Risk Control Center, University of Wisconsin-Stout
The theme of the following poem can be so very true for us in traffic safety education,
our children and students, and even others in our school and community.
After reading this, just consider our own driving behaviors/actions and how such
impact others around us (i.e., buckling-up, driving friendly, keeping a safe distance
from other users, and maintaining a safe speed at all times! This is a message every
parent should read, because your children are watching and doing as you do, not
as you say.
WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING
(author 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 little things can be the special things in life.
When you though 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 felt you kiss me good night and I
felt loved and safe.
When you though 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 its 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'."
Each of us - parent, grandparent or friend - influence the life of a child.
JUST THINK OF THE POWER YOU HAVE AND WHAT YOU CAN PASS ON!
Stout Home Page | Safety
/ Risk Control Courses | Driver Education Program
Brian J. Finder, Risk Control Center
University of Wisconsin-Stout
finderb@uwstout.edu
Updated: May 24, 2001