Judging Mark Kelly: Gabrielle Giffords Would Want Him to Fly the Shuttle

Quite frankly, I don't think that the Kelly/Giffords decisions in this matter are any of the public's business. This is a private matter and it appalls me that thouse OUTSIDE their inner circle dare to pass judgement. Mark Kelly, go to work, do what you do, your wife is in good hands and with lots of good prayers. I'm sure you will be kept up to date on her progress....ain't technology grand? God bless you and your family.

The Congresswoman was shot doing her job. I'm not sure a conversation of whose job is more dangerous is exactly relevant. The reality of life is this man has a job and a family to support and a private decision was made. I wish the crew a safe journey and the Congresswoman a speedy recovery.

Have empathy folks, and put yourselves in his shoes! I know I wouldn't want to wear them. As for his joining his crew on the Endeavor, that isn't selfish, that is taking responsibility for his priorities. He stood by his wife's side, did what he can possibly do to encourage and support her needs in helping her have a full and speedy recovery, but this could also take from one month to one to two or more years. Like anyone else in his situation, no employer is going to have that much empathy for their employee, whom they can replace if the employee shirks their responsibility to be at the side of a loved one in crisis. That employee, if they can afford to and if the job allows, can take a family hardship leave without pay, but in this economy, whom can do this. When my father in law was hospitalized having legs amputated, one at a time, several places on one, and I had to be hospitalized to hold my third child, my hubby had to be with our two younger children, get sitters for them, work and run to two hospitals to be with his father & I. When I came home, it was easier for him, I watched our children, still being careful not to go in labor or lose our third child, and running up with the two children to be with my father in law, then going in to give birth to our third child, and still having to see my father in law in the hospital introducing him to his latest grandchild, then burying him, my god-father, friends, other relatives and my father in that same year, then having our middle child hospitalized and then myself in and out for cancer until I had a hysterectomy at age 29. Through it all, my hubby worked, did the best to tend to all, and no one thought he was selfish. I thought it was emotionally exhausting for him to deal with it all, but yet, he took care of his family. So, my congratulations and well wishes for Commander Mark Kelly and may God Bless him, his wife, his crew and their families for a comfort in healing, safe and successful journey always.

I applaude his decision and believe it strengthens the hope of a better future for his children and Americans in general. I lost my husband nearly 9 years ago and during his last year tried to help him continue with his field of work. In doing so he was more fulfilled and I feel he helped everyone around him know that life doesn't stop with the tragedies that come everyday...it is bridged by the bravery it takes to love all those around you enough to continue with the work that has been given to them. There is no shame in carrying thru with his job and providing for his family, both financially and emotionally. Gabrielle will continue with her daily therapy and improve as best she can. His love and devotion will not change because he chooses not to quit living, improving and believing in doing his best.

I'm the spouse of a military man and a nurse. The reality is that Mark Kelly has been training for this mission for a long time. Congresswoman Giffords knows the man she is married to, and honestly, there is not much he can do for her right now. She needs intense rehab - he's not trained in that. He needs to go do this mission and then come back to her and be there when she gets home (which will be awhile). Ms. Trussell has written an insightful piece and I agree with her. Let's be grateful that she's well enough that he can even consider going. Blessings to both of you.

I would like to echo all the positive comments on here. For the detractors. One of the main troubles is that there are too many who use themselves as a model to judge others. Would you criticize this man if he were a warehouse worker or a truck driver who went back to work? Think about it. It's between him and her. Everybody else stay out.

I know how heart wrenching the decision whether or not to go must have been for Mark, but I'm certain he made the right one. I'm also certain that even though Gabby may have wanted him to stay, she'd give him her blessing to go. He'd never have this chance again. That's what I'd do if he were my husband. I dealt with a life and death painful experience when my late husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I hade to make many difficult decisions regarding his terminal condition. At the same time, taking care of a nine year old son, by myself, and taking a train back and forth everyday to be with my husband while struggling to keep a normal school life for my son. So, yes, I know Mark made the right decision to pursue this space project. God bless him and Gabby and when he returns she'll be there with open arms to greet him.

The decision for Mark Kelly to go to space is between him and his wife. They are a very caring couple, high profile and both dedicated to their profession. I think she would want him to continue with the mission that he has trained for and he should be going to be there with the crew he trained with. Leave these 2 people alone to take care of their own lifes.

Incredible article! Bravo! As a proud Tucsonan and Gabby Giffords constituent, we in Tucson also know that Gabby would want Mark to continue with his mission. This is the steadfast woman that she is. In space he will still be by her side. By allowing their natural course of life both in their careers and at home to continue is the next step for Gabby. If Mark continues to physically sit by her side this could very well convince her that she is still at death's door. By slowly moving on with their daily routines, this is what will help her with her confidence and reassurance that everything is going back to normal, that everything is going to be okay. Both Gabby and Mark need this next healing chapter as well as the Tucsonans and others that love them and support their journey.

I am always dumbfounded by how many people take their personal gripe from some experience they have had in life - which certainly isn't, except in very rare instances, the horrific situation that Gabby Giffords and Mark Kelly have to deal with - and start coloring it into other people's situations. This has nothing to do with anybody's errant husband, nor Obama, nor anyone else. This is a personal decision that is the right singularly of Mark Kelly and his family. None of us know these people except through media coverage and none of us know just how much progress Gabby Giffords has been able to make or her level of cognition. We should all take care of our own business and not verbally meddle in theirs. Instead, it is only appropriate to keep a good thought and a prayer for a positive ultimate outcome to the long path they must travel.