When you thought I wasn’t looking
I saw the tears in your eyes when
You found out that you had cancer.

When you thought I wasn’t looking
I heard you say “I love you” in the middle
Of the night. And I felt safe in your arms
As you carried me off to bed. Grandpa
Didn’t see it but I smiled.

When you thought I wasn’t looking
I saw that a mother’s love for her
Daughter will never end. Mom didn’t
See it but when she hugged me I smiled.

When you thought I wasn’t looking
I saw that twinkle in your eyes.
You told me that you were proud of me,
And the sky is the limit. Mr. Hausmann didn’t see it
But when I walked away I smiled. And I
Knew that the 3rd grade social studies teacher
Would be a role model that I would have forever.

When you thought I wasn’t looking
I saw that a principal took the time
To read my stories. And when you thought
I wasn’t looking I heard you say that
You were proud of me. Mr. Pflanz didn’t see
It but when I walked away I smiled.

When you thought I wasn’t looking
A 10th grade math teacher took the
Time to show me how to understand.
Mrs. Schroeder didn’t see it but when I walked out
Of that classroom I smiled.

When you thought I wasn’t looking
I saw the compassion in a basketball
Coaches’ eyes. Because each basket I made
Was another life lesson I learned. The Coach McDonald didn’t
See it but every time I walked off the court I smiled.

When you thought I wasn’t looking
I saw the disappointment on your face when I
Had to give up band, for a study hall. You didn’t
Know it but, that decision tore me apart. You
Didn’t know but I spent nights and nights awake
Thinking about what I had given up, and who
I had let down. You didn’t see it but, I didn’t
Smile when that happened.

When you thought I wasn’t looking
I saw that the superintendent took
Time to read my stories. And when you
Thought I wasn’t looking I remembered all
The advice you gave me. Mr. Eckstaine didn’t
See it but when I walked away I smiled.

And then I finally looked
I saw that I have everything I’ve ever wanted. And I smiled.
And I just wanted to say thank you for all the things you have done.