[Janet]

This was so wonderful, but Kat, it also made me sad. I didn't have that growing up. My younger brother was the favorite. I'm just going to make a few comments.


WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING


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 I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one. My mom didn't want things messed up and putting a picture on the refrigerator wouldn't look good.

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. I was told to leave stray animals alone so they wouldn't stick around.

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. Only had a cake on our birthdays

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. We went to church for such a short time, camping became more important. I wish I learned more about God when I was younger, I envy Diana and Marilyn with their vast knowledge of the scriptures.

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. Never saw something like that either...costs too much money to not eat it ourselves.

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. I honestly never saw this either, my mother was quick to criticize

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. This did happen and maybe it's why I'm so nuerotic about organization.

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. This was a very good lesson I was taught and one I value highly.

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. Didn't see too many tears, we were told to 'get over it' and 'quit acting like a baby'.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be. I never had confidence when I was younger, didn't happen really till way after I was married. My younger brother was the baby and that's where most of the attention went.

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. I learned that when I was old enough to get a job, I could have whatever I wanted as long as I paid for it.

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.' No comment

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 sending this to someone else, you will probably make them at least think about their influence on others.
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.

This is why I try my hardest to always give a positive comment to my bus kids, it may be the only one they hear. My bus looks like an art gallery at times, because I tape their pictures up for all to see. I guess I did learn alot, but by NOT seeing some of those things and knowing I wanted to see them.

Please, no pity party, but we all grow up so differently and yet can come together as wonderful friends.