Many may look at me and see mostly what I have lost. I struggle to speak, my eyesight's not great, my right arm and leg are paralyzed, and I left a job I loved representing southern Arizona in Congress.

I was elected six times to represent southern Arizona, in the State Legislature and then in Congress.

Countless hours of physical therapy - and the talents of the medical community - have brought me new movement in my right arm. It's fractional progress, and it took a long time, but my arm moves when I tell it to.

Speaking is physically difficult for me.

Violence is a big problem. Too many children are dying. Too many children. We must do something.

People have told me that I'm courageous, but I have seen greater courage.