Gabrielle Giffords posts message: "I'm getting better"

By: Brian Montopoli
Topics: Congress

(Credit: AP Photo/ABC, Ida Mae Astute)

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords posted an audio message to her Facebook page Tuesday in which she told her constituents she is "getting stronger," "getting better" and "want[s] to get back to work."

On January 8, Giffords was shot in the head during a constituent event in Tucson, an attack that left six dead and 12 wounded. She has been undergoing rehabilitation therapy in Houston in the months since.

In her minute-long audio message, which you can hear below, Giffords says "[t]hinking of that day makes me sad."

"It has been a hard year - for all of us," she says, adding, "Six people died. Six innocent people. So many people hurt."

A Message from Rep. Gabrielle Giffords by RepGiffords

"There is lot to say," continues the lawmaker. "I will speak better. I want to get back to work. Representing Arizona is my honor."

Giffords, who has visited Tucson twice since the attack, said in the message that she misses the city - "the mountains, blue skies, even the heat."

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Technically, Arizona's 8th district has no representation at the moment, since Giffords is on a medical leave of absence. After saying her staff will help constituents with their needs, Giffords says in her audio message, " I miss you, I miss home. I will see you real soon."

Giffords appeared in an ABC News interview with her husband Mark Kelly Monday in which she said she won't return to Congress until she is "better."

Asked if she was angry about what happened, Giffords responded: "No, no, no. Life, life."

Brian Montopoli
Brian Montopoli is the senior political reporter at CBSNews.com.
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by LoadedAndDangerous November 16, 2011 6:15 AM EST: Who cares? This story is as old as Hillary looks.; Reply to this comment


by AmericasConscious November 15, 2011 6:54 PM EST: Rep Giffords has come a long way from where she was in January.
Good to see her beat the odds.
Take care Gabby; Reply to this comment


by credibility2 November 15, 2011 3:29 PM EST: The low-life that did this to her should be put on death row. Look at all of the surgeries, therapies and the like she was forced to endure because of the actions of this one coward. I don't think any victims of violent crimes are ever truly healed and this should be taken into account when their sentenced for the crimes they've committed.; Reply to this comment


by hamiltongrad November 15, 2011 2:40 PM EST: That is great news. CBS what about any follow up of the other victims and their families ? There was a poor judge, a great man, who died that day. Is there any site to donate money or well wishes to the other familes ?; Reply to this comment