Sam Farr: “Oh sister how I have cried, prayed, and listened to stories about you. I am so sorry for your pain of losses, and your…”

“Oh sister how I have cried, prayed, and listened to stories about you. I am so sorry for your pain of losses, and your pain through your recovery. But I am, at the same time, so proud of you and delighted you are alive. For all the wrong reasons, today the world rightfully knows what a remarkable person you are. They know how fortunate our country has been to have you in public service. You still haven't stopped serving, because your injured life has given hope to millions that you will recover--and that those with like kinds of injuries may also have a chance. You are a national role model for public service-brave, kind, friendly, accessible and effective. While praying for your life I recalled every conversation we had and each photo I have taken of you and Mark. I remember when you were first elected in your great class of freshman. I was so proud to meet the woman that took Jim Kolbe's place. You had been a Fulbright Scholar in Mexico. We talked about your student life there and my similar age experience of being in Peace Corps in South America--how we had parallel experiences serving in the Arizona and California legislatures. Starting with that first conversation, we both knew we were like brother and sister in a large body of Congress. Over the years I grew amazed at how hard you worked, and it made me wonder if you ever had time for yourself. Obviously meeting and marrying Mark, an admired astronaut, gave you an added value to life.…”