Like so many victims of gun violence, my recovery is a lifelong journey. After being shot in the head, I was left partially paralyzed and with a condition called aphasia. Words used to come so easily to me, and now I struggle to speak.
15 years ago today—after five long months of beginning to relearn how to walk and talk—I was released from TIRR Memorial Hermann.
I’ll always remember how it felt reaching this milestone as I readied myself for the road ahead.
Today, I’m mourning my friend Melissa and her husband Mark, as we mark one year since they were assassinated in their home. Melissa was a dedicated public servant who worked every day to improve the lives of Minnesotans. That should never have cost her or her husband their lives.
Today, we stood with survivors and families of the victims in Orlando for a ceremonial Ringing of Bells—one for each of the beautiful lives stolen from us that tragic day. They should each still be here. We owe to every victim and survivor to build the safer world they deserve.