BUFFALO, N.Y.— A 75-year-old man who believed he was an only child his entire life recently uncovered an extraordinary truth: he has one half-sister and four half-brothers.

Dixon Handshaw’s discovery began in August when he ordered his pre-adoption certificate and learned the name of his biological father, Robert “Bud” Romig. A Google search led him to Romig’s obituary, revealing not only their striking resemblance but also a family Handshaw never knew he had.

The retired Buffalo native described the series of events as a “Christmas miracle.”

“I had great adoptive parents. They were wonderful. I love them and I miss them, but I always wanted siblings,” Handshaw told CNN. “I thought one or two would be great. I got six!”

A Life-Altering Discovery

Handshaw, who was adopted as an infant, learned that his biological father had been a physics graduate student at Cornell University and his mother a secretary in the same department. His biological mother never had more children, but his father went on to have five children and adopt three others in Rochester, N.Y.

Taking a leap of faith, Handshaw reached out to Gary Romig, one of his father’s adopted sons.

“I chose Gary because I knew he was adopted, and I thought he would be empathetic to my situation,” Handshaw explained.

Romig, caught off guard but receptive, vividly recalls the moment he received the unexpected phone call.

“I was eating my lunch in my car at a job site, and I got a phone call from an unfamiliar number. Normally, I wouldn’t answer, but for some reason, I did,” Romig told WHAM. “He says, ‘Hi, my name is Dixon. Are you Gary Romig?’ I said, ‘I am.’ He goes, ‘I’m your brother.’ I was stunned.”

A Warm Welcome

Handshaw’s photo, shared by Romig with their siblings, left no doubt—his resemblance to their late father was uncanny. A few days later, Handshaw boarded a flight to Rochester, where he met his siblings in person for the first time.

The emotional reunion took place on Dec. 20, followed by a larger family gathering the next day, where Handshaw met 55 relatives.

“It’s so special because he’s so emotional and excited,” his half-sister Wendy Gell told WHAM. “We’re welcoming him with open arms into our family.”

Building New Bonds

Although Handshaw won’t be spending Christmas Day with his newfound family, they’ve already begun planning future gatherings, including a camping trip this summer. The siblings have also started a group text to stay connected.

For Handshaw, who has no children of his own, the joy of finding siblings has been overwhelming.

“I couldn’t be happier,” he said. “I always wanted to be part of a larger family, and now I am.”

What started as a simple search for answers has turned into the ultimate Christmas gift—a family.

Credit: People