Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, known as Gabby Giffords to her friends and constituents has taken a giant leap forward in her 5 month long rehabilitation after being shot in the head by crazed shooter Jared Lee Loughner, leaving the hospital to continue her rehabilitation with outpatient visits.
Gifford’s spokesman said of her discharge:
“The congresswoman is elated,” while adding, “This is a major step in her recovery and she’s feeling very good about it.”
Giffords will stay at at the League City, Texas home she shares with Astronaut husband Mark Kelly where she will have 24-hour health care assistance while visiting TIRR Memorial Hermann in Houston for her continued therapy.
In a statement her husband said:
“Anyone who knows Gabby knows that she loves being outside,” and “Living and working in a rehab facility for five months straight has been especially challenging for her. She will still go to TIRR each day but from now on, when she finishes rehab, she will be with her family.”
It’s still unknown if Giffords will be able to return to her political work in the future.