A family once had a backyard pool. It was an above-ground pool without a shallow end. There were life-jackets for the young children who had not yet learned to swim. Some friends were visiting and the children were bobbing in the middle of the pool having a great time. All except one little fellow who was holding on for dear life to the edge. He was frightened and cold. "Hand over hand he went around the edge only occasionally letting go with both hands for a terrified instant." He was so afraid that he was crying.

"Why can they do it, and I can't?" the little boy asked his mother.

"Oh honey," his mother replied, "It's only that you are afraid. Soon you won't be afraid any more."

"Really!" he said excitedly. "You mean if I'm not afraid I can do what they can do?"

"Yes," she told him, "…