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.
I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be
kind to animals.
I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that little
things can be the special things in life.
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.
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.
I felt you kiss me good night and I felt loved and safe.
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.
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.
I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things
hurt, but its all right to cry.
I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be.
When you though I wasn't looking, I learned most of life's lessons
that I need to know to be good and productive person when I grow up.
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."
All of us - parents, grandparents and friends - influence the lives
of children, because they watch and do as we do, not as we say.
