This Christmas marked a remarkable turning point for 75-year-old Dixon Handshaw, who reunited with his biological family after decades of believing he was alone. Adopted at just three months old, Handshaw lived most of his life disconnected from his biological roots, but recent changes to New York law opened doors to family connections he had long hoped for.
Handshaw, who resides in North Carolina, learned about his biological family this past summer when he accessed his pre-adoption birth certificate following the amendment to New York's adoption laws. The law, which was revised in 2019, allowed access to previously sealed birth certificates, enabling those like Handshaw to unravel the mysteries of their past. Well after he was adopted, he had no idea the family he had never known would soon be revealed.
Upon getting his birth certificate, Handshaw discovered the name of his biological father: Robert "Bud" Romig. Eager yet apprehensive, he Googled Romig's name and unearthed not only images of him but also the shocking realization of having siblings—something he had dreamt about all his life. "I am just like him...I couldn’t believe how much I resembled him. And then I found out I had siblings," Handshaw shared, reflecting on the emotional weight of these discoveries.
Romig, who had been a physics graduate student at Cornell University, had gone on to have five children and adopt three others with his wife after Handshaw's adoption. This new information overwhelmed Handshaw as he contemplated the life he had missed out on and the family bonds he longed for. He eventually decided to reach out to one of Romig's adoptive children, Gary Romig, whom he thought might be sympathetic to his situation. "I chose Gary as the one I would call because I knew he was adopted too," Handshaw reflected.
To Handshaw’s surprise, Gary answered his call, sparking what would become the beginning of his new life as part of a larger family. "I hardly ever answer the phone if I don’t recognize the number. But for some reason, I answered it," Gary recalled. The conversation was surreal. Gary simply could not believe when Dixon introduced himself, stating, "I’m your brother." Such news must have sounded like pure magic to both men, awakening emotions and family ties previously thought nonexistent.
Following this initial connection, Handshaw decided to fly to Rochester, New York, to meet his biological family just before the Christmas holiday. The dramatic reunion was nothing short of extraordinary, as he met around 55 family members for the first time—an experience he described as surreal: "I’m not going to waste any time having this new family,” Handshaw stated, his joy infectious.
During the Christmas gathering, which felt like "Christmas magic" to Handshaw, he found himself enveloped by warmth and love. For the first time, he was surrounded by relatives including cousins, nieces, and nephews—all welcoming him with open arms. "It’s so special, because he’s very emotional and excited and can’t believe...we are opening our arms to him and welcoming him to [our] family," noted his half-sister, Wendy Gell.
The emotions ran high as Handshaw absorbed the reality of family ties he had long yearned for. He was evidently overwhelmed by the turnout and the kindness shown by his newfound family. He even expressed how this was the best Christmas gift he could have asked for. Eager for new traditions and connections, his family initiated plans for camping trips together to begin crafting new memories.
Reflecting on his life before the reunion, Handshaw admitted, "I had great adoptive parents, but I always wished for siblings." He had envisioned maybe one or two at best. The thought of discovering he had six new siblings astounded him. The sheer joy of finding his biological family was encapsulated when he said, "I got six!" This sentiment underlines not just the joy of connection but the lessons about love and family bonds.
The emotional and heartwarming tale of Dixon Handshaw stands as a reminder of how family can emerge from the most unexpected circumstances. For those who may feel isolated or disconnected, Handshaw’s story signals hope and assurance: it's never too late to reconnect and find belonging. Although the holiday season has its challenges, it is moments like these—a late reunion with joy intertwined—that remind us of the true spirit of family.
