Family Fun
Toddler forms bond with lonely 99-year-old neighbor and their friendship captures mom’s heart
Benjamin began spending time with the elderly woman next door. When the boy's mom learned how their neighbor felt about him - she couldn't hold back her tears.
Patricia Lynn
01.17.23

Friends don’t have to look alike, nor do they have to be the same age. After all, a true friendship is much deeper than that.

Mary O’Neill and two-year-old Benjamin Olson are next-door neighbors and spend a lot of time together playing ball, talking, and just enjoying each other’s company.

It doesn’t seem to matter in the slightest that they are 97 years apart in age.

YouTube - WBIR Channel 10
Source:
YouTube - WBIR Channel 10

During the pandemic, the pair of neighbors were happy to find each other.

There were many days at home alone for Mary, 99. She would play Yahtzee on a handheld electronic device or watch TV to fill the hours.

“I’m playing against myself,” Mary told KARE 11.

YouTube - WBIR Channel 10
Source:
YouTube - WBIR Channel 10

Benjamin was at home with his mom, dad, and baby brother.

“A lot of just us in this house…He has never really had any other friends,” said Sarah Olson, Benjamin’s mother.

That all changed when Mary and Benjamin ventured outside one day. The two became fast friends.

Mary walks over to her fence and waves to Benjamin. “Hi Benjamin!,” she says.

Benjamin happily comes bounding down his back steps to see his pal.

YouTube - WBIR Channel 10
Source:
YouTube - WBIR Channel 10

Benjamin runs to pick up a ball to start one of their favorite past times.

“We call it ‘Cane Ball.” Mary says with a smile.

She puts her cane over the fence and uses it to hit the ball toward Benjamin.

They both smile and giggle and quickly start the game all over again. “Here it comes,” Mary says to Benjamin.

YouTube - WBIR Channel 10
Source:
YouTube - WBIR Channel 10

Benjamin’s mom, Sarah starts to tear up as she talks about their adorable friendship.

“His first best friend,” she says.

Mary shared with KARE 11:

“I missed them, missed seeing them when it was too cold for them to come out when it was raining.”

YouTube - WBIR Channel 10
Source:
YouTube - WBIR Channel 10

Benjamin’s mom is touched by Mary’s words as she realizes just how important this friendship has become.

“I had never known that,” Sarah says. “I’m so happy they have each other.”

The games begin again with Benjamin pointing his stomp rocket across the fence toward Mary’s yard.

Mary shouts, “Go!” and it launches across.

YouTube - WBIR Channel 10
Source:
YouTube - WBIR Channel 10

Mary even surprised little Benjamin with her son’s old trucks.

The trucks used to belong to Mary’s son. “My son’s,” Mary says. “He passed away, so they’ve been sitting down in the basement for years and years.”

Mary had also lost her husband 37 years ago. Her house is decorated with photos of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who can’t visit as often because they live out of state.

YouTube - WBIR Channel 10
Source:
YouTube - WBIR Channel 10

She also proudly displays photos of Benjamin and his baby brother.

“They’re the closest thing to grandchildren I have around here.”

The two friends’ days in the backyard are filled with bubble fun and dirt gifts.

Benjamin toddles over to Mary with a handful of dirt in his tiny fist. “Oh boy, I’m going to get some dirt!” “Thank you!” she says to Benjamin as he hands over the dirt.

“Oh that’s nice dirt,” she tells him.

YouTube - WBIR Channel 10
Source:
YouTube - WBIR Channel 10

Some might think that a pandemic, a fence, and a 97-year age gap would keep Mary and Benjamin from being friends. But instead, they couldn’t love each other more.

Watch the video below to learn more about their heartwarming friendship!

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

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