A Shocked Nation - An Attack on Us All

The headline of The Arizona Republic (Phoenix) on Sunday, January 9, 2011, one day after the attempted assassination of my friend, Congresswoman Gabrielle (Gabby) Giffords.

She is currently in grave condition after brain surgery at the University Medical Center in Tucson.

This event had not only stunned the nation, it had stunned the world.  I have had contacts with friends, especially from the UK, which has really warmed my heart, expressing their concerns and prayers.

This is a terrible time for our tight-knit retirement community, 30 miles south of Tucson (Green Valley). Yesterday we gathered, in and out, all day, in our local HQ to console each other, write cards for Gabby and her husband Mark Kelly and to Gabe Zimmerman's family and fiancee'.  

We will keep the office open all week for people to just drop in, because they feel the need to be with someone who is feeling the same way they do.  The sense of community here is strong.  We are here for each other.  There have been lots of tears and lots of hugs.