colleagues of both parties around, best friend debbie waser man shuttle wrote the letter of resignation for giffords. >> i will recover and will return and we will work together again. >> giffords was determined to deliver the letter herself, each step a challenge. speaker boehner caught her briefly and then let his own tears flow. >> she has brought the word "dignity" to new heights. >> the good-byes from the joyful bear hug from president obama, to capitol hill workers who hate to see her go. >> i'm so proud of you. i'll miss you. >> i'll miss you. >> that's great. a fitting tribute for a remarkable woman. that was nbc's kelly o'donnell reporting. there were many factors involved