It’s a bit scary to move into a new neighborhood, but this family found a person that welcomed them more than just someone who lives next to each other.
Meet the Caraballo family from Rhode Island.
The family of eight decided to move into their new home last year.
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They were initially concerned about how their new neighborhood would accept them.
While working on their house, Sharaine Caraballo and her husband Wilson met their neighbor.
82-year-old Paul Callahan offered help by providing a ladder when Wilson started working on their recently purchased house.
The simple gesture by Paul was the beginning of an unexpected relationship between him and the newly moved-in family.
Paul was given the role of de-facto grandpa.
The Caraballos and Paul clicked immediately. He is always present during cookouts and family affairs.
Sharaine and her husband are thankful for the warm welcome of the old man that made it easy for them to become at ease in their new place.
“One of my biggest fears was meeting our new neighbors. I was wondering who they were going to be and what they were going to be like,” said Sharaine.
“When Paul welcomed us into the neighborhood, I knew I had made the right choice.”
However, Paul is as thankful as they are for being his newfound family.
The retired Texas Instrument manager recently lost his wife.
Six months before the Caraballos moved into the neighborhood, Paul’s wife passed away.
Thanks to Sharaine and her family, they have provided the comfort that he needed most.
The honorary member of the family offers a lot of help to the family to make it easier for them in their new environment.
Paul gives the new homeowners a hand with issues they face upon moving to their new home.
He also offers advice that helps them be at ease with the neighborhood.
“He was coming over with tools. He’d bring screwdrivers and teach Wilson how to fix up the garage, and Wilson followed all his advice,” explained Sharaine.
Sharaine’s kids adore the elderly man as much as he expresses his appreciation for them.
Paul gives them little trinkets now and then, which makes the children excited to see him.
“He’s always coming over with little trinkets for the kids. They play with him a lot and call him Uncle Paul. He’s got stories for days,” Sharaine shared.
The family very much welcomed Callahan, and they even gave him a shirt to celebrate Father’s day.
Sharaine, a case manager for domestic violence survivors, even shared how her mother-in-law reacts whenever Paul comes over.
“My husband’s father is in the Dominican Republic, so even his mom says, ‘Here comes your dad, Paul!'” Sharaine said.
Sharaine and Paul share the same values. No wonder they got along easily!
“I asked what drew him to us, and he said he was a very social person and that he grew up around lots of kids,” she said.
“‘That’s how I grew up. My house was always where everybody hung out.’ He’s also the last of his siblings, who have all passed away.”
Watch their amazing relationship and see that family isn’t always about blood.
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