Grayson, 16 years old, VA | 3 DAYS WAITING | NEEDED BY 11/06

Wish submitted by:

Grayson has autism and often finds patterns that others may overlook. Chess and football both make sense to him in a way that crowded hallways and casual small talk often don’t. He entered foster care at a young age and moved through several homes, each one with unwritten rules he had to decode and people he had to learn to read. Sudden changes were hard, and so was explaining that his quiet didn’t mean he didn’t care. He found chess in the corner of a school library, where a librarian taught him the basics and let him stay after the bell. Grayson is thoughtful, honest, and sometimes lonely. He keeps to himself at school and finds it hard to start conversations, but those who take the time to play a game with him discover a dry wit and a surprising warmth. He dreams of becoming a football coach or analyst, someone who can see the whole field and help a team find its way.

Chess is where Grayson’s mind feels most at home, but he has only ever played on borrowed boards. A chess set of his own would let him practice anytime, set up games with housemates, and share the game that taught him patience and planning. Playing chess lets him connect with others without the pressure of small talk, and it shows off a talent that deserves to be seen. Every move is a chance to build a friendship.