When Dr. James C. Wittig saw a Facebook post about a teenage boy in need of a home, he felt an immediate calling to help. A single physician who had always wanted to be a dad, he saw this as a chance to change a life.
But months after adopting Ronnie, Wittig made a stunning discovery—one that proved their connection had been written in the stars long before they met, reportsPeople.
A life-changing decision
In 2015, Wittig, who serves as Chairman of the Department of Orthopedics at Morristown Medical Center, came across a post on Facebook from a former patient. She was looking for someone to care for Ronnie, a teenage boy who had just lost both his parents.
The boy’s mother had passed away due to complications from osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer that Wittig had spent his career treating. His father had also recently died, leaving Ronnie without a family.
Feeling compelled to help, Wittig reached out to his patient and offered to adopt Ronnie.
A shocking realization months later
After Ronnie moved in, Wittig began learning more about his late mother. That’s when something clicked.
For years, Wittig had used a specific medical photograph in his lectures—a side-by-side image of two osteosarcoma patients from the 1980s. One woman had undergone a limb amputation, while the other had received limb-saving surgery.
He had a professional connection to the woman whose leg was saved, having been part of her care team. But the other woman in the image? He had never met her—until he realized that she was Ronnie’s mother.
‘This was meant to be’
The revelation stunned Wittig. For years, he had unknowingly been using an image of his future son’s mother in his medical lectures.
"I see this whole thing as a synchronicity," he said, convinced their connection had been predestined.
Ronnie, he said, was one of the strongest, kindest, and most courageous kids he had ever met.
Since moving in with Wittig, Ronnie has attended Seton Hall Prep, pursued welding school, and built a strong bond with his adoptive father.
‘Being his dad is the greatest gift’
Although Ronnie is now an adult, Wittig hopes to finalize the legal adoption soon, though he says their relationship goes beyond paperwork.
"Being a parent with a child to love and care about has been so fulfilling," Wittig shared. "He has taught me kindness, compassion, empathy, love, joy, and happiness in spades."
A message to those who dream of parenthood
On the sixth anniversary of their journey together, Wittig posted a heartfelt message on Instagram:
"Six years ago today, I had the best thing happen to me—becoming your Dad! It’s one of the biggest miracles in my life, and I am so proud to call you my son!"
He hopes that his story will inspire other single adults who have considered adoption, proving that it’s never too late to become a parent.
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