Contrary to popular opinion, the two friends discovered that the grass is
truly greenest when everyone is on the same side. Though tough, the years
2020 and 2021 also provided many chances for people to rediscover their
identities, their hobbies, and even old friends. That many individuals were
able to make new connections after taking the time to interact with people
they would not have previously been able to connect with is even more
amazing.
Mary O'Neill, then 99, and Benjamin Olson, then 2, fell in love while
separated by a chain-link fence. O'Neill has been living alone since she
lost her marriage many years ago, and neither her grandkids nor
great-grandchildren reside in the same state as her. She was lucky to form a
strong friendship with her neighbor after spending a lot of time alone
during the Coronavirus epidemic. This was because she had an unexpected but
utterly delightful encounter.
O'Neill and Benjamin are the best of friends, enjoying outdoor activities
while keeping a safe distance from one another during the epidemic despite
their 97-year age gap. From their own Minneapolis, Minnesota neighborhood,
the two have succeeded in forming a friendship that has captured the hearts
of countless others from all over the world. The two have continued to enjoy
each other's company and have been able to spend more time together as time
has gone and constraints have been relaxed.
Before Benjamin was born, his family had lived next door to O'Neill's
family, but they hardly ever saw her, according to CBS News. The Olson
family spent more time in their yard during the outbreak, while O'Neill
spent more time in hers since she was compelled to stay at home for the most
of 2020, which led to the neighbors socializing more. O'Neill and Benjamin
become close friendships over time.
When her son spotted Mary in the yard, Benjamin Olson would bring her a
ball, according to his mother. O'Neill made up their own game they termed
"cane ball" by returning the ball to him with her cane in response. After
her connection with Benjamin reawakened her young spirit, she has discovered
what it is to be a child once more. They take pleasure in shooting water
guns and blowing bubbles together.
O'Neill, according to her, "soon became [her son's] first best buddy."
Olson told CBS News that "we didn't even have to work on it; it simply
occurred on its own." Whether they were in quarantine or not, she added,
"I'm just pleased they were able to construct this." Bonds may form in a
variety of ways. I'm delighted their friendship has grown since I know they
both cherish it.
The friends even came together in 2021 to commemorate O'Neill's milestone
birthday as she approached 100 years old. According to KARE 11, they play
almost daily.
Tags:
Positivity