My mom emailed this to me a year ago and I recently saw the email, so I thought I'd share:
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A message every adult should read because children are watching you and doing as you do, not as you say...
WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING - Unknown
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'
For all of you who do so much for others, but think that no one ever sees. Little eyes see a lot.
Each of us (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher, friend) influences the life of a child.
How will you touch the life of someone today? Just by sharing this with someone else, you will probably make them at least think about their influence on others.
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.