True friendship knows no boundaries.
Mary O’Neill and 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.
Because of the pandemic, the two 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 play against myself,” said Mary. 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.” – 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.
Benjamin runs to pick up a ball to start one of their favorite past times.
Benjamin’s mom, Sarah starts to tear up as she talks about their adorable friendship. “His first best friend,” she says.
“I missed them, missed seeing them when it was too cold for them to come out when it was raining.” – Mary O’Neill
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.
Mary surprised 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. She also proudly displays photos of Benjamin and his baby brother.
“They’re the closest thing to grandchildren I have around here,” – Mary O’Neill
Despite a fence, a 97 year age gap, and a pandemic, Mary and Benjamin have formed a lasting friendship and everyone is happier for it.
Now watch the video of this special friendship.
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