When you thought I wasn't looking....

Some of you may know, who know my family and I in real life, that my mom has owned and directed a day care center for almost 28 years. And after a long 28 years of taking care of hundreds of children, she finally felt it was time to do something else. In turn, pretty much all of her center's stuff as made it's way to my house, which we are very appreciative of. In among many papers, files and tools on early childhood development, I found a lot of great things, including this poem that really hit home for me as a parent. I wanted to share because it is so true. Our children, no matter what age, always are looking to their parents, whether we, as parents know it or not.

This poem had no author on the page I found it on, as it was handed out at a class my mom went to. It was written by a 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 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 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 felt you kiss me good night and I felt loved and safe.

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 I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know 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."