to the parking lot from a Mall of Asia event Sunday morning when he chanced upon Lola Aurelia sitting at the corner of Buendia Avenue and Roxas Boulevard. According to him, the flyers pinned on both sides of Lola Aurelia's dress caught his eye.   "Nung makita ko yung pinned flyers sa damit niya naawa ako sa status ni Lola that she will go to that extent na maglagay pa s’ya ng ganun to find lolo, pero sabi ko din ang galing — love n’ya tlga si lolo," he said.   His curiosity piqued, Reddie Js approached Lola Aurelia who then gave him a copy of the flyer pinned to her dress. Upon learning Lola Aurelia's predicament, Reddie Js asked the old woman for permission to take her picture and post it on Facebook. Lola Aurelia agreed.   Reddie Js said he originally intended to post the photo in Facebook group Pinoy street photography but decided against it as he felt that the photo should instead be posted as a real SOS to find Lolo Luis. Reddie Js posted Lola Aurelia's photo on his Facebook page after securing a go signal from Lola Aurelia's kin over the phone.   According to the elderly couple's grandson EJ Avanzeña, Lolo Luis was last seen on Nov. 10 around Pasay Rotonda. Avanzeña notes some people say they have seen Lolo Luis. Loose talk Frustrated by loose talk, Lola Aurelia was prodded to search for her husband on her own — every day.   Avanzeña says Lolo Luis may be suffering from dementia as he displays childish behavior.   Reddie Js’ photo has since gone viral, and Facebook users are sympathetic and wishing for the elderly couple to be reunited before Christmas.   "Nakakalungkot pag kawawa ‘yung lola, magpa-Pasko pa naman, malaking gift sa kanya sa Pasko kapag nakita na si lolo," said Jomar Miguela Ebuengin a comment thread.   "Sana po lola makita na si lolo, malapit na po Pasko para buo family masaya, at sana po safe si lolo kung san man sya," said Lilibeth Carreon Buyson.

The flyer on Lola’s back posted by Paulo Blas Quiogue

  In awe of Lola’s love   Other comments reveal netizens in awe of Lola Aurelia's love for her missing husband.   "Parang nakita ko tong lola na to habang pauwi galing Run for the Pasig River kahapon... I hope makita na niya siya nang maibsan na yung kalungkutan nya. I see TRUE LOVE on her lovestory," said JaPat Ventura in the same comment thread.   "Maraming asawa na mga bata pa pero ayaw na nila sa kabiyak nila pero si lola hinahanap pa nya ang asawa nya... how sweet naman.....don't worry lola true love never lost hinahanap ka na rin ni lolo for sure magkakasalubong na lang kayo 1 day......" muses Elisa Urbano Lipata.   Others relate having seen Lola Aurelia roaming the streets of Buendia and Pasay, handing out flyers to passersby:   "Nakita ko si Lola last Friday night sa PCGH (Pasay City General Hospital) at may mga flyers pa siyang dala.. :'(Sayang, di ko natanong kasi dumating na mama ko and we are also in an emergency situation at that time.. But I already shared this photo.." Kaiser Shi said.   "Nakita ko din sya sa Buendia last week. Sweet but sad," said Dominic Torralba Paguio. —  VS/TJD, GMA News