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 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 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 that 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.'"