Jan 22, 2012 2:05pm

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords to Step Down from Congress

ht gabrielle giffords youtube jt 120122 wblog Rep. Gabrielle Giffords to Step Down from Congress

(YouTube)

Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords will step down from the House this week to focus on he recovery from a gunshot wound to the head, but she vowed in a two-minute video announcement of her decision that she will be back.

“I have more work to do on my recovery and so to do what is best for Arizona I will step down this week,” she said in the video, which was posted on her website and on YouTube. “I’m getting better every day. My spirit is high. I will return and we will work together for Arizona and this great country.”

Giffords has made a stunning recovery after being shot in the head by a gunman who opened fire while the Arizona congresswoman was meeting with constituents at a suburban Arizona supermarket in January 2011. Six people were killed and besides Gifford, 12 others were wounded in the shooting rampage Jan. 8, 2011.

The bullet entered Giffords’ head just over her left eye and traveled through the left side of her brain. In an interview with ABC News’ Diane Sawyer 10 months after the shooting, husband Mark Kelly said: “It’s clear that any lower, it would’ve killed her, any further midline, it would’ve killed her. If it crossed hemispheres, it would’ve killed her. Any further outboard, she’d never be able to speak again. Any higher, she’d never be able to walk.”

By November 2010, Giffords had regained her ability to speak, thanks to a grueling course of speech and physical therapy. But she was still struggling with aphasia, which was shown in the home videos Kelley shot during her rehabilitation.

She said in the video today that she needs to focus on her rehabilitation.

“Thank you for your prayers and for giving me time to recover,” she says, speaking clearly but slowly and haltingly, her eyes bright and focused.

Before leaving office, Giffords will complete the “Congress On Your Corner” event that was interrupted last January when 22-year-old gunman Jared Loughner opened fire, killing six and wounding twelve.

Giffords, a Democrat, also plans to attend President Obama’s State of the Union address Tuesday.

In a statement today, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said Giffords has been “an inspiring symbol of determination and courage to millions of Americans.”

“Gabby’s message of bipartisanship and civility is one that all in Washington and the nation should honor and emulate,” Pelosi said in the statement. “I join all my colleagues in Congress in thanking Gabby for the honor of calling her colleague and wishing Gabby and Mark great success and happiness.  She will be missed in the House of Representatives, but her legacy in the Congress and her leadership for our nation will certainly continue.”

 

Full statement from Giffords:

“Arizona is my home, always will be. A lot has happened over the past year. We need to not change that but I know on the issues we fought for we can change things for the better. We can do so much more by working together. I don’t remember much from that horrible day but I will never forget the trust you placed in me to be your voice. Thank you for your prayers and for giving me time to recover. I have more work to do on my recovery and so to do what is best for Arizona I will step down this week I’m getting better every day. My spirit is high. I will return and we will work together for Arizona and this great country.”

Fellow Arizona Democrat, Rep. Raul Grijalva, said he was surprised Giffords resigned.

“I thought she would just see how the recovery proceeded, but I guess she decided in her own mind that this recovery is number one and that’s the right decision for her,” he said.

Grijalva said he hopes to see Giffords return to work one day.

“She will fully recover and when she decides to come back from her pause to take care of herself, she’ll pick up where she left off, there’s no question about that,” Grijalva said. “I’m looking forward to seeing her, thanking her, wishing the best and letting her know we’re going to keep the seat warm for her.”

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User Comments

God bless her! I’m glad she will be focusing on her recovery. Ms. Giffords has been a true inspiration to people all over our nation. She will continue to be so, whether in or out of office.

Posted by: Kathy M. | January 22, 2012, 2:30 pm 2:30 pm

She’s an amazing woman. Cannot wait to see how she progresses in the months and years ahead.

Posted by: puppyfeet217 | January 22, 2012, 2:30 pm 2:30 pm

It’s about time. I’m sorry about what happened to her, but as a result of that she has not been able to do her job representing the people. Drawing a check while not ever again being able to do the job is just wrong and typical of the greed of politicians.

Posted by: Bruce | January 22, 2012, 2:36 pm 2:36 pm

I started crying while watching this video! She is an inspiration.

Posted by: Kristen | January 22, 2012, 2:44 pm 2:44 pm

God bless Gabrielle and best wishes on her recovery. Her spirit and determination is an inspiration for everyone in our country.

Posted by: Jeffrey | January 22, 2012, 2:45 pm 2:45 pm

Bruce – Considering the job is what got her shot in this case I don’t feel the same way you do. It’s not much different than a work comp claim. I’d imagine she felt she might be able to make a recovery enough to stay in the job. It’s only right she was allowed the time.

Posted by: lexingtonlady | January 22, 2012, 2:52 pm 2:52 pm

The Truly Honorable Gabrielle Giffords

Posted by: Larry Waters | January 22, 2012, 2:57 pm 2:57 pm

Drawing a check while not ever again being able to do the job is just wrong and typical of the greed of politicians.

POSTED BY: BRUCE | JANUARY 22, 2012, 2:36 PM====Wow that’s pretty crass. I agree with LexingtonLady. She got hurt on the job and is lucky to be alive.

Posted by: daisy | January 22, 2012, 3:02 pm 3:02 pm

Please give one article a rest Bruce. Regardless of politics she is an amazing woman and an example of determination of our human spirit.

Posted by: dan | January 22, 2012, 3:04 pm 3:04 pm

Bruce

Gabrielle Giffords is my Congressional Representative. She gave up a lucrative career in the private sector to help her family close down their tire company, and she has worked tirelessly for her constituency, both at the state and federal levels.

Greed isn’t a word that anyone who knows her would ever use to describe her.

Posted by: Larry Waters | January 22, 2012, 3:05 pm 3:05 pm

God bless Gabrielle Gifford. I wish her speedy recovery.

Posted by: S. Reddy | January 22, 2012, 3:10 pm 3:10 pm

The only reason people are falling all over this woman is because she is an attractive liberal Democrat and her husband is an astronaut. If she were a nobody and and her husband a simple truck driver, no one would heard about her again. Do you ever hear of the progress of anyone else shot that day? No. She is a darling of the liberal media, and you people who fall all over her like you know her and like she has been your best friend all your life just make me shake my head.

Posted by: Bruce | January 22, 2012, 3:16 pm 3:16 pm

No Bruce, some of us have compassion. I’d fall all over a republican congressman or woman that had this happen while doing a Town Hall as well. Tragic story. I personally don’t like to see bunches of people shot. Gabby was very well liked in her community. That speaks volumes.

Posted by: lexingtonlady | January 22, 2012, 3:23 pm 3:23 pm

Yes, Bruce, you evidently haven’t been listening. We have heard regularly over the past year about the others who were shot. Unfortunately they died. Rep. Giffords miraculously DIDN;T die. Even her doctors have inevitably used the term miraculous in reference to the great strides she’s made in her recovery. As for colleccting her salary after being almost shot to death doing the job she was elected to do, meeting with her constituents at a “meet & greet” in front of a local super market, that constitutes meriting workers’ compensation, and then some. She’s stepping down now & won’t run for another term THIS year, but don’t count her out for good. She’s a winner!

Posted by: amn | January 22, 2012, 3:33 pm 3:33 pm

Thank you for your service Gabby. Hope you can run for President in 10 years. You would do a better job than Obama.

Posted by: peace | January 22, 2012, 3:34 pm 3:34 pm

geeez Bruce… give it a rest. Go spew your hatred somewhere else. The woman is a perfect example of a valiant fighter….the epitome of the strength of the human spirit. And I am not living in or from AZ, and am not a Democrat. Give it a rest for God’s sake, Bruce

Posted by: Nancy | January 22, 2012, 3:34 pm 3:34 pm

“The only reason people are falling all over this woman is because she is an attractive liberal Democrat” – posted by: Bruce

The only reson you are being such a pig Bruce is because Gabrielle Giffords is a Democrat.

Posted by: dan | January 22, 2012, 3:40 pm 3:40 pm

good luck to her. wish more politicians where like her.

Posted by: craig | January 22, 2012, 3:47 pm 3:47 pm

I wish her well and hope for a total recovery. As for the few idiots bashing her here, I am a Republican. Her moderate Dem views also meant that she could work with both sides in a realistic manner, a trait rare among politicians. The other team, whichever team you are on personally, is also composed of honorable people (okay, and a few jerks) and we need to remember that as we work out our differences.

Posted by: Leo | January 22, 2012, 3:56 pm 3:56 pm

God bless You Gabby! We love you!

Posted by: LifeisGOOD007 | January 22, 2012, 4:00 pm 4:00 pm

Oh my goodness…her video brought tears to my eyes. I truly hope we have the opportunity someday, when and if she feels ready to return, to help her to return to a job she obviously loved with a passion. @Bruce…I think the reason that everyone is “making such a big deal” about her, is because she was shot in the head and has lived beyond that event. Regardless of her position, her husband’s, her affiliations, or her personal appearance, not many people can say the same.

Posted by: paisleychic | January 22, 2012, 4:02 pm 4:02 pm

AMN — I think 6 of the 18 died, not all of them. You may consider the rest dead but then that’s my point–you people are only concerned about the one.

Posted by: Bruce | January 22, 2012, 4:09 pm 4:09 pm

Larry Waters: “Drawing a check while not ever again being able to do the job is just wrong and typical of the greed of politicians.”

Seems to me that career politicians receive the same golden parachute and are not shot in the head! Don’t worry, Larry, there are plenty of lunatics in Arizona and I am sure she can be replaced with one of them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Allan J Krueger | January 22, 2012, 4:12 pm 4:12 pm

…..Just when I thought the congress was going to man up, they leave her behind. Oh well, I’ll still think the same of them, and bless her recovery.

Posted by: RP---STAR | January 22, 2012, 4:18 pm 4:18 pm

Allen,

I did not make that comment, Bruce did.

Posted by: Larry Waters | January 22, 2012, 4:29 pm 4:29 pm

Bruce, Gabby Gifford personifies what made this country great. YOU personify what is trying to make it spin into an amoral septic tank. Gabby is far more than the sum of her parts. Money, fame, political powress, and marriage cannot build character. Ms. Gifford was blessed with that character well before she could even pronounce the word “politics”. Through nuture or nature, her goodness and spirit blossomed. Although our politics are somewhat opposed. I am glad that she became a politician. She would have been the same wonderful person had she elected to stay out of the public limelight; however, my life, as well and all the lives of this nation would have been a little bit sadder, a little bit less enlightened. Thank you Ms Gifford, for being you. Bruce: Go to Hell…

Posted by: ncpilot15 | January 22, 2012, 4:39 pm 4:39 pm

What a brave, dear woman! I’m so glad she’s recovering – I wish her the very best and will keep her in my prayers. “Well done thy good and faithful servant!”

Posted by: Pamela deRoy | January 22, 2012, 4:43 pm 4:43 pm

Gabby, I am sorry to hear that you have chosen to step down but I do wish you all the best in your recovery and in any future endeavors. May you and Mark enjoy a long and happy life together.

Posted by: howdymo1 | January 22, 2012, 4:44 pm 4:44 pm

She made me cry too but she is very inspiring. I wish her the very best in her life!

Posted by: jane | January 22, 2012, 4:54 pm 4:54 pm

S.Reddy – sorry you are wrong. I’ve heard many a story about the other shooting victims, too. On network TV, radio, in online publications. So despite what you wrote, there are plenty of other stories out there. You just haven’t read them.

Oh, by the way, people usually feel badly for other people who’ve been SHOT IN THE HEAD, jerk!

Posted by: Surprisedatthehate | January 22, 2012, 4:55 pm 4:55 pm

Ok Bruce you’ve got the attention you were seeking. Time to return to the bunker. Buh bye!

Posted by: Atilathehun101 | January 22, 2012, 4:56 pm 4:56 pm

Mrs. Gifford – you are so inspiring. But please don’t go to the State of the Union. I will tell you what will happen. Mr. Obama will use you again for his speech like the “first time you open your eyes” in a political forum. People will clap. Then he will go back to golf and you to continue your hard-earned recovery.

Posted by: young_voter | January 22, 2012, 5:12 pm 5:12 pm

I’ve fallen all over this woman because she displays a spirit I admire. You can not help but be in awe of her at this difficult time in her life. Even before she was shot she was the rare politician that most were able to like, even if they disagreed on some of her platforms. Take away the party binders and look at her as a person. If more in congress were like this woman we would not all be arguing so much. Congress would function better. She’s one of the more decent ones. It’s a loss.

Posted by: lexingtonlady | January 22, 2012, 5:13 pm 5:13 pm

God bless you, Senator Giffords, from the great state of NJ! We are rooting for your recovery as well!!

Posted by: Stephanie | January 22, 2012, 5:25 pm 5:25 pm

Hey Bruce, I am a conservative and I say Senator Giffords is a class act!

Posted by: Kathy M. | January 22, 2012, 5:34 pm 5:34 pm

“…stepping down?” I thought being in Congress was public service? Was she on a pedestal?

Posted by: Darren | January 22, 2012, 5:34 pm 5:34 pm

Thank you U.S. Rep. Gabriell Giffords for your many years of service! You are a wonderful role model and have taught us much about how to forgive, be gracious and care about our fellow human being. We continue to wish you the very best and pray for your continued recovery.

Posted by: M | January 22, 2012, 5:37 pm 5:37 pm

Im not even American or even live in the States,but the Uk.. and i think she is amazing…and an incredible story of determination and love of her family to get her to the point she can actually do her resignation video with dignity….so glad to see there is only one totally uncaring nutter called Bruce out there that just leaves me cold….Just hope he does not have an arsenal of Guns…!!

Posted by: Gary. | January 22, 2012, 5:50 pm 5:50 pm

I love her! I wish her all the best and pray for her continued recovery! God Bless Gabby and Mark! Truly two of the most inspirational people I have ever had the privilege to witness!

Posted by: Dee | January 22, 2012, 6:34 pm 6:34 pm

What in heaven’s name makes her “brave”? She has no other choice than to deal with her situation.

Posted by: Bruce | January 22, 2012, 6:41 pm 6:41 pm

Bruce…sorry, chump, there is no way for anyone, not even Webster himself, could ever make you understand why normal people…we conservatives as well as the liberals…consider Ms Giffords to be “brave”. You see, the term, “bravery”, is foreign to you. Oh, I am sure you know the dictionary definition, but you will never understand the application of the word. I am certain that had you found yourself severely injured, physically mauled and disfigured, you would hide away, out of sight of the public eye. She refused to act like a victim. That takes fortitude…something that I imagine you are lacking. I suffered a severe burn on my leg during my tour during the Viet Nam war. It was bad, but compared to Ms Giffords injuries, the burn was nothing. My physical therapy was the most painful thing that I have ever experienced; I can only imagine the pain, despair, and frustration that SHE has suffered. You have neither the intellect nor the compassion it would take to understand that that is what bravery is. In a way, I feel sorry for you.

Posted by: ncpilot15 | January 22, 2012, 7:01 pm 7:01 pm

If we all had just one percent of the courage, determination, and richness of character displayed by Gabby Giffords, what an incredible place the world would be!

Posted by: Judy conway | January 22, 2012, 7:15 pm 7:15 pm

There is no cure for Aphasia so, as much as she may believe that she’ll return to Washington as congresswoman, I seriously doubt it.

Posted by: john locke | January 22, 2012, 7:24 pm 7:24 pm

I was shot in the right shoulder and went through PT, too. It was painful but it was something I had to do. I wasn’t heroic for getting better. It was what I had to do.

Posted by: Bruce | January 22, 2012, 8:03 pm 8:03 pm

It is true that Gabrielle Giffords is not the only one who was revealed to be a noble human being by their actions leading up to, during, and after the tragic events of January 8th 2011. There was also Christina-Taylor Greene, the grand-daughter of former Phillies pitcher and manager Dallas Greene who so wanted to be a part of all that is good about America that she insisted that she be allowed to go to a meet-the-congresswoman event in her local neighborhood. There was Federal District Judge John Roll, a Bush appointee who nevertheless eschewed partisan politics and had developed a friendship with Congresswoman Giffords and stopped in to say ‘Hi’ on his way home from Mass – and lost his life. There were the three elderly ladies who also lost their lived by insisting on their right to approach their representative in the House. There was Gabe Zimmerman, Giffords aide, who lost his life trying to protect her. There were Patricia Maisch, Bill Badger, Roger Sulzgeber and Joseph Zamudio, the bystanders who combined to subdue the shooter at the risk of their own lives.

Posted by: WilliamDawesJr. | January 22, 2012, 8:25 pm 8:25 pm

Bruce – Gabby possesses the kind of character that everyone, conservatives, moderates and liberals, would like to see more of. You possess the kind of character that we’ve all seen entirely too much of. I think it’s past your bedtime. Night night Bruce.

Posted by: Plantain_11 | January 22, 2012, 8:27 pm 8:27 pm

Bruce, I do not live in the fine state of Arizona, but I am offended by your insensitive and inappropriate remarks about someone whom I consider to be a very honorable and inspirational person. Rep. Giffords and the others wounded or murdered on that fateful day deserve a lot more respect than you replies seem to offer. Lighten up, sir. Please.

Posted by: Teague Breslin | January 22, 2012, 8:27 pm 8:27 pm

Well, I’m all busted up over offending you. Listen to all these delusional people who act like they have been life-long best friends with Giffords. That woman would not so much as give you idiots a ride to the post office and you act like you have known her personally all your lives. What a bunch of deluded idiots!

Posted by: Bruce | January 22, 2012, 9:00 pm 9:00 pm

Somehow, Bruce, I’m sure that you really don’t get too broken up about offending people despite your obviously vast experience. And yes, Gabrielle is my Congresswoman and has done more for this district, for her country, and for me, than any 10,000 of the likes of you.

Posted by: WilliamDawesJr. | January 22, 2012, 9:11 pm 9:11 pm

Thank you Gabby ! Thank you for defining courage to those of us who have never been faced with such a mountain. And thank you for your service to the folks in Tucson in spite of your uphill climb. May we all be a bit more humble and caring toward those whose lives have been changed by horrific events.

I know several men, including my father, who changed after watching others fall to their deaths from the sky or die on the beach at Normandy. People can became physically and mentally hardened in ways we lucky Americans may not understand. So Bruce, although I feel differently than your posts, I also send thanks for your service. Know that you are cared about too.

Posted by: green.goddess | January 22, 2012, 9:15 pm 9:15 pm

Perhaps it’s best to just ignore the trolls and comment on Gabby, her service, recovery, and future.

Posted by: Larry Waters | January 22, 2012, 9:28 pm 9:28 pm

Evidently Bruce can only feel respect, compassion or admiration for someone who is personal friend. Shot in the shoulder? B F D, darlin’. Anybody else die that day? Somehow I knew that you were going to tell us about your own personal experience….we don’t care. (Hi William Dawes, from another Tucsonan you met on this board last Jan 8)

Posted by: puppyfeet217 | January 22, 2012, 9:31 pm 9:31 pm

Some of Gabrielle Giffords’ Accomplishments

BA-Latin American history/sociology- Scripps College
Fulbright Scholarship-studied in Chihuahua, Mex.
MA-Urban Planning-Cornell University,
Planner-University of San Diego
Planning Associate, Price Waterhouse
President/CEO El Campo Tire-Business failing-revived it to sell
Formed a commercial property management firm in Tucson.
Gabrielle Giffords-Bio

Arizona State House
Arizona Senate-youngest woman ever elected to the Arizona Senate.
US House-8th Congressional District
Armed Services, Foreign Affairs, &Science & Technology committees,
Chairperson- Energy & Environment and Space & Aeronautics subcommittees.
Until Kelly’s retirement only representative w/an active duty military spouse.

Posted by: Larry Waters | January 22, 2012, 9:39 pm 9:39 pm

I don’t understand this cult of personality being displayed here, but I do know it’s mindless people who allow people like the former Dear Leader Kim Jong Il to flourish. I suppose you all adhere to the slogans “Worship or Die,!” “Mourn or Die!” ?

Posted by: Bruce | January 22, 2012, 9:44 pm 9:44 pm

I just know that Gabby is a fighter and will be back, and when that day happens I will be back to vote for her. I hope she never gives up, she is my hero.

Posted by: aprillynn | January 22, 2012, 10:02 pm 10:02 pm

Bruce said “I don’t understand this cult of personality being displayed here, but I do know it’s mindless people who allow people like the former Dear Leader Kim Jong Il to flourish.” Yes, Bruce, our respect and admiration for Gabby is *just* like that. Hit the nail on the head. Gosh, I can’t believe we’ve all been so transparent. *eyeroll*

Posted by: puppyfeet217 | January 22, 2012, 10:17 pm 10:17 pm

At the height of the Health Care debate I went to Rep.Giffords’ office here in Tucson to register my opinion . Her staff was stressed & exhausted from dealing with back to back protests,phone calls, etc, on top of all the other work they do for the people of our district.
The next day I brought in four bags of fresh grapefruits from my yard as a thank to her staff for all their work. Someone on the staff took my name & address,I thought at the time it was for security reasons.
About ten days later I received a handwritten thank you card from Giffords acknowledging my gift. A small, personal gesture, in the middle of one of the most intense debates on policy in US History.
That’s Gabrielle Giffords, hard working, thoughtful, & committed to her country.

Posted by: Larry Waters | January 22, 2012, 10:18 pm 10:18 pm

Larry, they all do that–they want your vote, that’s all. Don’t take it personally.

Posted by: Bruce | January 22, 2012, 10:30 pm 10:30 pm

aprillynn : Aphasia, which is her problem, is incurable. She will be unable to hold conversations, give speeches, read and write documents with adequate facility to carry on her job. The fact that she survived a gunshot wound to her brain is amazing enough, but some miracles are beyond human endeavor.

Posted by: john locke | January 23, 2012, 1:16 am 1:16 am

Honorable? Inspiring?

Before this happened, most of you probably wouldn’t have been able to tell me her name if I pointed to her in a group photograph of the senate. But one bullet to the head, and suddenly she’s the next Mother Theresa.

What happened to her is terrible and tragic, but she’s not the first person to be shot in the head. Most people die after such a tragedy, and even when they don’t they rarely bounce back as quickly as she has. How do you suppose that happened? YOUR tax dollars bought her the best care known to man. Care that hardly anyone paying those taxes could afford if it happened to them. Sure, she’ll never fully recuperate, but her quality of life still currently exceeds what most people who suffer the same injury have had or will ever have.

I just don’t think this general worship is appropriate.

Posted by: AmericaThePitiful | January 23, 2012, 2:37 am 2:37 am

Yes AMERICATHEPITIFUL, you are right. Many others have suffered equally or more than this woman. From my perspective, not being American or a friend of this woman, she is still marvellous. You see, being bitter doesn’t help. Good luck to her and I hope she realises her new prospects in life.

Posted by: Paul | January 23, 2012, 2:51 am 2:51 am

She was shot in the frontal lobe. There’s no way she would ever be able to come back. Anyone who’s ever been around a person with a frontal lobe TBI knows better. She simply doesn’t have the emotional or executive ability to work anymore. Plus, she probably doesn’t care anyway which is another resuIt of a TBI. Those are all classic symptoms when your frontal lobe is injured.

Posted by: afkbrad | January 23, 2012, 4:26 am 4:26 am

Bruce and AFKBRAD not only do I pray for G Giffords recovery but yours as well. How dare you both for posting such aweful comments! I had a brain tumor and it took me 4 years to recover. Yes,I agree she and other brain injury and brain patients do have challenges, but we at least have an excuse,I just want to know what yours are..oh I know its called being ignorant! Do you think she hired this gunman to shoot her to draw a check? You both need to really think before you post oh forgive me I am sorry I forgot you probably dont know how to do that , you may want to call your Dr regarding that disability!! Gabrielle will be back that I can promise you! I am a Former Mayor. You know I could go on and on but neither of you would catch on anyways. People that live in glass houses should not throw stones. Please do your homework before you make posts. She is a very brave lady and she survived for a reason so I would highly recommend you both to stay alert she will show you

Posted by: Joanie Smith | January 23, 2012, 6:53 am 6:53 am

I can’t believe this – I was just in DC last week and on my way to visiting my Congressman’s office I went by Gabby’s office – my friend and I had our picture taken in front of her office standing besides the sign that said it was her office – we went inside and wrote in her guest book.
I wish her and her husband only the best – she inspired the Nation with her remarkable spirit.

Posted by: Jayne | January 23, 2012, 8:54 am 8:54 am

I had a student who came down with spinal meningitis and suffered brain damage after her temoperature spiked so high she had seizures. She could not speak at all..had absolutely no ability to retrieve and speak. She had to learn to talk all over again..Her recovery was slow..at the time she was a high school student. She is now thirty years old and speaks beautifully..she regained her full capacity to speak, albeit at a slightly slower pace than before her illness. I think each case is different..and much has to do with persistence, dedication, commitment and a positive spirit. I disagree with you about her chances of returning to public service. It has been reported that she has full comprehension of language. I’ve known stroke victims who could barely walk who ended up running marathons with lots of physical therapy and the determination to gain full physical recovery…Who’s to say that same degree of intense work and practice won’t bring back her ability to communicate..her artriculation is clear…she will need to increase her output and speed…she may need to bypass her retrieval problems by writing her thoughts down first..then reading them. Those who are so doom and gloom that they think they know she will not make a recovery might just hold those statements. You may be surprised.

Posted by: Siobhan | January 23, 2012, 10:39 pm 10:39 pm

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