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WWII vet celebrates his 90th birthday with an unlikely best friend
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Word War II veteran, Erling, celebrated his ninetieth birthday with his best friend. Here's the interesting part: Erling's best friend is a four-year-old boy named Emmett. - photo by Wendy Jessen
Friends are an important part of life, regardless of how young or old you are.

In this case, even a substantial age difference doesn't matter.

Word War II veteran, Erling, celebrated his ninetieth birthday with his best friend. Here's the interesting part: Erling's best friend is a four-year-old boy named Emmett.

Erling and Emmett used to be neighbors until Emmett's family moved and Erling relocated to a retirement home. Luckily, Emmett's parents have helped ensure their friendship continues through frequent visits.

On this occasion, they are there to celebrate Erling's ninetieth birthday. Emmett has a birthday gift to share with Erling--dog tag-styled necklaces. They are engraved with both of their names and say "friends forever." Isn't that such an adorable idea?

What a sweet couple of boys whose relationship transcends generational boundaries.

Parents often worry, or should worry, most about what kinds of friends their children will choose. Second to parents, friends have the greatest influence on choices children will make. It's important to teach your children how to find good friends. Explain what makes a friend a good friend and help them to evaluate their relationships.

Read "Teach your children how to have good friends."

Because friends can have such a strong influence on life decisions, it can be worrisome to discover your child has a bad friend or has fallen in with the wrong crowd. During these times, parental guidance can help them navigate out of potentially harmful circumstances. Read this article for some ideas on how to help: "Bad friends? How to help your child out of a bad friendship."
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