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formidably talented and dedicated therapists. We also want to thank Gabby’s neuropsychologist, Jerome Caroselli, who earned our deep appreciation despite all of the testing that Gabby just hated. And thanks to Amber Gray, the TIRR social worker who spent as much time with the family as she did with Gabby. Dan Wolterman, the CEO of Memorial Hermann, did everything he could to make sure that the transition to his hospital was smooth. TIRR’s compassionate CEO, Carl Josehart, made our experience at TIRR a positive one. He became a trusted counselor to Gabby, and to me. The TIRR outpatient facility at Kirby-Glen became Gabby’s full-time workplace after her discharge from the hospital. She was fortunate to have a great staff there as well. We want to thank Sandra Lloyd, Amber Armstead, Jean-Marie Berliner, Kris Conley, Imelda De La Garza, Megan Ford, Dr. Cullen Gibbs, Regina Martheio, Laura Martin, and Melanie Molinaro. To everyone at TIRR, we appreciate all you did for us and our families. One of the biggest obstacles Gabby deals with is communication. It is getting better daily thanks to the continued hard work of her team of speech pathologists: Nancy Estabrooks, Diana Christiana, Indi Feustel, Traci Kurkowski, and Becky Saterbak. We also want to personally thank Michelle Beardmore at the U.S. Department of Labor and Sierrah McDonald and Theresa Pena at Maxim Healthcare Services for all of their assistance.

We also want to thank Gabby’s colleagues in Congress, especially Kirsten Gillibrand, Adam Smith, and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, whose support continues to mean the world to us each and every day. It has been very helpful in her recovery to know that she is missed on Capitol Hill and that these friendships are something special. As Gabby continues to recuperate, it is reassuring to know that her team can turn to smart and effective members of Congress who can help make sure that the district’s issues and needs are being met. We also want to thank Congressman David Schweikert. Though Gabby doesn’t know him well, he has been a real friend to her in her time of need.

Gabby also received help from Congressman Ted Poe of Texas who, despite a difference in party and politics, was willing to help Gabby with an issue she cares deeply about—border security. He is a good friend. We also want to thank Gabby’s friend and colleague, Congressman Jeff Flake, who drove from Phoenix on the day of the shooting so he could be of service. Thanks also to Nancy Pelosi and Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer for their genuine concern and thoughtfulness. John Lawrence, the chief-of-staff to Leader Pelosi, has been a trusted friend and advisor to both of us. We appreciate his friendship and support. We want to thank the officers of the Capitol Police security detail who have been with Gabby since the day she was injured. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson and her Houston office provided us with logistic and office help during Gabby’s stay at TIRR. We are very grateful for all of Gabby’s friends on Capitol Hill. We have received so many cards, letters, e-mails, and phone calls of encouragement. Gabby is really looking forward to getting back to work.

I also want to personally thank President Barack Obama and Admiral Mike Mullen, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, for calling frequently, checking on Gabby and me and offering their assistance during the weeks after Gabby was injured.

I could not have returned to my role as the commander of space shuttle Endeavour’s final flight without the support of so many people at NASA. To my crew members, Greg Johnson, Mike Fincke, Roberto Vittori, Drew Feustel, and Greg Chamitoff, thanks for having the confidence in me and standing by me when I returned to training after being away for over a month. Thanks for working hard and being a stellar team. We also want to thank their spouses: Cari Johnson, Renita Fincke, Valeria Vittori, Indi Feustel, and Chantal Caviness, who helped us in every way they could. To my Flight Directors Gary Horlacher, Derek Hassman, Richard Jones, and Tony Ceccaci, thanks for all of the hard work