Cole’s Character

Cole's Character

What is the worst nightmare one could be faced with? Think about that for a second.

I’m Charonne. I’m nobody in this story except a friend of a family that I’ve known for 25 years and have always highly admired and insanely adored. The Butlers. James, Kia, Caleb and Cole. A truly wonderful family filled with love, laughter, and generosity, and the sort of humble, quiet kindness that you almost never see.

What we just can’t wrap our minds around...

A few weeks ago Kia and James' younger son Cole came down with a respiratory thing; a cold, coupled with an ear infection. This 23 year old kid almost never gets sick, but okay, a normal thing, right? Seemed so. The cold, however, hung around, and one thing turned into another and Cole developed pneumonia. The pneumonia had him in rough enough shape that he was hospitalized for a few days. However, he improved and was sent home. With support of family he did all the right things. Medicine, oxygen, nebulizer treatments… everything he was supposed to do. He was improving. He was even heard singing in the shower. Big smiles all around.

Until… the smiles turned to concern. After noticing some rapid changes in his energy and appearance, Cole was rushed to the hospital. Within no time he was in a coma. Although there were some glimmers of hope, like improvements in oxygen and a toe wiggle, Cole spent 4 days in intensive care with the best doctors and machines and medicine, but his body just could not hold up. Cole passed away on 6/28/23. His parents, brother, and loved ones are left in shock, horror, and disbelief. None of this makes sense. It never will.

Vilomah-

A Sanskrit word for “against natural order.” THIS is any parent's worst nightmare.

No parent should have to bury their child. A 23 year old doesn’t abruptly pass away from complications from pneumonia in 2023. But he did, and the Butlers will never be the same.

Cole's Character-

When Cole was in school his parents noticed he was blowing through his lunch money rapidly. The kid could eat, but this was ridiculous. They couldn’t keep his lunch account paid up without it emptying quickly. Come to find out, Cole was using his account to pay for lunches for kids that didn’t have any. He went on later to take in friends that didn’t have much and although they sometimes used him and put him in precarious positions financially, he was always loving and giving and generous. Another time he didn’t like something he saw and subsequently lobbied for the football players on scholarship that had to “wait until the end of the line for their free lunches.” The embarrassed administration stoped that protocol right away. The kid wanted to help people. These are just a few examples of the care, concern, and generosity that Cole embodied. There are many instances of Cole's story and character that his family will always be proud of, as they should. Cole was a great young man with a huge smile, a great laugh, and the biggest heart.

I would love to give the Butler family the opportunity to pass on Cole's character a bit further- Cole continuing to be generous to a few more people. His time here on earth was cut far too short but his kindness and generosity will never end.

My Goal-

My goal is simple. Help me help his family give more lunches where needed… or a kid’s chance at a trade school… or say, help for the football players on scholarship… He would BEAM at these ideas.

Cole and his forever good character deserve it. If you have any ability to assist in the matter, I am certain his family would be beyond honored and appreciative. Anything. Whatever you can contribute would be a blessing. Just like Cole. A beautiful blessing.

It will give me immense joy to share and update you all on the advancements of Cole's Character. Thank you for your support!