A friend recently shared with me a beautiful poem, When You Thought I Wasn’t Looking, by Mary Korzan. It is written to her mother in a child’s words. She speaks of the simple experiences she observed, and how they impacted and shaped her life. Below is a sampling.
When you thought I wasn’t looking I saw you make my
Favorite cake for me, and learned that the little
Things can be 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 tears come
From your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things
Hurt but it is alright to cry.
The repetition and cadence of these words, “When you thought I wasn’t looking,” ring in our ears. They remind us that everything we do influences others. Stephen Covey tells us, “Role modeling is the most basic responsibility of parents. Parents are handing life’s scripts to their children, scripts that in all likelihood will be acted out for the rest of the children’s lives.” You are the role models who will help shape and influence the lives of others. Your actions become the scripts that will be played out in the lives of those you serve. People will draw lessons from you, because of the qualities that they see in you. Your choices of words and actions will serve as an inspiration to others who will compose their own poem of you.
Perhaps the poem that someone will write about you will read:
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you believe in me
And I learned to grow in my own self-confidence.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I heard you tell others of their
Infinite possibilities and I began to find my own potential.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you sit quietly and concerned
About people, and I learned the importance of caring.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you stand by your principles
And values in difficult situations, and I learned that I would live my life
Based on my own values and doing what’s right
Each word you speak, action you take, and decision you make will add to the majesty and beauty of your poem. May it be epic in its richness, that others in reading it, may see the legacy of your life’s example. Whom are you watching? To whom will you one day say, “When you thought I wasn’t looking, you changed my life forever.”
Have a beautiful day and a magnificent week!!!
This may be the most beautiful post I have read. So inspiring!! I lost my mother almost two years ago but she is always in my mind guiding me. This also reminds me as a business leader to continue to check myself, words matter. Thank you
What perfect timing!!! I was BLESSED to read this poem, while traveling via Amtrak, to
visit my mom. It has been a “heavy” few days, as one of my dear friends lost her son to suicide, at the tender age of 46. ? As I read the poem, I immediately thought of my friend and her deceased son. Without a doubt, I’m certain that many of the excerpts from this poem, would apply to my dear friend.
The poem is so richly endearing. I thank Mr. Mike for posting / sharing it. It is appropriately fitting for MANY parents, grandparents, foster parents, mentors etc., who positively impacted a child’s life. ??