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Gabrielle Giffords Opens Her Eyes: 'A Miracle,' Says Pelosi, Who Watched From Bedside

1 year ago
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Rep. Gabby Giffords, who took a bullet to the brain in Saturday's Tucson rampage, opened her eyes for the first time Wednesday night at the urging of her husband, astronaut Mark Kelly, as three close Democratic friends -- Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand -- looked on in joyous disbelief.

"Gabby, open your eyes, open your eyes," Gillibrand quoted Kelly in a phone call to CNN. She seemed to struggle momentarily but then managed to open her eyes, in what Wasserman Schultz said at first was just a squint but ultimately became wide-eyed. The wounded congresswoman also followed her husband's instructions to touch his wedding ring and give a thumbs up to indicate she understood the command, Gillibrand said.

"It was like a miracle, something so spectacular," Pelosi told CNN. The three women lawmakers had been invited to visit by their friend's parents, who were also present. Jokingly calling the eye-opening "a girl-power moment," Pelosi added, "She opened her eyes and looked at her husband." Pelosi attributed the dramatic development to a combination of "magnificent treatment," the visit from the Obamas and the love of her family.

Giffords is still listed in critical condition at the University of Arizona's University Medical Center. She was holding an open house for constituents at a Tucson supermarket Saturday when a gunman opened fire, shooting her in the head, then turning the semi-automatic gun on 19 others in the crowd, killing six.
President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and several other Washington officials attended a Wednesday night memorial service for the victims at the University of Arizona. Soon after the president spoke, Gillibrand, a New York Democrat, let it be known that she, Wasserman Schultz of Florida, and Pelosi were in the room at the time Giffords opened her eyes.
"Debbie and I were telling her how much she was inspiring the nation with her courage, her strength, and we were talking about the things we wanted to do as soon as she was better," Gillibrand told CNN.
"I said, 'We'll have another night out for beer and pizza with your husband.' And Debbie started talking to her about their house in New Hampshire, just talking about all the things we wanted to do, and all of a sudden she started to struggle to open her eyes. So Mark saw that and said, 'Open your eyes, Gabby, open your eyes.' She kept struggling and struggling and Mark just kept encouraging her. And within a moment she literally opened her eyes."

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Bean"I"

Too bad some politicians feel the need to get their 15 minutes with this poor victim so they can appear to have compassion in a photo op. I don't remember Pelosi running to the bedside of anyone who was shot by the Fort Hood Shooter. I am disgusted that when this tragedy occurred it was the politicians saying, Oh this has to be about us and all the political discord. NO IT WASN'T. This was one lone mad man who is obviously a deranged individual. Imagine the gall of these politicians who are so puffed up and full of themselves that they tried to make this tragedy about them. And it continues. It's a sad state. But the president can feel good that the crooked polls have showed the American people are liking him more since the pep rally for the victims in Tuscon. So Mr President it takes a mad man on a shooting spree to make your poll numbers go up? That's something to be proud of. God bless all those who are recovering, those who were lost and those who survive.

January 22 2011 at 2:15 PM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
Ruth

I am so happy that the surviving victims of this tragedy are recovering and most have a long road ahead. With family and friends by their side, they will find the strength they will surely need. My heart goes out to those who lost their lives and their families.

I would, however, like to clear up a glaring error in the "eyes open" story. I live in Arizona and one of the local papers reported, days before, that Ms. Giffords had opened her eyes. NOW, will Politico let my comment be posted or let the sham continue?

Posted Jan 9, 2011, 12:40 pm
B. Poole
TucsonSentinel.com

"Giffords is in a drug-induced coma in intensive care. Doctors frequently awaken her to check her responsiveness, and she could open her eyes and respond to simple commands Sunday - an encouraging sign, said Rhee said."

January 14 2011 at 12:13 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
leeonthego

I was so happy to see the President and Mrs. Obama in Arizona. He gave such a wonderful speech. I cried, but they were tiers of sadness and happiness all at once. Sad for the departed's families and happiness at the Hero's who were honored. I thought the 14,000 people were so excited to see the President that they did get a little rambunceous. However, I don't think it was offensive. It was heart warming to see so many people show him such love. He surely needs it. I am very dissappointed that Mr Bourhner did not accept the President's offer to fly down with him to the Memorial. I so wanted him to go. Well, I hope we will have a better rest of the year than how it started off. Sincerly< lee

January 13 2011 at 6:37 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
sixmkx

Gabby for President 2012

January 13 2011 at 6:25 PM Report abuse -3 rate up rate down Reply
vobox3343

We thank God that he was with our Representatives as they visited Mrs. Gifford.

January 13 2011 at 6:16 PM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
facmech666768

Pelosi invokes Obama into the equation as though it was his visit that made her open her eyes. He had nothing to do with it. She also said it was a miracle. The only miracle I want to see, is Pelosi voted out of office. I hope for Gabby's speedy recovery and hopefully to a normal life.

January 13 2011 at 5:46 PM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply
uemp1oy731

Our thoughts and Prayer to all those whom have suffered a loss on this sad event, God Bless Their souls, and speedy recovery to all victims in pain. Moments like this puts us in a momentum of unity regardless of party affiliation, and a reflexion, aknowlegment that violence it is not the answer to anything.
Thanks

January 13 2011 at 4:30 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Coveredbrdgelady

I live in Tucson, AZ just 3 miles from the scene of this tragedy. I personally know Congresswoman Giffords. She is a sweet, loving person. To my knowledge,the nation did not see the entire 90 minute memorial on television last night. It was most inspiring, uplifting, and exactly what the Tucson residents needed. You might not be a fan of President Obama, but I am here to tell you, he brought Tucson to it's knees with his speech last night. It was NOT a 'pep rally" as is being broadcast on talk-radio today. Just because people cheered and clapped, does not mean it was not sincere and from the heart. Our city needs to heal from this terrible wound. The funeral is now being held for little Christina Green, tomorrow is the service for Judge Roll. Congresswoman Giffords did not open her eyes on Sunday. The first time was last night. Her progress is nothing short of a miracle. Please put all differences aside, no matter what they may be, and keep the victims, their families, and the citizens of Tucson in your prayers at this time of healing.

January 13 2011 at 4:13 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
Chuck

I really don't understand people sometimes. Political party references and actions have nothing to do with, and do not belong, in the aftermath of this terrible shooting. It doesn't matter who is a Republican and who is a Democrat. The fact of the matter is that this is about a shooting and the injuries plus the loss of life. Before Saturday I had never heard of Mrs. Gifford or the 9 year old girl or anyone else involved in this. All of them are victims, including their families and friends, and my heart and prayers go out to all of them. I want to hear about them not about what politicians are saying and doing.

January 13 2011 at 12:33 PM Report abuse +14 rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Chuck's comment
rickthehun

Amen, Chuck.

January 13 2011 at 2:27 PM Report abuse +9 rate up rate down Reply
George/Sara

I also heard about the newspaper report that she had opened her eyes last Sunday. The hospital also reported that she had opened her eyes last Sunday. Who do you want to believe????

January 13 2011 at 12:01 PM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply

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