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"A photo of an elderly couple with flashcards has tugged on Internet users' heart strings after the story behind it was shared online\nThe man in the photo, named John, was sitting with his girlfriend, Linda, in a Starbucks. John was teaching Linda the alphabet\n\"You see, I've lost my memory and I'm trying to get it back,\" Linda explained to Matthew Ballstero, who took the photo and shared the full story on Facebook. Ballstero also shared the photo Reddit, where it quickly rose to the front page. It has been viewed by more than 2.5 million people.\nBallstero described the moment as \"patience, love and understanding at its finest.\" \nSEE ALSO: Sisters Reunite After 72 Years With the Help of Facebook\n\"John's unwavering love, patience and understanding for the woman he chose to give his life to. Linda's endless positive attitude, eagerness to (re)learn and mostly her uninhibited joy in expressing love to other. You may be losing your memory, Linda, but the love that you and John have for each other will never be lost. Thank you for your beautiful example, Linda and John!\" wrote Ballstero on Facebook.\nEmployees at the local Starbucks commented on the photo, claiming that the couple were regulars.\n\"They were dating until she had a stroke. Now he takes her out during the day and has been helping her relearn all her skills. They are truly amazing people,\" wrote Marissa Gaschen. \nSince the photo was taken, Ballstero told Mashable that he has seen Linda and John a few times, and the couple is aware of the huge positive effect they've had on millions of people.\n\"When I told them that the photo had gone viral they were overjoyed, confused and in shock... the good kind of shock! John and Linda have so much love, respect and compassion for each other and the people they meet, it's inspiring just to be in their presence.\"\nBONUS: The 10 Cutest Videos of 2012\n\n\n10 Cutest Videos of 2012\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1. Pandas Play on a Slide, Cuteness Ensues \n\nThese sliding pandas went viral during Chengdu Panda Awareness Week. Meanwhile, our hearts melted in a gooey pile of black and white love. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2. This Adorable \u2018Lip-Dub\u2019 Marriage Proposal Is Worth Watching Now\n\n\nWhat wedding proposal is complete without Broadway dancers, a lip-dubbed version of \"Marry Me\" and a backwards driving car? This video gets our nod for most creative proposal of 2012. \nYes, we'll marry you. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n3. Curiosity Rover Lands on Mars: Watch NASA Mission Control Go Crazy\n\n\nThe Curiosity rover was one of the biggest celebs of 2012. While it's only on Mars for two years, this video of Mission Control going bonkers after its successful landing will be in our hearts forever. \nDon't kid yourself, we know you were crying more than that dude with the mohawk. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n4. If Life Gives You Lemons, Give Them to This Beagle\n\nThis beagle eats a lemon. There's not much more to it. And yes, you will make that lemon-sucking-cringe face the entire time. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n5. World\u2019s Coolest Dad Sends Toy Train to Space\n\n\nSorry dads, this guy just knocked you all out of the running for World's Coolest Dad. He not only sent his son's favorite toy into the stratosphere, he made an awesome video and was able to return the toy train using GPS. \nDon't worry, the rest of you dads, there's always 2013.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n6. Sad French Kitty Wins \u2018Best Cat Video on the Internet\u2019\n\n\nHe's French, he's sad, he's a cat. \nWatch and be amazed. Then head to the cat store for your own. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n7. Presidential Campaign Makes 4-Year-Old Cry\n\n\nAbby, you captured the feelings of an entire nation in so few words. \nAbby for President 2016. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n8. Caine\u2019s Arcade: Cardboard Creation Inspires $90,000 Scholarship\n\n\nThis nine-year-old boy just out-entrepreneur-ed the rest of America. He used cardboard to build an entire arcade \u2014 complete with business plans \u2014 and then became an instant viral hit as the star of this documentary. \nHis story is so sweet, he should run for president in 2016 with Abby. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n9. Baby the Bulldog Adopts Wild Boar Piglets\n\nBaby piglets, bulldogs and lots of love in our favorite adopted pet story of the year. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10. Aly Raisman's Parents\n\n\nMr. and Mrs. Raisman, you undeniably take home the gold medal for most supportive, anxious parents during a gymnastics competition. Ever. \nWay to stick that landing. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBONUS: U.S. Marine Surprises His Beagle Dog\n\nThe year 2012 marks the 237th anniversary of the Marines, so in honor of the troops, here's a dog welcoming home his dad. \nIt's okay if you laugh and cry at the same time. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPhoto courtesy of Matthew Ballstero"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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