Giffords’ husband, Mark Kelly, speaks out about tragedy

When news reached Mark Kelly on Saturday that his wife, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.), had been shot, Kelly flew from Houston to Tucson, Ariz., to be by her side.

Navy Capt. Kelly, an astronaut, married Giffords in 2007. In a New York Times Vows article at the time, they conceded that with Kelly's space flights and the schedule of a working congresswoman, their opportunities to spend time together were few and far between. But they made the best of it.

"The longest amount of time we've spent together is probably a couple of weeks at a stretch," Kelly told the Times. "We won't always live this way, but this is how we started. It's what we've always done. It teaches you not to sweat the small stuff."

As Giffords remains in critical condition, Kelly's own plans are in doubt. He is to command space shuttle Endeavour, slated for launch April 1 -- the final mission scheduled for the shuttle program.

His identical twin, Scott, also an astronaut, has been watching the tragedy unfold from the International Space Station. "I want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers, words of condolences and encouragement for the victims and their families," Scott Kelly tweeted Sunday.

The twins grew up in New Jersey and served in the Navy. Both were selected in 1996 to begin work for NASA.

Click image to see more photos of Giffords' husband, Mark Kelly

AP

Mark Kelly met Giffords in 2003 in China as part of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, according to their wedding announcement. At the time, Giffords was serving in the Arizona state Senate and Kelly was married and living in Houston. Kelly later divorced.

They wed in a Jewish ceremony (Giffords is Jewish) at an organic farm in Amado, Ariz. Everything used was biodegradable or reusable, including the bride's borrowed Vera Wang gown. Mexican food was served.

On Sunday, Kelly spoke out for the first time about the tragedy.

"On behalf of Gabby and our entire family, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of Arizona and this great nation for their unbelievable outpouring of support," he said in a statement posted on her website. "Gabby was doing what she loved most -- hearing from her constituents -- when this tragedy occurred. Serving Southern Arizonans is her passion, and nothing makes her more proud than representing them in Congress."

Kelly mourned the lives lost and asked that concerned citizens donate to two of Giffords' favorite charities.

"Many of you have offered help. There is little that we can do but pray for those who are struggling. If you are inspired to make a positive gesture, consider two organizations that Gabby has long valued and supported: Tucson's Community Food Bank and the American Red Cross."

(Photo of Giffords and Kelly from Giffords' office, via AP)