WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk first feared for his life, then his career, after he suffered a life-threatening stroke nearly a year ago. Returning to work has been one of the great honors of his life, the Illinois Republican said Wednesday, and one he's not prepared to squander by bickering over partisan issues.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Kirk described his return to the Senate as grueling but fulfilling.

"Part of my message is, if you go through the terrible diagnosis of a stroke, it's not the end," Kirk told the AP. "You will come back."