In a new book, "Gabby: A Story of Courage and Hope," Kelly writes that before Obama arrived he had asked Giffords' chief of staff what the three-term Democrat would say to the president if she'd had the opportunity for a meeting.
"She'd want the president to visit the border, to see what's really going on down there," Pia Carusone responded.
Obama, joined by the first lady, spent a few minutes at Giffords' bedside that day, each taking her hand and speaking to her, Obama saying the nation wished her well.
As he was ready to leave, Kelly addressed the president.
"Mr. President, Gabby really loves Arizona, and as you know, this community has a crisis on its border," he recalls saying.