A ‘major milestone’ in Giffords’ recovery

Associated Press

TUCSON, Ariz.

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords is opening both eyes, moving both legs and arms and is responding to friends and family.

Her doctors call it a “major milestone” in her recovery.

“We’re hoping that she crosses through many more,” said her neurosurgeon, Dr. Michael Lemole.

Her remarkable recovery five days after being shot through the head has provided a much-needed dose of jubilation after a tragic week that left the nation in mourning.

Giffords and 18 others were shot Saturday when a gunman opened fire at a meet-and-greet she was hosting outside a supermarket in her own hometown. Six people died, including a 9-year-old girl whose funeral was Thursday.

The three-term Democrat first opened her eyes on her own Wednesday evening while surrounded by her husband, astronaut Mark Kelly, and close friends from Congress.

Her left eye, which was unbandaged, started to flicker, and she struggled a bit to widen it.

“Gabby, open your eyes, open your eyes,” her husband urged her.

Kelly told her to give him a thumbs-up if she could hear him. She did more than that. She slowly raised her left arm.

President Barack Obama, who had just left her bedside to speak at a tribute for the shooting victims, announced the news to the thousands gathered in the University of Arizona arena — and to the world.