Rep. Gabrielle Giffords: a message to constituents

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

After watching the ABC News interview with Rep. Gabrielle Giffords on Monday night, I am more optimistic about her recovery than ever. Her personality and her intellect are intact. The Gabby I have known for years is fully there.

Gabby is slowed by the physical side-effects of traumatic brain injury: weakness on her right side, partial loss of vision, and difficulty with speech. But I will tell you from personal experience that Gabby is well on her way to recovery.

My family has a long history of strokes. Since I was a kid, I have been around relatives who have suffered strokes with the usual side-effects: slackness of the face, weakness or loss of an extremity, and difficulty with speech. With my relatives at least, their intellect and memories remained fully intact. Stroke was a physical disability, not a mental disability.

Some of my relatives recovered nearly fully, and others were left with a permanent disability. Having worked with my relatives in rehab and having been exposed to others with traumatic brain injuries in rehab, I find Gabby's progress in a few short months nothing short of miraculous, even if Gabby is frustrated by the pace of her recovery. She should be very proud of her accomplishments so far. Gabby's speech will improve, and she will get stronger.

For those who have been critical of Gabby's pace of recovery, I would point out that any one of us could suffer a stroke or a traumatic brain injury and have to face the same physical disabilities and rehabilitation that Gabby has faced. These critics should remind themselves, "there but for the grace of God go I." I hope that others will show them the patience and compassion that they lack.

I would also remind critics that Vice President Joe Biden, then a senator, and Sen. Tim Johnson (D-SD) suffered near fatal brain aneurysms, but recovered after lengthy rehabilitation and continued to serve their country. Gabby deserves no less consideration from her constituents.

The Arizona Daily Star today has published an excerpt from "Gabby: A Story of Courage and Hope" released today. The report contains a link to the audio version of the book in which Rep. Gabrielle Giffords delivers a message to her constituents. Audio: Gabrielle Giffords addresses constituents:

Hello, this is Gabby Giffords.

I miss you. I miss Tucson, the mountains, blue skies, even the heat.

I'm getting stronger. I'm getting better.

It has been a hard year – for all of us. Thinking about that day makes me sad. Six people died. Six innocent people. So many people hurt.

There is lot to say. I will speak better.

I want to get back to work. Representing Arizona is my honor.

My staff is there to help you. They keep me informed on your behalf.

I miss you, I miss home. I will see you real soon.

Thank you.

Book Tour: Mark Kelly will speak in Tucson Dec. 6:

Mark Kelly, husband of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, will discuss their new book, "Gabby: A Story of Courage and Hope," Dec. 6 at Centennial Hall on the University of Arizona campus.

His appearance, part of the Tucson Festival of Books, will begin at 7:30 p.m. Kelly will sign copies of the book after his presentation.

While the event is free, those attending must have a ticket, which are available beginning today at several locations.

Tickets are limited to two per person and must be picked up in advance.

Where to purchase advance tickets:

• UA Presents Box Office

1020 E. University Blvd.

Hours: Mon. – Fri. 10am-6pm

Sat. Noon-5pm, Sun. – Noon-4pm

Box Office: (520) 621-3341

Fax: (520) 621-8991

• UA BookStore, Student Union

Memorial Center (SUMC)

1209 E. University Blvd.

Hours: Mon. – Thurs. 7:30am-7pm

Friday 7:30am-6pm

Sat. & Sun. 10am-5pm

Ph: 520-621-2426

• UA BookStore at

University Health Sciences Center (AHSC)

1501 North Campbell Ave, Rm #1116

Hours: Mon – Fri. 8am – 4:15pm

Ph: (520) 626-6669

• McKale Sports Stop

in McKale Memorial Center

1721 East Enke Drive

Hours: Mon. – Fri. 9am – 5pm

• The A-Store at Tucson Mall

4500 N. Oracle Rd.

Hours: Mon. – Sat. 10am – 9pm

Sun. Noon – 6pm

• The A-Store at Park Place Mall

5870 E. Broadway Blvd.

Hours: Mon. – Sat. 10am -9pm, Sun. Noon – 6pm

• UA BookStore, UA Downtown