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 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 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 felt you kiss me good night. I felt loved and safe.
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 learned most of life's lessons that I need to know
from you--how to be a 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."