For nearly 10 years, the Ryncher’s had little interaction with their elderly next door neighbor. That soon changed when their two-year old son, Emmett, decided to pay Erling Kindem, an 86-year-old World War II Veteran, a visit. 

“They kind of bonded over the tomatoes in his garden,” said Emmett’s mother, “because Emmett loves tomatoes.”

“Every time he saw me out there he would come running over,” laughs Erling, a World War II veteran who flew combat missions in Europe. “‘Erling, got any ‘matoes?’” 

Over the course of the next year, Erling and Emmett were racing lawn mowers, planting more tomatoes and becoming great friends. Sadly, the Rynchers’ growing family lead to them having to move away from Erling, but only distance separates the two friends, who intended to stay in touch.

Watch the heart-warming video below!