On Thursday, U.S. senators and many congressmen put partisanship aside to cheer on Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk as he climbed the steps of the U.S. Capitol on Thursday. The event happened almost exactly a year after he suffered a debilitating stroke; the climb was a literal show that he has made it back.

Kirk wasn't just a Republican on Thursday. He was everyman, the guy who had his life change for the worse in an instant yet showed grace and courage in working to rebuild it.

Kirk hopes his rehabilitation and recovery will be an inspiration to others faced with their own medical crises. It should be. His story is a poignant reminder that with hard work there can be hope for the future no matter how dark the present might seem.

Welcome back, Senator.