Today I saw along with everybody else the news that Gabby Giffords resigned from congress to focus on her recovery from being shot in the head a year ago.  In many ways, her recovery felt very familiar to us, which shouldn’t be too surprising since both Mary Elizabeth’s and Rep. Giffords’ cases involve recovering from a brain injury.

When the shooting first happened and I started hearing details about her brain swelling and having to relieve the pressure it was too much for me and I made a conscious decision to avoid hearing about the story. It was too familiar and brought up feelings of intense pain and panic which I was trying to get through at the time.

Since I started feeling better last fall, I started watching coverage and saw several interviews and television shows which documented her recovery and rehab.  It’s an amazing story – not only to see her dedication and good humor, but also to see her astronaut husband standing by and supporting her.  I guess I see some similarities there as well.

Mary Elizabeth has been watching the news too, and while she doesn’t say much, it’s clear that she’s moved by the story as well.  With the media coverage and all the hype which goes with it, it’s hard to compare Mary Elizabeth’s progress with Rep. Giffords but I guess it seems to us like she has come a little farther than Mary Elizabeth has.  Of course making comparisons is a tricky road to tread; as parents of twins we know it’s never a good idea to compare them – but of course you do.  All in all, we’re encouraged by her story and will continue to follow it.

It’s also lovely to see all the outpouring of affection and support she’s received and I know from experience how important that is, and how lucky Mary Elizabeth and I have been to have received similar support and love from our friends, family and sometimes perfect strangers.  It really does make it easier.

So we wish her the very best in her recovery and offer our profound thanks to our friends, family, colleagues and others for your support and affection.