A mother who lost a child in the Newtown, Conn. elementary school shooting stepped in for President Obama as she delivered his weekly radio and internet address to the nation.

As lawmakers brace for one of the most heated gun control debates in decades, she urged Americans to consider the importance of gun control.

"We have to convince the Senate to come together and pass commonsense gun responsibility reforms," said Francie Wheeler, the woman who delivered the address.

Even critics who are still pushing against the legislation say the efforts of her family and other families are making a difference.