At Augustana Care, we work to champion and raise awareness of the value older adults bring to our communities. That’s why we’re thrilled to see Boyd Huppert’s touching story of Augustana Regent resident and WWII veteran Erling Kindem’s friendship with preschooler Emmett Rychner was broadcast on NBC. This latest segment is part of a series that has gone viral and has been seen not only in Minnesota, but as far away as the Bahamas!

Erling and Emmett met when they lived next door to each other. Emmett, who was two years old at the time and a tomato lover, decided to pay Erling a visit and learn more about the tomatoes he was growing in his garden. Their friendship grew and blossomed, just as the tomatoes did.

When Emmett moved to the country and Erling moved to Augustana Regent, Emmett’s parents made sure their son could stay in touch with his former neighbor. This video shows Emmett visiting Erling to celebrate his 90th birthday at Augustana Care.