Okay Gabby Giffords seems to be making great progress but I have to be realistic about this and think it will be very tough for her to get back to her normal life in a quick period. She's here in Houston undergoing rehab and they will do a great job with her I'm sure but it's a long, arduous process.

My speculation -- I wonder if her husband (who I've met - he's a great guy) could replace her in Congress? He's not from Arizona so there might be some sort of residency issue. But I bet he'd do it if he was asked to do so and they could get through any legal hoops.

My second bit of speculation is he won't be piloting the shuttle in April although I realize it's one of the final missions so that would be a very tough assignment to turn down. NASA has already named a back-up commander in case he declines to go up in space.

I wonder when he has to make the final yes-or-no decision on the shuttle. I am sure that would be an extremely painful decision, either way.

(01-22-2011 06:28 PM)Native Georgian Wrote:  I wonder when he has to make the final yes-or-no decision on the shuttle. I am sure that would be an extremely painful decision, either way.

My hope and prayer is that when the time comes to make that decision, she will be able to tell him herself that he should go because she is so far along the path to recovery.

+1

If the reports are accurate about her reaching for and grabbing hands, tapping on Ipad screens, responding to verbal commands, playing with wedding rings etc. then she has retained most neurological functions that the "typical" brain trauma patient is lucky to recover after months of rehab.

An Emergency Room Physician I know called it a "miracle" she lived because in 95% of these cases this trauma is fatal.

She will have a long road. The hard part is walking and talking. No reports on that yet. But she is still intubated.

Given the large Republican Majority, there is no rush to replace her in the House. She could still serve if she was in a wheelchair.

(01-22-2011 06:00 PM)Fort Bend Owl Wrote:  My speculation -- I wonder if her husband (who I've met - he's a great guy) could replace her in Congress? .

Putting aside the residency question, Sonny Bono's wife ran for his seat when he died and has held it ever since.

I just hope and pray that her remarkable recovery continues.

Godspeed Gabby Giffords and Mark E. Kelly.