• Julie Kelley and her 10-year-old live with Kelley's mother, Judy, an 81-year-old former educator. • The fourth grader shares a deep bond with his grandma forged by familiarity and mutual interests. • His mom said that the special connection has fostered his kindness and empathy toward others.

This story is based on a conversation with Julie Kelley, 51, a media consultant who lives in northeast Vermont.

My 10-year-old son is the most empathetic individual I know.

If one of his peers is struggling with classes or sports like soccer, he'll make a point of helping them out. I describe him as a gentleman.

His greatest strengths are patience and compassion. I know exactly why he has those traits: his 81-year-old grandmother has lived with us for seven years.

My son doesn't see her as

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