Political peers on Capitol Hill talked on Wednesday of the genuine inspiration they drew from U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who was able to walk onto the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives slightly more than one year after an assassination attempt, Bloomberg reports.
The Arizona Democrat, who was on the Hill to submit her resignation, has been able to bounce back with assistance from people holding physical therapy jobs.
"From my first steps and first words after being shot to my current physical and speech therapy, I have given all of myself to being able to walk back onto the House floor this year to represent Arizona's 8th Congressional District," Giffords' letter states, according to CBS News. "However, today I know that now is not the time. I have more work to do on my recovery before I can again serve in elected office."
The letter was read by U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who also held Giffords' hand on her way to the floor. The Florida Republican did say how proud she is of Giffords' progress.
Giffords is likely to continue working on her recovery with physical therapists and Wasserman Schultz said she would like to resume contributing to public service.