LIVERPOOL -- On Saturday morning in the desert southwest a congresswoman convened "Congress on your corner". Most of us had never heard her name before. A disturbed gunman shot Gabrielle Giffords in the head. He killed six, injured thirteen. At the same time in wintry Central New York the body of a newborn infant sat coldly in the office of the medical examiner. She was too new to this world and too short changed on life to have a name to call her own.

Two lives. Two stories that have grabbed our attention for a week. One on a scale inspiring national debate and worthy of a presidential visit and words of comfort. The other reflective of the isolation that led to an infant's temporary resting place inside a dumpster.

There were tears in Tucson tonight. Grief has gripped that community in a public way. There have also been tears in Liverpool and beyond in quiet fashion. Gabrielle Giffords' recovery was aided by comfort from family, friends and the White House. The abandoned little girl had no chance to recover, but she has been lifted by prayers and the warm embrace of a community in sorrow over her needless death.

Two stories. One name the nation has now known for five days. Tonight we celebrate Gabrielle Giffords' signs of recovery. The other name... we just learned it today. Isabella. Isabella which means consecrated to God. For that little girl, we pray that is true.

Any questions or comment please forward them to mattsmemo@CNYcentral.com.   I may even use some of your thoughts on NBC 3 News at 5:00,  the 10:00 News on CW6 or on CNYcentral.com.      

                          
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