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 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."