SpectreShawn

Hello. Most if not all of you know me, but let me introduce myself anyways. My name is Shawn Michael Reaulo, son to Alex and Kim Catello, brother to Kaitlyn and Gabriella, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. I say this because a man is known by many names. In the case of Ernest J. Reaulo Sr.: Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Brother. Butchie, Papa, and Dad. Colleague, idol, the list goes on and on.

When I was growing up, I always had a fascination with martial arts, and Papa had a few books that he eventually gave to me. One written by a famous actor almost everyone knows, Bruce Lee. Why would I bring this up? Well, in my readings, I saw a quote by Bruce Lee that echoes my own personal sentiments. “The key to immortality is first living a life worth remembering.” In my experience, Papa truly lived through this ideal. He was a man of God, a volunteer fireman, and he was in the navy. He was also a family man, welcoming anyone into his family with open arms. His relationship was unique with each and every one of us, whether we were lucky enough to be born in, lucky enough to be married in, or lucky enough just being a family friend.

The things Papa knew, whether it was in his experience or his knowledge, were always words of wisdom passed down to us all. Sure, he was stubborn, but who among us doesn’t have that strength within to persevere? But the truth is that we gained that strength from one another, because that’s how Papa raised us to be. He taught us that no matter what happened in our lives, our family would always be there for us. That there was no greater bond in our lives than those we created each and every day, than those that we strengthened with every passing moment. If ever anyone needed help, Papa was always there. Taking us to that bus stop, making us any breakfast we wanted, taking care of us when we were sick, always putting the wellbeing of his family before himself. Even as he lay in the hospital, he refused to give up the fight until he could see and speak with everyone at least one more time. I idolize him, I truly do. His life serves as an inspiration to me, as I’m sure it does many others. His strength, both mental and physical; a man who survived multiple heart attacks, who fought for so many years despite any doubt that anyone had of his convictions. I knew Papa well and I love him dearly. His life is an infallible representation of everything I aspire to be; a well-versed man, worldly, who had the wisdom of the ages behind him, but never lost touch with his playful and boyish charms. Someone whose personality shone with every color across the spectrum, who could touch the lives of anyone he spoke with, even if only for a moment. I aspire to have his strength, to be able to look at any obstacle before me and know that I am unstoppable, that whatever I set my mind to I can accomplish.

To hear in telling of everything Papa has done, whether it was foolhardy from his childhood, or honorable as serving this country, I have come to understand him much more. All his experiences and everything he taught us has opened up the pathways to a new beginning. Papa has found his immortality, both in our hearts and in Heaven above. He will always look down upon us as our Guardian Angel, our savior through the hard times and the bad. His life is more than worth remembering, it is an unforgettable legacy that lives on in each and every one of us.