Cole Blakeway / We Are All Different - and THAT'S AWESOME!
Welcome back our lovely fans! In this big world, each of us is unique. But for some reason, people adjust to the standards of others and forget that they are also unique. A little boy named Cole knows that all people are different. He takes an example from his friend and today he is going to teach you that it's okay to be different.
Since a young age, Cole has worn different colored socks and two different shoes. Because he’s unique. A standout from the crowd. Cole feels best when he’s being himself.
Once Cole was in a bookstore with his mom when he realized everyone was strangely quiet.
And so he did what needed to be done. Cole started singing.
As a joke, his mom pointed to a book and said, "Hey, Cole! This book is for you."
He pulled it out and read the cover. Here's what it said: "You're weird."
"A creative journal for misfits, oddballs, and anyone else who's uniquely awesome." It's the best book ever. It tells everyone it's cool to be different.
Cole is going to tell you about his friend that is a little different than you might expect.
One of his best friends is Steven. He is the happiest person Cole knows. Steven is 44 years old and has autism.
Here’s how Steven became Cole’s special friend.
When Cole’s mom was just 13 years old, she was in the high school cafeteria about to have lunch with her friends.
Then she passed a table of kids with special needs. Steven was a boy at that table. He shouted out, "Hey, what's your name? Come sit with me!"
My mom sat down, and at that moment, a special friendship began. Steven asked Cole’s mom three questions: He wanted to know what she was having for lunch, her phone number, and if they could be friends for 40 years.
As she gave him her phone number and said yes, he clapped with excitement and said, "I will call you every day."
Ever since that day, in 1988, he has kept his promise and called Cole’s house every single day. When Cole was born, Steven was a special part of their family, and Cole has grown up calling him Uncle Steven. Steven is included in family dinners, he comes to Cole’s soccer games, he loves watching movies with them, and every couple of weeks, he has a sleepover.
Autism spectrum disorder refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication, as well as unique strengths and differences.
Steven is not able to drive a car, but he is able to memorize every phone number he has ever heard.
There is no cure for autism, but Cole thinks Steven is perfect the way he is.
One of Cole’s favorite memories with Steven is whenever a firetruck passes us. Steven shouts out, "When I grow up, I want to be a firetruck." He likes the idea of being a fireman, but he loves the idea of being a firetruck.
Another thing that always makes Cole laugh is how much Steven likes to eat.
Have you ever met someone who can eat a steak, a slice of pizza, french fries, apple pie, or ice cream, and they are still starving?
Well, Steven eats all that almost every time they see him.
Another favorite memory with Steven is when they play hide-and-seek. He always hides in the closets. Cole loves playing hide-and-seek with Steven. He makes everyone smile. Cole doesn't think we need a cure for autism, just like we don't need a cure for freckles.
Autism is not a disease, just like brown hair isn't a disease. You don't need to fix something that isn't broken.
Steven doesn't try to be like anyone else. He is exactly who he was meant to be.
To sum up, imagine a world where we all live like Steven. Find out what makes you different. Don't be afraid to stand out. Wake up, jump out of bed, and be exactly who you are. We are all a little different, and that's awesome!
