WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING

(Written by a former child)

(A message every adult should read, because children are watching you and doing as you do, not as you say.)

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
the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking,
I heard you say a prayer,
and I knew there is a God I could always talk to
and I learned to trust in God.

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 have to help
take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking,
I saw you give of your time and money
to help people who had nothing
and I learned that those who have something
should give to those who don't.

When you thought I wasn't looking,
I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it
and I learned we have to take care
of what we are given.

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 have to be responsible
when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking,
I saw tears come from your eyes
and I learned that sometimes things hurt,
but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking,
I saw that you cared and
I wanted to be everything that I could be.

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.'