Giffords alert, replies to husband

HOUSTON – Rep. Gabrielle Giffords is laughing at jokes and eating sushi and even spoke the word “better” when asked recently by her husband how she was doing. Her doctor describes her as a hard worker who diligently completes her therapy each day.

Giffords has been going through her rehabilitation in a room adorned with pictures of her family and notes of encouragement as she recovers from a bullet wound to the head suffered during a political event last month. She is several weeks into a process that medical experts say will be a lengthy and grueling effort.

Her doctor said patients with injuries similar to Giffords’ have good and bad days. Sometimes they will make progress and improve for several days, and then encounter a day when their muscles are not as strong as expected or they are tired.

Those who have spent time with Giffords said she has reached several impressive milestones. She is able to mouth the words to songs such as “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” She is eating meals on a consistent basis, whether it’s hospital food or sushi or matzo ball soup brought to her bedside by her rabbi.

Her top aide has said Giffords knows she was shot, but doesn’t know about the deaths and injuries to those around her.

“There’s lots of excitement as she continues to speak more and improve,” said family friend Tilman Fertitta, who has spent time with her family and friends and visited the congresswoman. “She’s in a great mood and working hard.”