When You Thought I Wasn't Looking

My mom sent this poem to me today. I have been thinking a lot recently about the concept of leading by example, but I could never have put it so eloquently. Thanks Mom ♥

WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING

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 that there is a God I could always 

talk to, and I learned to trust in Him. 

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 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.

-Mary Rita Schilke Korzan (1980)