HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. – A friendship between two Detroit-area neighbors -- one in his 20s, the other in her 70s -- is getting major attention online, and the two say they hope it encourages others to simply check in on the people living next door.
Brandon Harlin, 28, started posting videos on Instagram after noticing his neighbor, Jacquelyn “Jackie” Eggleston, 75, outside enjoying music on her porch.
“One day, in particular, I just saw her out there having a good old time. Had her music going. And I just captured the moment,” Harlin said.
In one of the videos, Harlin tells viewers he’s thinking about walking over to introduce himself -- then does it, pulling up a chair and spending time talking with Eggleston. Online, people quickly embraced the pair’s bond, and many began calling Eggleston “Auntie Jackie.”
Eggleston, who lives alone and takes care of her home herself, including cutting her own grass, said she didn’t hesitate to welcome the company.
“He’ll come on, ‘Mrs. Jackie, can I kick it with you?’ I say, ‘Brandon, get on. You better bring yourself on over here and sit on the porch with me,’” she said.
Since then, the two have made the visits a regular thing, sharing laughs and stories -- from the groundhogs that show up in Eggleston’s backyard to a man Jackie often mentions named “Maurice,” who has become a running joke in the videos. Harlin has now posted several clips featuring their porch sit-downs.
Eggleston said the friendship has helped her feel more open with younger people.
“He’s teaching me how to be loving and caring and being more open to the young generation. To the young men,” she said.
Harlin said Eggleston has taught him something, too -- especially about purpose and paying attention to needs in the community. He said spending time with Eggleston also made him realize her older house could use repairs.
Harlin started a GoFundMe to help with home projects, and he says the response has been overwhelming.
“Me and her interaction has turned into a community project,” Harlin said. “If I never walked over to her house … this would have never happened.”
Both Harlin and Eggleston say the message is simple: reach out to the people around you.
“Speak up and say hello. How are you doing? Is there anything that I can help you with?” Eggleston said.
Harlin’s videos of the pair continue to gain views and shares -- and in one clip, the goodbye is just as heartwarming as the hello.
“Love you,” Harlin tells her.
“Love you too,” Eggleston replies. “Alright, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
To learn more about the donation effort to help fund porch renovations, painting, and other projects around Eggleston’s home visit, click here.
To view the videos about Brandon Harlin and Jacquelyn Eggleston’s neighborly visits: