Politics | Gabrielle Giffords Giffords Says Goodbye in Tucson Arizona congresswoman resigns to focus on recovery By Neal Colgrass Posted Jan 23, 2012 5:02 PM CST Copied Gabrielle Giffords tours the Gabrielle Giffords Family Assistance Center, one of her favorite charities, with her staffer Ron Barber, Monday, Jan. 23, 2012, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York, Pool) Gabrielle Giffords said farewell to her constituents in Tucson today during the final bittersweet hours of her time as US representative, the AP reports. In her office, she hugged and met with other survivors of the shooting that left six dead and thirteen injured last year. "It was very touching," said Pat Maisch, who was not injured in the attack. "I thanked her for her service, wished her well, and she just looked beautiful." Giffords also visited the Gabrielle Giffords Family Assistance Center, which was established by a food bank she supported. The center has helped needy families with basic necessities like clothing, insurance, and food stamps. "Wow. Awesome," Giffords said when she walked in. The third-term congresswoman announced yesterday she was stepping down to focus on her recovery, but posted a hopeful message on Twitter: "I will return & we will work together for Arizona & this great country." Read These Next Good thing there was duct tape on this American Airlines flight. FAA tells airlines this passenger behavior is a problem. This Hollywood love story is no more. Buttigieg answers Harris on leaving him off ticket. Report an error