Elliston is such an easy kid to spend time with. He is clever and inquisitive and conversational, but… like a lot of teens there are times when he might embellish a story. Nothing crazy! Not like some kind of outlandish lie that doesn’t make any sense, or living in a fantasy world, but he will make himself sound a little better when recounting a memory. It’s always so innocent that it’s easy to brush off, and like other fibs, I totally brushed off his ability to do a Rubik’s cube. Elliston would tell me often how fast he could figure them out, and that he really impresses other kids in his school with this skill. Without much expression on my face- my reaction tended to be “that’s cool buddy” and we would move on.

Well, one day while at our Reel Hope video shoot, I was teasing Elliston about his Rubik’s cube talent. He sure stuck to it and said he could figure them out in any combination, every time! It just so happened that the folks at the location for the video had one in their office… it was show time. Not fazed at all, Elliston picked up the Rubik’s cube, fiddled with it for a second, and went to work. I stared as he actually looked like he was planful and meticulous with the puzzle as he shifted the colors back and forth. Then he started to talk to everyone while he was doing it! Looking away from the cube while still moving his fingers. After about three minutes it was done… Elliston beat the Rubik’s cube!

I was so impressed, and he smiled from ear to ear with pride. This wonderful kid might tell a fib now and then, but he has a lot of amazing skills that should not be taken for granted. He is brilliant and kind and it is truly a pleasure for anyone that gets to know him. So, the next time I think he might be joking around, I’ll have to pause and think again! Truly a man of many talents!

~Jory, Elliston’s Recruiter

Elliston answers a few questions for us.  Take a look!

1. What three words best describe you?

Smart, Sporty, and Musical

2. What do you love doing?

Playing sports, Listening to music, and reading anything that catches my eye

3. What is something you could teach others?

Could teach others how to play the drums, Could teach younger kids how to be grateful and have better behavior.

4. If you could be anyone in the world for a day, who would it be and why?

Justin Jefferson Would love to play in the NFL for a day!

5. What cheers you up when you are feeling sad/mad?

Food. Burger King!!

6. How can you help someone today?

It’s my friends birthday today, so I will participate in that. Give them their present, make them feel special

7. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Power to stop time

8. Where would you like to travel? How would you get there?

I’d love to see Japan. I’d fly there tomorrow.

9. What is your favorite food?

Anything breakfast. Pancakes all day.

10. What is your biggest dream?

I want to build a tall skyscraper for my future business ventures.

Elliston, 16, is a talkative, outgoing, funny, and helpful teen who enjoys making conversation. He likes playing basketball, football, and is currently taking a boxing class at school, which he loves!  Elliston is excellent at solving Rubik’s Cubes and can finish them in minutes.  He is a great singer and enjoys singing along to the car radio.  Elliston likes reading and would like to have a good library in his area.

A family that can keep Elliston connected to his physical outlets is a must. He currently has a part-time job and is loving making his own money. Elliston loves animals, with horses being a favorite, so a home that has pets would be a plus. Elliston is open to any family composition or religious views; however, right now he would prefer to live in the Twin Cities metro area.  Elliston would do best in a family as an only child or with older siblings.

Following adoption, Elliston needs maintain contact with his brother and other family members.