The first stories I can remember as a child were Aesop's fables. You know, those classic tales, like "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" and "The Tortoise and the Hare," that provided moral lessons disguised as entertainment, sometimes ironic, sometimes frightening. As we get older, we tend to forget those stories, so busy with 'to do' lists, family obligations, and work deadlines.

But every now and then, we hear a story that makes us stand still, take stock and perhaps learn a lesson — even gain perspective on our lives, both personal and professional. Let me tell you such a story — a true story — about a claims adjuster named Jack.* As a provider of voluntary benefits programs, you might find that it makes an impact on how you value insurance.

Jack and his motorboat: A cautionary tale