Nearly Year After Stroke, Sen. Kirk Returns

[Valin]

PJ Tatler:

Bridget Johnson

1/3/13

 

With a little help from a couple of Democrats, Republican Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) fulfilled his goal of walking up the Capitol steps — 45 steps from the parking lot to the front door — to the 113th Congress today.

 

Kirk, 53, accomplished the feat in 10 minutes nearly a year after a stroke paralyzed his left side. He’s undergone grueling physical therapy and kept up with tasks such as co-sponsoring dozens of bills, but has not cast a vote or returned to the upper chamber.

 

Leaning on a cane with his left hand, Kirk ascended the steps with light support from Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Vice President Joe Biden. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) walked alongside the trio.

 

(Snip)

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1faJW-FQYk