Ever watch videos of people deployed reuniting with their families? It’s one of the most bittersweet, tear-jerking things—so naturally we’re wiping tears away when we heard the story about a little boy who was missing his father who was on deployment.

The boy’s name is Brian Kelly. His father, Dan, is currently serving in the United States Air Force and is stationed in Syria, but Brian was really missing him and wanted to see him. He just wanted to do all those things he used to with his dad, but Dan wasn’t supposed to be back for a few more months. And to a child, that seems like forever.

Brian decided that if he couldn’t see his dad, then maybe some of his friends would do. The little boy walked over to his next-door neighbors Dean and Molly Cravens to see if they’d be able to help him out with his predicament.

On this day, Dean happened to be outside doing yard work in the back yard when he heard the doorbell ring from inside. When he walked inside to answer the door, he saw Brian standing on his front porch. He asked Dean a simple question, but not one that you’d expect to hear from someone so young: “Can I help you with your yard work?”

Dean of course wasn’t about to make a child do his adult chores, so he was going to wave him off. But Brian explained that he used to do that kind of thing with his own dad and was feeling really lonely without him around. Well of course that was an offer than Dean couldn’t refuse. Wiping away tears, he invited Brian in to help him outside.

Since then, Brian feels happy to come help Dean do some of the things he used to do with his dad—even if that meant chores. He walks over to Dean’s housed daily to help him with whatever he needs—whether that means assisting with yard cleanup or just hanging Dean a tool when he needs it.

It sounds like such a small thing, but it’s just one of the heartwarming ways a little boy copes with missing his father whose in the military. The Cravens found it so sweet that Molly couldn’t help but post something about the situation on her Twitter.

“This is our little neighbor. His dad is deployed in Syria, and every day he comes to the door asking to work with our dad. Appreciate today,” Molly posted with a photo of Brian helping out Dean.

Of course, Dean didn’t want to limit his time with Brian to just chores—after all, he didn’t only help his dad with yard work So Dean invited Brian to go hiking, golfing, and play basketball together, some of the more fun activities Brian and his dad used to do.

“When Dan (Brian’s dad) gets back, Brian’s going to cry and run to him with open arms,” his mother said.

How sweet is Dean and Brian’s relationship? We’re so glad Brian was able to find a way to tide him over until his dad gets home!