“Mary really is Benjamin’s best friend. She’s his first best friend.”
The pandemic has forced many friendships to drift apart. Millions of friends have been missing out on quality time with their nearest and dearest, but the lockdown has caused one duo to grow closer.
2-year-old Benjamin Olson has befriended his 99-year-old neighbour Mary O’Neill. The Minnesota neighbours formed a special friendship during the pandemic.
Little Benjamin didn’t see any kids so Mary swiftly became his closest pal.
His mum told Today Parents: “For more than a year, he didn’t see other kids. He didn’t interact with anyone except our family and Mary. They ended up forming an incredibly strong bond.”
O’Neill, who turns 100 in December, said they started off with waving at one another but then she started to go over to say hello to Benjamin. She said that their friendship has been a bright light during such a harrowing time.
When the sun is shining the friends sit outside and blow bubbles together.
Our heart can’t quite cope with this level of cuteness!
“Benjamin keeps me company,” said the 99-year-old who lost her husband 37 years ago.
The sweet neighbour even gifted him something that belonged to her late son, proving just how special Benjamin is.
“Mary really is Benjamin’s best friend. She’s his first best friend,” his mum Sarah added.
The pair play a game called cane-ball and Benjamin often gives Mary gifts like rocks.
“Sometimes he’ll get up and grab a piece of sand or rock and give it to me as a gift. He makes me feel good.”
Benjamin and Mary are officially friendship goals.
Feature: Sarah Olsen
