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)