Article: The Chip Factor 2011

Spirit of Bainbridge – June 25, 2011

The Chip Factor

By Anne E. Bauswein

Have you ever been so inspired by another person’s life that it changed your daily outlook? That, in both the minute details and the big picture, your outlook now focuses on true north, leaving no room for drama, gossip and the insignificant.

That’s how I was impacted by the untimely death of Geauga Juvenile Judge Chip Henry.  I found myself going to tornado raged Alabama and helping clean up debris for a week in 100-degree temps-because I could sense that Chip would have done something similar.  I thought of him often during that week of indescribable highs and lows.

I penned sever inspirations following Chip’s funeral service.  Maybe they’ll change your daily actions, too!

Don’t Procrastinate.  My husband grumbled about something I asked him to do. “Maybe tomorrow…” I told him that Chip didn’t have another tomorrow, and from now on when I wanted to put off doing something, I would remember that (and remind him, too!).

Live with outrageous humor.  We often take ourselves and our day-to-day lives too seriously.  We learned at Chip’s funeral that he possessed a tremendous gift of humor and constantly shared it with those around him. (I don’t think I’ll ever look at a bottle of baby shampoo quite the same again…)

Live with a full-blown sense of adventure. Our daughter has taught me this often, and stories at Chip’s funeral re-enforced it. Several of Chip and Linda’s friends from their days serving in the Peace Corps in Africa shared wonderful recollections. Not all of us can serve the world, but we can be dutiful to our little corner of it.  If there’s a hill, climb it. If there’s a race, run (or walk) it. If there’s a need, roll up your sleeves and just do it.  Being worried or a scaredy-cat accomplishes nothing.

Be a mentor. Everyone has some talent to share with young people. When Chip was asked why he wanted to be a juvenile court judge, he replied that he had been a hellion as a teenager and perhaps he could help young people who were headed down the wrong path.  He did so, immeasurably. Our oldest son appeared in Chip’s courtroom on several occasions.  Several years later, Chip married our son and his wife.  Surely Chip appreciated the irony of the situation, but he also saw that he had a hand in Vince getting through his tumultuous teen years.  Chip was the founding force behind Geauga County’s CASA for Kids (which makes sure there is an advocate to speak for every youth in the juvenile court system), and a Big Brother for many years.  He found time to make a difference in our world by making a difference in the next generation, one at a time. (Tutors are needed for area kids! See page 8)

Don’t just be a friend…be the best friend you can possibly be.  Some of Chip’s lifelong friends spoke of instances when Chip amazed them with his loyalty, and his selfless and caring acts.  One friend shared that while his daughter battled cancer and could not ride the school bus, Chip took her to school every day for a year.

Family is a superlative in life.  Chip obviously relished being one of six siblings, and cherished huge family gatherings dearly.  And he kept communications perking by means of email with far-flung family.  Maybe I need to try again with my New Year’s resolution to contact each of my 26 cousins this year!

To keep momentum behind the inspiration, we at the Spirit of Bainbridge are having small “The Chip Factor” wallet-size cards and discs created-perfect for pocket, purse or desktop!  Each will serve as a reminder of the goodness we can share with others in our community and our world.  We’ll have them here at the Spirit office (above A&A Medical Supply in Knowles Plaza West, across from Chagrin Cinema) from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday, beginning July 1.  They will also be available at Watson’s 87 Furniture in Middlefield. (Oh, if you would like to “chip in” on this project, we would gladly welcome your donation to underwrite costs.)  And if you bump into John Bauswein, aka Junkyard Chef, at the grocery store, he’s sure to have “The Chip Factor” with him!

A chip is just a small piece of something, like Chip Henry was just one person in the grand scheme of life.  He made a lasting statement simply by living a good life.  His dynamic spirit and passion for life continues on in us.

April 8, 2018 Linda