True grit: Former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords defines courage

Set aside the argument right now about the best way to keep guns out of the hands of nuts and how to stem the increasing gun violence in our communities.

It is a discussion that still needs to be continued, an important one.

But today, let's pause to think about what it means to be courageous.

On the anniversary of the day that former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was shot in a Tucson, Ariz., parking lot, she did something amazing.

She jumped out of an airplane.

Ms. Giffords is recovering from the gunshot that left her with a serious brain injury. She is making small steps and is determined to continue on that path. The going has not been easy.

But she wanted some way to add a positive memory to a day that not only changed her life forever, but ended those of some who were in that supermarket parking lot that day.

And she did.

By her side was another hero, a former Navy Seal who was himself shot while serving his country in Afghanistan.

It was a brave move for both, a sign that neither is ready to give up on not only living, but on the mission of service.

It is an inspiration for anyone facing adversity and for those of us who forget just how fortunate we are to have those we love happy and safe.

It was brave. It was gutsy. It was inspiring.

And it was the kind of story we need to see more often.

Published in Editorials on January 9, 2014 10:45 AM