“And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us” Romans 5:5 This has long been one of my favorite bible verses. It is one that I memorized years ago and often pops into my head at the exact right moment.

I have not had the same affinity for the preceding verses: ” Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Suffering and perseverance have not been things I look forward to, much less want to rejoice in!

The last year has brought about a change in my heart, mind and soul about suffering. While I do not look forward to future sufferings, I know that through them God blesses, strengthens, and encourages me. Without a doubt my character has been transformed; I am more grateful, patient, in the moment, and less worried than I ever have been before.

The disease we are fighting has required us to be marathon runners with no training. Yet, I feel we are winning the race. The encouragement we get from the people in our lives, the perfect song on the radio; Gabriel suddenly deciding to eat a new food; all spur us on to our unknown finish line.

Things are going VERY well in our RACE right now! It is so exciting to me to announce on EASTER Sunday….the day that HOPE truly born……..

GABRIEL had 0 seizures all month!

HOPE personified for me. We are pretty sure the new medication we added is giving us the relief we have been looking for! I think the longest stretch we had before this was over the summer and we made it 10ish days?  The last couple weeks have been tough on his body ,as he fought pneumonia and adjustment his new medication, but his energy levels are on the rise and he is very interactive!

I’ve been a little reluctant to openly share how many days we haven’t had seizures because it seems everytime we start getting excited and sharing days that the next day or 2—WHAM! They are back. While, I know that is still possible I am HOPEful that the seizures will remain under control.

Giving us added HOPE for Gabriel’s future, is the blog of another Doose child, who was able to come off the diet recently and remain seizure free! YIPPEE! We are so excited for this family and their openness and honesty in sharing their story. We hope that our story will be an inspiration to others too.

Happy Easter! May God bless you with His Promises of HOPE for Eternity!