Sunday, January 8, 2012

Gabby Giffords

January 8, 2011, was a tough day. My dad had passed away just 8 days earlier, leaving this world in the early hours of a new year, and things were still feeling surreal on a day I should have been wishing him a happy birthday. Instead, my sister and I took my mom cell phone shopping.

As we weighed the merits of various phones, I got a text from Meg. Gabby Giffords had been shot and CNN was reporting that she was dead. I told my mom and sister, a wave of texts slowly spreading the news in the store and across Tucson.

January 8 was now one of those days people in Tucson will always remember. One of those days you remember where you were when you heard the news.

Unbelievably, Gabby didn't die that day.

She continues to battle back, her strength and courage a true inspiration. If you saw her interview on TV recently, you know she still has a long way to go. I'm not sure she'll be able to return to office, and that will be a huge loss for Tucson. Of course, there are more important things. 

I admired Gabrielle Giffords before January 8, 2011. I admire her even more now. 


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8 comments:

  1. Michael Offutt, Phantom ReaderJanuary 8, 2012 at 10:03 AM

    I do too. The Republicans probably hate her even more now and probably wish that she'd just died so they could fill her empty seat with someone that shares their views. Gabby is a true hero surrounded by enemies.

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  2. NubianJanuary 8, 2012 at 10:31 AM

    What an amazing story of strength Ms. Giffords has to tell.

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  3. Luanne G. SmithJanuary 8, 2012 at 12:07 PM

    Can't believe she's doing as well as she is. Incredible.

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  4. David MacaulayJanuary 8, 2012 at 1:13 PM

    Nice post Tim - that certainly was a tough month for you. Like everybody else I can't believe how well she has done

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  5. IngerJanuary 8, 2012 at 3:37 PM

    She is a strong and courageous woman. I'm sorry for your loss -- it must have been such a difficult time for you and your family.

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  6. JoLynne LyonJanuary 8, 2012 at 7:31 PM

    I saw that interview. It was one of the few worthwhile times I've spent in front of the television. I was so impressed with her and the people working on her recovery.

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  7. DB StewartJanuary 9, 2012 at 6:53 PM

    She is indeed an inspiration.

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  8. JayneJanuary 12, 2012 at 12:59 PM

    Tim- A little late, but wanted to thank you for this post. It's hard enough to write, let alone about those we've loved and lost. You've done that so well, here. It's odd what we do the days that follow that loss, but we somehow go on, through the motions that keep us sane.

    I lost my brother-in-law, one of my best friends, seven years ago today. It's hard to believe that much time has passed. Another one of those days that you don't forget when you've heard the news.

    Gabby's a lucky lady. I hope she continues to heal.

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