As Chip would say, "It's up to you"

Chip really liked the idea of personal responsibility. It was part of his core being never to blame others and to ask "What could I have done better?" or "Where did I fall down/fail and how can I do this better next time?" It was at the basis of his political beliefs. It was at the basis of how he related to me and other people.

He and I were a perfect match in this regard, having been raised by parents who believed ultimately that we have to take responsibility for the choices we make in life. It's no surprise, then, that at some point in his life the below poem resonated with him. He told me about it early on in our relationship (I can't recall how or when he first discovered it in his own life). Because it resonated with me so much, I printed it out, framed it and put some stickers (from my prize container in my speech therapy bag) on the frame to improve the simple, plastic frame a little.

When I see the frame in our dining area in our kitchen and re-read the poem, I am reminded of Chip.

Everlasting be his memory.

Its Up to You

God gave you this day to do just as you would You can throw it away - or do some good.

You can make someone happy, or make someone sad. What have you done with the day you had?

God gave it to you to do just as you would, You could do what is wicked, or do what is good.

You can hand out a smile, or just give 'em a frown, You can lift someone up, or push someone down.

You can lighten a load, or some progress impede. You can look for a rose or just gather some weed.

What did you do with your beautiful day? God gave it to you, did you throw it away? Author unknown