As Michael Dixon knows Searching For one’s OWN biological father can be difficult, but with the help of Pam Slaton…anything is possible! Like many children, Michael grew up without a father. His mother shared with him at an early age that his father was James Cornelius who had come from Athens, Georgia. All he knew was his father had been in the military and was married at the time Michael was born. Since Michael’s mother passed away taking any additional information with her, he asked Pam to help him find the missing pieces.

Excited to “bring closure to a lot of uncertainties” in his life, Michael shared his story with Pam. His mother was a single mom had been in the military. She eventually met someone and married…brining Michael a step-father. However, Michael quickly found that this new man was not the father figure he had hoped for. Pam knew this search was important for Michael.

By finding an obituary of a young man whose father was James M. Cornelius, Pam thought she may be on to something. After checking, it turned out he had been in the military. With his phone number in hand…Michael made the first step.

Now…I always get nervous at this point because people don’t always react well when they are taken by surprise. I hoped for the best for Michael knowing it was already too late but I still put that positive energy out there!

As expected the father was shocked and all went well. Michael made plans to meet his father. Emotional that the search was over, Michael called to tell his supportive girlfriend, Abbie, the great news. As you could her excitement for him…I couldn’t help but shed a tear for him. And it wouldn’t be the first.

Within 2 weeks, Michael found himself in Atlanta, Georgia on the road to meet his father. As he drove up the driveway, a man with VERY similar features came out to greet him. When Michael shook his hand, James asked for a hug. Michael wept in his father’s embrace…after so many years of needing him. His father brought out the only photo he had of him and Michael’s mother. Old and tattered, yet another connection. As they sat and talked, James told Michael other family members wanted to meet him…his family. Two aunts, an uncle, three cousins and James’ wife, Myra, all greeted Michael with loving hugs. Then I really started crying (and no I don’t normally cry like this) when Myra said to Michael “we are welcoming you with open arms and much love. I want you to know from the bottom of our hearts, you will never be alone again”. Wow! Overwhelmed by the complete acceptance, this was more family than Michael could have ever hoped for. “This is the best day of my life…right now!” Michael tells them all only to be followed with a gentle reply from his aunt “ours too”.

Taking a little alone time with his father, Michael was able to show him pictures of him growing up. Holding a photo of Michael as a newborn, James couldn’t help but feel sad about all the time he missed. Knowing that he can’t change the past, he focused on building a better life…as a family. Before Michael leaves, his father handed him a good luck charm that he carried for about 25 years…so Michael would always have a piece of him. With an exchange of “I love you”, Michael and James looked to the future…one that included each other.

This was such a touching story. I couldn’t help but think that ALL people who are searching and those being searched should see it. It was “best case scenario”. I know not all searches end so well…but we can hope!