Today, 97-year-old Bill DeGraaff stepped through my office door, accompanied by his daughter Hilda. His love for chess dates back to his early years in Holland.
Let me share with you how this man made a life-changing difference.
His visits are rare and unannounced these days. Like today. I drop everything and welcome him.
Though he walks on his own and his mind is quite clear, Bill is now fragile. Each visit it's evident that he misses his wife more than anything.
Although it takes significant coordination and effort he has come unexpectedly again today to say hello and see what's new - as he did in the early days of Chess House.
I welcome him again into the office and invite Bill and Hilda to take a seat. With patience, I share the unique STACK board1 and the Millennium Exclusive2.
Bill marvels at how chess computers have changed through the years (he has owned many) and plays a few moves on the Exclusive.