Moving to a new place can be a daunting time – what if the house has mold problems, what if it’s haunted, what if the neighbors are total weirdos? If one is lucky enough to have great neighbors, it can be compared to winning the cosmic lottery and gaining a new friend who waters your plants while you’re away. The Caraballo family, who were nervous about moving to a new neighborhood, didn’t expect to gain an honorary family member and create a beautiful bond with an elderly neighbor.

The Caraballo family didn’t expect to get their very own honorary grandpa when they moved to a new house

Image credits: USA Today

Sharaine and Wilson packed all their things up and decided it was time to begin a new chapter in their cozy home in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. With five kids in tow, they were hoping for a warm welcome from their new community. Yet, they were worried about fitting in, especially as the only Black family on the block. Luckily, they received a warm welcome and soon formed a very special friendship with an 82-year-old widower.

A lot of families, especially the ones with little ones, worry that the neighbors will be annoyed by their children and will avoid them. But not Paul Callahan. When he saw a young family moving in, he came to them and offered a helping hand. He brought in a ladder and helped to spruce up the Caraballo family’s new house. It wasn’t just an act of goodwill – it was the beginning of a beautiful connection.

Soon, the Caraballos learned more about Paul, who turned out to be the sweetest guy, radiating kindness and compassion and who had a well of wisdom and experience he was willing to pass onto the younger generation.

Image credits: USA Today

Image credits: USA Today

The family of seven moved to Pawtucket and they were worried about neighbors not liking them

Image credits: USA Today

“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,” Sharaine shared in an interview. Spending time together strengthened the connection and the family began inviting him to gatherings, cookouts and simple everyday things, like a cup of coffee or a quick catch-up session on the porch.

The Caraballo children took a special liking to Paul – they were captivated by the stories from his life and his good sense of humor. Feeling his genuine interest and affection towards them, the children were the first ones to embrace him as a beloved honorary grandfather. “The kids run up to him like that’s their grandfather. Paul is definitely a family member. He’s no longer considered a neighbor,” Sharaine noted the special connection.

Friendships like these do not happen on their own – it requires courage to go and say “hi” to someone and willingness to get to know them. Paul has a wise perspective on building friendships: “You get many chances to talk to people. If you don’t take a chance, you may miss a friend.” That’s a great quote to remember next time you see someone interesting you’d like to be friends with.

Image credits: USA Today

However, soon a lovely elderly man named Paul showed up with a ladder and offered help sprucing up the house

Image credits: USA Today

Image credits: USA Today

Paul also values kindness and notes the importance of helping people out: “It doesn’t hurt to be nice. That’s the other thing, it costs you nothing, but a lot of times, you get a better return.” Kindness is like seeds of wildflowers – if you sow them generously, one day you will have a beautiful meadow full of colors. The more kindness you send into the world, the better you feel, remembering the genuine smiles of people you helped.

The 82-year-old embraced his new neighbors and delighted in the company of children, who definitely keep him on his toes. Elderly people who are alone often fear going out and speaking to young ones, fearing they will think them boring or old-fashioned. If only they knew how fascinating their stories sound or how crucial their wisdom can be in difficult situations. Paul was willing to open his heart and got a new family in return.

Soon, they struck up a friendship – the Caraballo children took a special liking to Paul

Image credits: USA Today

Image credits: USA Today

Loneliness is prevalent amongst the elderly – having to say goodbye to lifelong friends or beloved spouses makes a lot of them vulnerable and depressed. Bad mental health affects their health – they are less willing to take medication and can even keep their ailments a secret. That’s why it’s important to help them out as much as we can.

Elderly people enjoy reminiscing, so simply listening to them is a great help. Many of them have trouble moving or cannot participate in physical exercises, so board games are a great way to spend time and get their competitive side out. And whoever wins gets a prize. Such moments bring them joy and make them feel important and loved – love is what keeps everyone going.

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There are wonderful initiatives that help elders to feel less lonely in this world – from volunteering to writing letters. Perhaps that can be your good deed of the day?

Bored Panda reached out to care workers and enquired about loneliness amongst elderly. Denise Langley, a care worker for Four Seasons Healthcare , shared her insights with us. “Loneliness is very prevalent amongst the elders, even those that have loving family visiting them. They cannot do the same things they used to do due to declining health and that creates a separation” she wrote. “But conversation, a good and honest one, is one thing that is guaranteed to lift their spirits. Elders are eager to talk about various subjects – not just their medication and bad weather. They – like everyone – need to feel important and interesting. So next time your elderly relative starts talking about subjects you find boring, try to listen and engage. It will mean the world for them” Ms Langley emphasised.

What about initiatives like letter for elders? “Oh they love it! she said. “Writing letters to elders is one of the best ways to cheer them up. You’d be surprised to see how eagerly they wait for a response from their pen pals, constantly asking me to check if the mail had been delivered. If their pen pals are younger, they ask me what young people are interested in. They sometimes show their letters to the other residents too and brag about who’s pen pal has better handwriting”. Brb, crying at the image of adorable elderly arguing who’s pen pal is better.

Now Paul spends every holiday, cookout, gathering and celebration with his five rambunctious ‘grandchildren’

Image credits: USA Today

You can’t choose the family you’re born into but you can choose a family you make on your own

Image credits: USA Today

The Caraballos and Paul are a great example that friendships can emerge from the most unexpected places and people. Compassion is what makes us human and makes life easier to bear when it gets tough. This lonely widower never thought he’d get another chance at a large and loud family, but thanks to Sharaine and Wilson, he has someone (seven someones) that make his days brighter.

Do you have elderly friends or maybe your very own honorary grandpa/grandma?

The comments were full of love for this honorary grandpa and his “new” family

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