Randy Waites never expected to find a family member by watching the local news. But that's exactly what happened one day in late December.

The sighting happened during a newscast of sister station KCRA, in a story about snowfall in Lake Tahoe. A man named Eddie Waites was being interviewed, and Randy wondered if there might be a family connection.

Randy's daughter, Cambria kicked off the search.

"I saw [Eddie's] features and he actually looked a lot like my Dad in the eyes. I did my research, searched up his name, looked up all I could," she said.

It wasn't long before the two men shared their first phone call.

"It just clicked, like we’ve been friends for 20 years," Randy said. "It's just unbelievable."

"It was an instantaneous chill all the way from my head all the way down to my toes," Eddie said. "At first I thought, it’s not possible. Once I seen a picture of him, I seen my dad. I seen our dad. I knew it was real."

The connection has allowed Randy Waites an opportunity not only to connect with his brother, but also learn more about their father.

"I’ve never met my father, never saw a picture of him my entire life," Randy said. "[Eddie] has been texting me all kinds of different stuff, pictures of my grandfather, and filling in on the family history that I never had on that side."

Eddie and Randy grew up within just 30 miles of one another. On Saturday, they met for the first time.

"This is almost an out-of-body experience," Eddie said. "The whole thing is surreal. To have not only a brother, but a family I never knew existed is beyond words. It's unbelievable."

Both families greeted and embraced one another on Randy's front lawn in Lodi, California. The moment was markedly special also because it fell on Randy's son's 13th birthday.

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"It was crazy. I didn’t even know it was possible this could happen," said Dalton Waites. "My dad showed me a picture of his dad, and he looked exactly like me when I was little."

KCRA asked the brothers what their plans were for the weekend.

"Spending as much time with this guy as possible," Eddie said. "Filling him in on all the gaps he’s had in his life, and the gaps I’ve had in my life, and filling in that void we both have. I think that’s the most incredible thing ever."

As people enter into a second holiday season in the COVID-19 pandemic, so many are dealing with the loss of a loved one.

Dr. Ruth Benca, a psychiatrist with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist in North Carolina, said she's seen significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, stress-related illnesses and trouble sleeping over the course of the pandemic. Now, she and other mental health professionals are anticipating the holidays will only add to those issues.

"There are probably many layers of guilt, particularly with these losses," Benca said. "They think, 'I shouldn't be having a happy time right now because I'm here.' That's survivor's guilt. So I think it's really important to face that, but not do that to yourself. Not beat yourself up. It's important to be accepting of yourself and also be accepting about what you do feel able to do or not over the holidays."

Benca said self-checks and self-care are critically important over these next few weeks. She recommends prioritizing sleep and taking time for yourself to work out or just get outside to absorb some sunshine.

The doctor also said, when checking in with friends and family, to attempt some kind of face-to-face contact. She said phone calls are helpful, but the most effective way to connect would be over FaceTime or in-person.

The holidays also bring up a lot of traditions with loved ones. For many, COVID-19 meant the sudden loss of that person you had a tradition with or the inability to visit them. Benca said you have two options: either continue doing those traditions in honor and memory of them OR find a new tradition that will bring you joy. She reminds patients they can always come back to those previous traditions in a few years when they feel more manageable.

Benca said if the feelings are overwhelming to a point of a crisis, to see professional help. You can also always call the National Helpline at 1-800-273-8255.