Seeing is believing

I don't believe in miracles.

There are occurrences we may not yet understand, but I don't believe that makes them the act of a divine presence. In earlier days, much of what we take for granted now was thought to be either a miracle or magic but, today, we know better.

I don't believe in miracles.

But you have to wonder when you see Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords return to the House of Representatives for the President's State of the Union address. Though obviously still fighting back from her near-assassination a year ago, she stood as a remarkable, unifying presence both that evening and the next day, when she formally submitted her resignation.

Thinking of what's best for her state, Giffords decided to concentrate on her own recovery and let the people of her district choose someone who can represent them full time, a task she simply can't handle at this time. How often has someone in politics made that choice lately?

For motorcyclists, and BMW riders in particular, Giffords' is a special person. For more than 20 years, she has ridden and raced motorcycles. At the time of her shooting, she owned the classic BMW shown here. Her dream trip, like mine, was to travel from Alaska to the southern tip of South America by bike.

Giffords' fight to recover from her head wound has served as an inspiration to the country. Though her injuries came at the hand of a madman and not while riding her beloved motorcycle, her success can serve as an inspiration to riders who have suffered devastating injuries themselves. Head and spinal injuries are far too common in the two-wheeled world. They are among the risks we take to enjoy the pastime we love.

Gabby has shown what a strong, determined person can accomplish with the help of incredibly talented and skilled medical personnel. From the Congressional staffer who staunched her bleeding on the scene, to the surgeons who saved her life in the operating room, to all those -- including her family and friends -- who guide her through physical therapy and emotional recovery, Giffords has had some of the best care anywhere. But the fight is hers to make.

Who knows if she will ever come back enough to serve in Congress, or elsewhere, again? Who knows if she will ever ride again? Given the way she has fought so far, I wouldn't bet against her.

I don't believe in miracles. But I do believe in remarkable people. I believe in Gabby Giffords.