Civility

Thanks for all the emails and concerned facebook messages this past weekend.  As a proud adopted daughter of the Old Pueblo, I can't express to you how weird this week has been. 

I've gotten calls from friends all over asking if Gabby was my Congresswoman. Not only is she elected to represent me, but she truly is MY Congresswoman.


I know Gabby (Congresswoman Giffords), in the way that any Southern Arizona resident knows Gabby.  I've volunteered a few hours for her and met her a few times and our circles and paths intersect each other and every time I say hi to her...she responds like we are BFFs.  I know its not just me, she does this with everyone, which is why so many of us LOVE Gabby. 

The Tucson community is shaken, but we are strong. On Saturday I shared so many hugs with strangers.  When D$ and I found out about the news, we were on our way to breakfast. I kept driving, for lack of a better alternative. We ate breakfast in silence, watching the news spread from table to table as people checked their phones or received calls. Driving home, I drove past Gabby's office completely on accident. As I drove past, I realized where we were and D$ and I stopped to take a look. An hour and a half after the shooting took place, the vigils had already begun. There had to be 50 people in front of her office.


On Sunday I had a work event.  We announced that morning that Gabby had "communicated" for the first time.  I sat in awe as 300 women jumped out of their seats, cheering and hugging each other over the announcement.

On Monday morning my office stood together holding hands during the moment of silence.  Later that day I walked into a Safeway (not that Safeway) without thinking, and then stopped short and started crying.


I knew Gabe Zimmerman as an email friend.  I donated a little time and a little money to Gabby and Gabe always reached out to me in addition to the standard acknowledgements.  When I had a question about Gabby's position, he was the person I emailed to ask.  He always responded quickly and professionally. 

Although I didn't know anyone else personally- Tucson is such a a small town, that I know people who knew the victims personally. 

This week, we've been kinder to each other. Asking "how are you" sincerely and understanding when someone starts crying randomly.  I haven't made it to work one day this week without crying in my car. 

I can't do justice in trying to memorialize those we lost, but wanted to share, or rather purge myself of the experience and feelings around town.

Everyone I have spoken to is commited to civility and my hope is that we actually do move forward in that direction.