They say that experience is...
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They say that experience is the best teacher. That was definitely true for two-year-old Jeffrey. Like most two-year-olds, Jeffrey was full of boundless energy and endless curiosity. It seemed to his mother as if he was always getting into things. Not even the word "no" stopped him for long. For that reason, his mother was particularly nervous about lighting a fire in their fireplace. She knew that the dancing flames and the crackling wood would draw Jeffrey's attention. Then, during one severe snowstorm the power went out. Jeffrey's mother could no longer put off lighting that fire. They needed it to stay warm. "No Jeffrey, ouch!" she said as she pointed to the fire. She relaxed a little as Jeffrey seemed to understand. She even felt safe enough to leave him for a few seconds to go to the kitchen for some milk and cookies. In seconds Jeffrey was at the fireplace. He reached out his hands and touched the fireplace doors. His screams filled the air. Thankfully, Jeffrey was more frightened than hurt. He is also just a bit wiser. His experience taught him a lesson he'll never forget. Now, whenever he sees a fire or even a candle flame he points and says, "Hot. Ouch!" I wonder how Jeffrey would have learned about fire without that experience? -- Conroy
