Today Arizona Rep. Gabby Giffords completed the “Congress on your Corner” event that was cut tragically short when a gunman opened fire on January 8, 2011.

Seeing her interacting with constituents who survived that fateful day, you can’t help but be amazed at the incredible progress Gabby has made in the face of such enormous odds.

But it’s a bittersweet moment – yesterday, Rep. Giffords announced on YouTube that should we be stepping down from Congress this week to continue her recovery and do what she believes is in the best interest of the people of Arizona.

She thanked her constituents for the opportunity to serve as their voice in Congress, a voice which has been effectively silenced. The gunman didn’t end Gabby’s life as he intended, but he did end her voice in Congress, and with it the voice of the Arizonans – Americans – who elected her.

This is a tragedy of its own merits. Gabby had a bright future in Congress, and while she may return to public life eventually, but we’ll never know how her absence will change the course of this country.

With Gabby’s voice gone – at least for now – from the U.S. Capitol, we must use our voices as Americans to ensure that the level of discourse in politics is befitting of her bravery and grace, and that we finish the work that she began.