In honor of all Moms (dads too)...

On my 2nd birthday with my Great-Great Aunt Adah Finn, me & mom,

my Aunt Teresa, and my Aunt Linda.

Top picture- me (@2 1/2) with my mom and a litter of our puppies
Bottom picture- me (@16 months) with my dad and his way sweet hair ;)

I read this poem recently at Cullen's preschool and I think it's appropriate for upcoming Mother's Day! I know I think of my own mom and grandma

(and you too, dad and grandpa!) when I read it...

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 there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God.

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 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.

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 you pick up a soda can and I learned it is important to recycle and take care of our Earth.

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, you smiled and it made me want to look that pretty too.

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... and I want to say thanks for all the things you did when you thought I wasn't looking.

~~ Mary Rita Schilke Korzan
More than two decades ago, a young woman soon to graduate from college and get married reflected on her life and was filled with gratitude for the goodness and example of her mother. After praying for divine assistance to express in words her love and appreciation, Mary Rita Schilke Korzan wrote a poem titled “When You Thought I Wasn’t Looking” and dedicated it to her mother. Years later she was surprised to find the poem in a book with the words “author unknown.” Mary eventually unraveled the mystery of lost authorship, driven by a desire that those who read the poem would know the person who inspired it—her mother.