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Heartwarming friendship forms between 2-yr-old and 99-yr-old neighbor [Video]

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  • Next-door neighbors Benjamin Olson, 2, and Mary O’Neill, 99, formed a heartwarming friendship during the pandemic.
  • The two whiled away their time meeting by the fence that separates their homes.
  • Mary treated Benjamin like her grandkid, while she was Benjamin’s first best friend.

An unlikely friendship formed a bridge over 98 years during the pandemic, offering a bright spot for two neighbors.

Minnesota neighbors Benjamin Olson, 2, and Mary O’Neill, 99, became the best of friends over the past year. Mary is turning 100 in December.

Benjamin’s mom, Sarah Olson, shared how he was not able to play with other kids, or anyone outside their family, for over a year. And so, with the only interactions being with Mary, “They ended up forming an incredibly strong bond.”

Mary lost her husband 37 years ago, while her children and grandchildren live out of state. She initially just waved at Benjamin from behind her window, until she decided to step outside and say hello. It wasn’t long before they regularly met by the fence that separates their homes.

Mary told TODAY Parents, “Benjamin keeps me company.”

On sunny days, the two pals would blow bubbles together or play other games.

Photo Credit: Sarah Olson

Mary treasures their moments, saying, “Sometimes he’ll get up and grab a piece of sand or a rock and give it to me as a gift. He makes me feel good.”

They also have a special game called “cane ball.” Benjamin would kick a ball toward Mary and she would pass it back with her cane.

Photo Credit: Sarah Olson

Mary also gave the toddler a big box filled with heavy toy trucks, which had belonged to her late son.

The trucks have since helped Benjamin learn his colors.

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Photo Credit: Sarah Olson

During an interview with NBC affiliate KARE 11, Sarah got teary-eyed when she heard Mary share what Benjamin means to her.

Sarah shared, “Mary is fiercely independent. She doesn’t really show her cards. So I got really emotional when I heard her say that she missed Benjamin on the days when it was too cold or rainy to go outside.”

She added that her toddler felt the same way: “Mary really is Benjamin’s best friend. She’s his first best friend.”

Source: MSN

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