One of the great things about age is that you have had time to learn to roll with the punches, and are less and less surprised by the unpredictablity of the unexpected events life can throw your way. I have found that just when I think I have everything figured out, something will usually occur to remind me that I really don't...and I have come to accept the fact that maybe I never will have it all figured out. Because I have learned that life is a process - an evolution -that provides continuous challenge so that we never stop growing, stretching, and learning.

I was recently reminded that that life is always full of surprises...sometimes when we least expect it:

It was a typical evening for me - I watched a little tv, spent some time on the computer, and did a little reading...and before I knew it, it was time to get ready for bed. I am a creature of habit and my nighttime routine is second nature, so I rarely pay attention to what I am doing as I wash up and get ready to get to sleep...but on this particular night I am grateful that my inner voice was on alert and that I was paying attention to it, because for some reason I paused to look down before sitting on the toilet.

And I am so very, very thankful that I did!! Because as I glanced down into the toilet I saw a huge frog sitting on some tissues I had thrown in there earlier!!!! Now I am not talking a toad here - not one of those cute things I used to try to catch as a kid - I mean a full grown, BIG frog!!!! I am sure if you happen to live within a 10 mile radius of my home you probably heard my screams...my husband who is used to me screaming every time I see a bug knew this was not my typical scream and came running. As he entered the bathroom he told me to calm down and stop exaggerating because surely the huge frog I began describing was probably not very large at all. Well, he was in for a huge surprise himself!! He was as shocked as I when he saw this huge frog just sitting there, looking like he was right at home.

After a bit of a chase he was able to catch the frog and put it back outside where he belonged. The only regret we both had after that happened is that we didn't think to snap a picture, as I know that no one would be able to capture that moment was to have a photo of it. The next question was how on earth did that frog get into the toilet in the first place!! We called the city water department to check our pipes for a break through which the frog could have gotten in, but they found nothing amiss. My husband checked vents and anything else he could think of and came up with nothing.

As many of you know, I'm never able to tell a story without attaching some kind of moral to it...so I've decided that perhaps my visitor was actually God's way of reminding me that life is full of surprises - some good, some not - and no matter how prepared you think you might be, don't forget that life is an unexpected journey and we are just along for the ride - so enjoy it, bumps, bruises, and unexpected guests all!!!! ~ Andrea :-)

When my father passed away 5 years ago my sister and I wondered how long Mom could survive, her heart broken at the loss of her soulmate and partner of 52 years. It was hard to imagine her being able to go on without him...he was her rock and she relied on him so very much. But Mom surprised us all - although her heart was heavy she did her best to go on. It wasn't easy, but her strong will and determination helped her to take slow, small steps forward.

I have been blessed by many incredible teachers who have had such a positive influence in my life. From my 7th grade teacher who was the first person to make me feel as though I was capable of so much more, to my father whose unconditional love taught me to believe that I could do or be anything...to more recent spiritual teachers like Wayne Dyer and Eckhart Tolle, whose wisdom has inspired me to stretch and do the unimaginable.

I have achieved many goals the last few years because of the inspiration of the people I have mentioned above. But none of what I have accomplished would have been possible without one very special teacher, Evelyn Dufner. Evelyn, aka My Computer Angel, has guided me, pushed me, encouraged me...and most of all turned my many visions into reality.

Evelyn is one of those quiet people whose influence you don't realize until you step back and look at how much you have learned and grown from her guidance and instruction. She is a pretty amazing person - one of those talented people who wears many hats...she's a computer instructor, web designer, business administrator and classroom teacher, not to mention a mother, wife, and daughter. She seems to glide effortlessly from one to the other, always bringing with her an encouraging smile and a large dose of enthusiasm.

I know how blessed I am to have Evelyn in my life as I am sure there are few people who could put up with my sometimes demanding and impatient personality. I work so hard to evolve to be a patient, kind, and calm spirit, but let's just say I am still a work-in-progress!

Without Evelyn Heal With Hope would not be the beautiful website that it is, and the book I just completed would not be as special. So as I remember all of the great teachers who have impacted my life in so many wonderful ways, I want to give thanks to Evelyn for being such a wonderful teacher and friend. ~ Andrea :-)

If you believe, as I do, that there are no coincidences, you will understand how the timing of Hailee coming into my life was not an accident. Five years ago I was struggling with my health, my dad was very ill, and we were getting ready to move to a new home. Right around this time my son, who had been living on his own, had to move back home for a short time and brought Hailee, his new puppy, with him.