Article updated: 1/10/2013 4:01 PM

Senator Kirk speaks for the first time about his stroke

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U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk says relearning to walk was a frustrating, exhausting process that came with a breakthrough moment.

Bill Zars | Staff Photographer

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U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk learned to walk again after a stroke through hours of physical therapy. "Falling was very much a part of the experience," he said.

Bill Zars | Staff Photographer

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For Mark Kirk, there was no white light, no tunnel. What Illinois' junior U.S. senator experienced was three angels standing at the foot of his bed. "You want to come with us?" Kirk was asked. "No," he told them. "I'll hold off." Kirk plans to return to the Senate Thursday.

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