On a Nonagenarian and Toddler Becoming Friends during Pandemic

"So many of us have spent the pandemic isolated from friends and family. In fact, two-year-old Benjamin Olson only had his immediate family for company, until he struck up a friendship with his 99-year-old neighbor.

"The pair, who live in Minnesota, became friends over a period of time. The nonagenarian, Mary O’Neill, started out by waving to the toddler from her window. She then started going outside to say 'hello.'"

In a recent commentary, writer Cerith Gardiner reflected on the development of the relationship between Benjamin and his neighbor.

To access her complete post, please visit:

Aleteia: Cerith Gardiner: How a nonagenarian and a toddler became best friends in the pandemic (2 AUG 21)