(Written by a former child)
When you thought I wasn't looking...
I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator,
and I immediately wanted to paint another one.
When you thought I wasn't looking...
I saw you feed a stray cat,
and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.
When you thought I wasn't looking...
I saw you make my favorite cake for me,
and I learned that the little things can be very special in life.
When you thought I wasn't looking...
I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick,
and I learned that we all need to help take care of each other.
When you thought I wasn't looking...
I saw you give your time and money to help people who had nothing,
and I learned that everyone can make a difference.
When you thought I wasn't looking...
I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it,
and I learned the importance of FAMILY.
When you thought I wasn't looking...
I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good,
and I learned that I would need to be responsible when I grew up.
When you thought I wasn't looking...
I sometimes saw tears come from your eyes,
and I learned there are things that can hurt, yet it's O.K. to cry.
When you thought I wasn't looking...
I saw that you truly cared about people,
and I wanted to be everything that I could possibly be
to follow in your footsteps.
When you thought I wasn't looking...
I looked at you and wanted to say,
"Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking."
~Modified Version, Author Unknown — Mary Rita Schilke Korzan, Original Author
(Contributed by Beverly who lives in St. Cloud, Florida)