Miraculous Recovery
On Nov. 23, CNN posted an article updating the status of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who is still working hard to overcome the devastating effects of a gunshot wound to the brain that "would have killed most people." At a meet-and-greet event for the congresswoman outside a Tucson, AZ, shopping center in January, she was one of the victims of a shooting spree. Jared Loughner, 23, stands accused of the attack, which killed six people and wounded 12 others in addition to Giffords. The congresswoman has made what doctors call a "miraculous" recovery since the shooting.
The CNN article details a recent interview with Giffords' husband Mark Kelly, a former astronaut and Navy captain who retired last month. Intense physical, occupational and speech therapy is helping Giffords reach a point where she can consider returning to office, said Kelly. The couple have chronicled their experience in a new book, Gabby: A Story of Courage and Hope.
"There's a lot to be thankful for," Kelly told CNN. He also noted that Giffords is generally in an "upbeat mood" and not angry about what happened to her. "She'll come back stronger than ever, I'm convinced," he added.
What are your thoughts about Giffords' recovery, mindset and possible return to office? In addition, take a look at ADVANCE blogger Toni Patt's assessment of the "Unintended Consequences" of Giffords' rehabilitation.