When I saw the video for Rep. Giffords’ resignation, I couldn’t even cry. Her smile is wide and her spirit is strong, but the space between her words is much too familiar. In them, I hear her struggle to speak, to communicate with the outside world. I hear also the frustration with her new limitations, of being trapped with a body or mind that would not work as it once did. This is the tragedy of a traumatic brain injury. For those of us who are lucky enough to be present, you will forever know what you have lost.
Last night, when I saw her enter Congress for the State of the Union, I burst into tears. There was so much love from her peers, so much pride in her face. We citizens criticize Congress (sometimes rightfully so), but that moment should be congratulated. It is one of pure grace.
