"New Normal"

It has been some time since the tragic Tuscon shootings of January, 2011, and much of what needs to be said was covered elsewhere -- the tragedy, coming together, partisan bickering, blood libels, etc., etc. -- but I am interested specifically in Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords' remarkable recovery progress. Anyone who has followed the news since January has seen the numerous news reports on a rapid recovery: holding her husband's hand, following commands, breathing on her own, opening her eyes and tracking movements, speaking, asking questions. It all sounds very good, heartwarming, and promising. Gabby may even be back to work in the House of Representatives one day, and she may run for the Senate seat, soon-to-be vacant due to John Kyl's retirement.

But what is her recovery really like? What happens when the rhetoric (101% chance of survival, remarkable progress, determined, brave, courageous) is replaced by realism? What is Gabby's "new normal"? Though difficult to read, this piece in Newsweek attempts to paint a realistic image of what a life of intense rehabilitation is like. There's no discussion of the Senate seat, and, I think most importantly, there's been little discussion of what happened on 8 Jan, 2011.

And it makes sense not to force the discussion on someone who probably has many, many questions but who, because of the ongoing rehabilitation, lacks the full capacity to ask these questions. But this is nonetheless important, because it speaks to the magnitude of the change in Gabby's life. The New Normal is very different from 7 Jan, 2011.

Although Gabby Giffords' story is one of the most high profile post-traumatic recoveries in recent history, her New Normal is similar to that of a war veteran, accident victim, or anyone recovering from a catastrophic injury or illness, regardless of the cause.

Update: 4/25/2011 -- another piece, from the Arizona Republic.