Only a Year Ago
by John Kass
January 14, 2024
Just a few days ago, I was feeling down, tired, exhausted and bitterly angry with the thorough broken incompetence of my body.
I’m the old man in the chair with a cane. And I can’t help it, but waves of depression come over me when I think the once-simple act of pulling on my cold weather fly-fishing gear might be too much for me.
You need the dream to build the goal, my dream is to rehabilitate the shoulders after rotator cuff shoulder surgery, but the fact is this:
You need the gear. You can’t fish for steelhead in a that magical river up north without it. That means long waders. That means boots to grip the cold river rocks. There is just too much cold and too much fast-moving icy high water to chance it without the gear.
Yet I worry that even attempting to pull that gear on is something beyond my reach, and impossible for me. I do my work at therapy to strengthen the shoulders, I’m on the arm bike three times a week to get into that gear, and build strength and flexibility.
The other day the truth, as it so often does, began spilling out. I told Betty that fishing in April just might not be in the cards for the old man she married.
Don’t, she said. You’re working hard. Don’t.
I hate my life, I told her. I slammed my cane on the floor.
I’ve been terrible to be with and absolutely miserable. It got worse. The TV was on in our bedroom, the sound was on mute, but I could see the commercial for Tunnel to Towers Foundation that helps wounded veterans and first responders. On the screen, a young wounded war veteran whose arms had been taken by the enemy was in a wheel chair.
In that quiet bedroom I could hear the echo of my self-pity whining to Betty, but with the soldier on the screen I felt even smaller than before, meaner, more selfish and spiteful, more pathetic. I guess I’m the dog who can no longer hunt. I’m old. I’ve lived my life. That wounded soldier on screen is a young father, with little kids, a family just starting out, all of life together in front of them. I think to myself: Shut up old man, you have no right.
And if it were possible to shrink even more, that’s what I did, hating myself, a festival of self-loathing with me as the host of my own pity party.
Just then, as if by design, I received a text from our son Peter.
He sent the photograph I put at the top of this column, the address of the University of Chicago where I would have heart surgery. On the operating table for a quadruple bypass, I had a heart attack and a stroke. I suppose, after all that, I shouldn’t be alive. But God decided otherwise and must have guided the surgeon’s hands.
I can’t explain it other than that.
“Blessed with every day with you Dad,” said his text to me. “A year ago, you were in the hospital and now you are doing way better.”
I called him.
“Hi Dad,” he said.
It was only a year ago?
“Yeah,” he said. “It was one year ago. Last January.”
Only a year ago. It was a year ago at the University of Chicago Hospital, on that cold dark night in January before surgery, on the longest night of my life, I wrote a column for johnkassnews.com.
I was ready. I titled it “The Open Heart”
I didn’t know what would happen, whether I’d live or not, but I was ready. I know without reservation that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior and all the rest of it really doesn’t matter. All that other stuff, the politics, the weasel words, the back stabbers full of ambition, rivalry, strife, and all the machinations of politicians, all their envious schemes, the attacks by partisan political hacks and spiteful jackals from “the paper,” all of it means nothing.
It is the far away sound of barking dogs.
But I wasn’t ready to go gentle into that good night, (who is?). Whatever came for me I was ready to meet it with my favorite prayer, the Publican’s prayer, “Kyrie Eliason, Lord have mercy upon me, a sinner.“
On the operating table for what turned out to be a quadruple bypass, I had a heart attack and then a stroke. God guided the surgeon’s hands as Dr. J did battle with “the widow maker.”
And so I linked that column “The Open Heart” and put it here to remind me that the thing actually happened. And my state of mind so you can know it, too. If I hadn’t had that bad reaction to the pain pills after shoulder surgery, they wouldn’t have found the blockage and I wouldn’t be here. But I’m here.
That was January.
I’ve lost 60 pounds since then (no bread no pasta no sweets) and I had to re-learn a few things, like how to walk safely with the cane and how to shave. God I hate that cane. That education continued and a few weeks later it was spring and I began growing a beard (that Betty didn’t like) and the ice pulled back.
Zeus the Wonder Dog and I enjoyed the sun in the backyard.
Never underestimate the power of pure midwestern sunshine.
Who got me through the ordeal?
God, of course, and Betty and the rest of the family. And therapists at Shirley Ryan Ability Labs and at Athletico Physical Therapy.
And good friends like Thom Serafin and a few others who don’t want their names being mentioned. Serafin doesn’t much like it either, but he organized the guest writers who pitched in and kept this thing going. And Betty had the idea to send all the guest writers their very own “No Chumbolone” cap like the cool kids get, because anyone who writes at johnkassnews.com is by definition NOT A CHUMBOLONE.
But you know who really kept this going?
You did.
Your subscriptions keep johnkassnews.com alive at a time when our republic needs independent voices that aren’t stifled, intimidated and silenced by the Deep State. I didn’t bend the knee to the Bolsheviks at “the paper” and I won’t bend it now.
For that, I thank you.
Because you stepped on this strange path with me and extended your hand and helped me along this road we’re on together, this great adventure to find independent journalism. Your support has overwhelmed me. I don’t have the words, except to say we’re together on this, you and me.
I’ve told you once and I’ll tell you again and again:
As long as you keep subscribing to johnkassnews.com, then I’ll keep on writing.
Deal?
We have elections to watch, and the Democratic National Convention this coming summer, more of Mayor Johnson’s panic attacks and all that vicious street crime in Chicago.
And pampered Michelle Obama, daughter of the Chicago machine, is telling us she’s oh so terrified about the future, because I suppose the country has seen the other side of Barack’s face, and now knows she thinks we want more Michelle drama. No, Michelle. We don’t want your drama.
And “Doctor” Jill Biden (playing the role of malevolent Edith Wilson) is so “proud” of Hunter and she tells Mika of MSNBC that she thinks Republicans have been “cruel.”
Mika hasn’t made that sad pouty face of hers to ask me what I think, but if she did, I’d tell Mika that I think the Obamas and Jill’s corrupt meat puppet of a husband have been cruel to the people of the United States.
But I can’t just concentrate on the JoeBama Drama.
There’s a lot to do and columns to write.
I’m working with elastic bands now, and that arm bike, and the “Nu Step” to work the arms and legs and get that heart pumping so I can put that fishing gear on.
Steve the Pilot and Ross the Baker and Dan the Proft and hopefully a couple of other writers who’ve never experienced the beauty of steelhead will want to meet on that river up north. I don’t want to let them down.
I don’t want to let you down either.
So instead of me hosting a pity party, how about if I forget the pity and get back to work?
There are rivers to fish, and fish to fight, and columns to write and podcasts to finish and chumbolones to avoid and weasels to trap.
There’s work to be done, so let’s get going and let’s get to work.
Deal?
(Copyright 2024 John Kass)
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Comments 136
That is right! Stop feeling sorry for your self and if that lower lip gets any lower I’m going to step on it! You have work to do, you have to clear the fog, and you can not let them get away with us. We need better choices and candidates. Never settle!
I have no doubt you will be returning to that river soon
DEAL! Thank God for your columns, your writing. After what you have been through, those down feelings are pretty common. Hang in there. Look, it takes a lot of time to heal, physically and mentally. You are here for a purpose, we need you.
As an aside, I have a really bad rotator cuff. Is the surgery worth it?
Rotator Cuff Surgery is definitely worth it. I am 72 years old and had difficulty lifting up my 3 year old grandson due to the discomfort. My orthopedic surgeon was confident he could fix me up but only if I promised to go through the entire physical therapy program. I never missed, I worked through the discomfort, and I my shoulder is as good as new. I live in a retirement community and some others found little benefit to the surgery. What did they have in common? They quit the therapy long before the completion date. If you hang in there and work hard you will be better than ever!
I have personally known at least 8 open heart/bypass guys, and all but one expressed the same frustrations John does . As we age, not so gracefully, we tend to rail against what we can no longer can do. You can’t fly fish yet, I can’t climb a ladder to change a light bulb, or as my daughter once said “the guy who could fix anything” is no longer.
I try to take some comfort for what I once did and the things that I still have, family and a few friends. Its OK to shake your fist at the heavens
Noel is right! Stop feeling sorry for yourself and do what you need to do – work on your recovery. God did not guide the surgeon’s hands so you could feel sorry for yourself. God has told you you have work to do here. So get with the program and do what God has directed you to do.
That’s the deal. It isn’t with us, it is with God.
Steve Baranyk
Glad you’re getting better John! When you’re ready to fish, try the fly fishing for Musky in the Northwoods! My son is a guide there, I’ll hook you up.
I too have gotten old, an old woman who can no longer work in the garden or take long walks. I now use a walker and cane. I don’t like it and used to indulge in self pity. But I have learned to enjoy new things, reading more, taking online courses, learning koine Greek! Giving up old pleasures doesn’t mean you can’t find new ones.
Living well is the best revenge. Get off your butt and do the work and get well. John, you don’t get even with those people – you get over on them. Every day that you get stronger is one more day of showing the world what you are made of.
Count your blessings, John! And keep writing; we need you!
John, it’s a deal! Shake.
I know how tough it is to admit that you can’t do what once was so easy that you wouldn’t give it a second thought. But we have our minds! Thank the Lord for that. Keep on writing and I’ll keep on reading. Such a deal!
It’s a deal! Happy to support your mission and grateful you’re still with us. I too went through a moment of feeling sorry for myself after cancer surgery at Northwestern. It was my second time and I was full of “why me.” But my room overlooked Lurie children’s hospital with a view into an area where children gathered with their parents. Seeing the little ones walking around dragging IV poles filled me with shame. And my recovery and after affects (I call it the gift that keeps on giving) get me down from time to time but I immediately think of two things: my family and those kids I saw walking around the hospital at 2 am when they should have been home in their own beds. Stay well! We need you!
Love your columns!
My advice: Work hard on your PT… when you are at PT and especially when you are at home… you can do it!
John, your column this morning could not have come at a better time. I, too, was in the gloomy grip of a pity party lying here in my bed at the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab trying to recover the ability to walk following a bout with legionella that involved, among other things, being on a ventilator for 12 days. At 83 years old the odds weren’t very good of me surviving that ordeal, but for some reason I did. Then, looking at the long, arduous road to recovering my ability to walk, let alone resume caretaker responsibilities for my wife, I began to regret that I ever came out of the ICU at Northwestern. Dying unconscious of any pain or trauma was better than having painfully to relearn walking and hitching up my pants for another go at life. Then I read your column this morning. Thanks. You don’t know how much you helped me embrace the future.
Legionnaires is a hideous disease!!! My late husband had it in his late 50s, and was on a vent for 3 weeks, then at least 3 months of recovery. The kids and I said we got back 85% of him, which was more than enough. We believe his kidneys were miraculously healed, as he was supposed to be on dialysis the rest of his life. He lived 11 more years, taught Philosophy and Classics at whatever school would have him, until he died at his desk planning summer semester.
So even if you’re 83, God’s not done with yet, whether you believe in Him or not. One step at a time! Every step counts.
God bless you, Robert, & the journey you are on! Best of luck to you! 🙏❣️
“Tho’ much is taken, much abides; and tho’
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.”
Tennyson, the last lines of “Ulysses”
Go get em John. Life is what we make it. Make it GREAT!
John, I am inspired by your resilience and determination. Keep up the good work and fight the good fight. We are depending on you.
Clint Eastwood and Toby Keith were golfing a few years back. Clint said he was approaching his 88th birthday. Toby asked Clint what he was going to do. Clint told him he was going to go shoot a movie. Toby asked Clint what keeps him going. Clint replied that everyday he wakes up in the morning, he “doesn’t let the old man in”.
Good morning John. There are still a few poles to break at the river up North. You have faith and a beautiful family you wealthy man. Peace and continued strength 🙏
There’s a saying that I always keep in the back of my mind- “it’s not about what happens to you, it’s about how you handle what happens to you.”
Your writing comes through and gives us like-minded citizens strength, especially in those times of doubt. Stay strong.
I so admired most of this column but the political attacks detracted from the beauty and insights about your personal struggles.
Nah! A thorough and beautifully written column by John Kass.
Nah! A thorough and beautifully written column by John Kass. To Ms. G. Conrad
Absolutely, Ms Miller!
It is obvious that Ms Conrad would prefer to label truth as attacks.
Another “Nah!” to G. Conrad!
And another “attaboy!” to John for a great column.
Mr Kass: 1. You’re welcome. 2. Thank YOU for continuing. 3.Remember, as you have written frequently, writing is life to you. You can still write [far better than most]!
My half Sicilian wife fell and broke her hip just over a year ago. After emergency surgery, hospital, residential rehab, six months of a wheelchair and baths in a bucket, etc., etc., she [with a host of other health problems] is back to where she was due mainly to her own hard work. Our dog and tending the container garden on the deck helped.
She’s my inspiration whenever I’m down. Doubtless you are to others too; whether or not you know it. Never quit!
Churchill said it best, when you are going through hell, keep going!
Happy to support your work. Clear and independent voices are essential now more than ever.
John: I’m not where you are at yet, I’m still playing pickleball after a knee replacement this past year and a hip replacement 6 years ago, but yeah, it’s all down hill from here. And yet downhill is easier than up hill, right? The good news is I’m 75 and my father is hanging in there at 96.
As for those waders, check out Drew Lookinfishy on YouTube. He’s a guy who drives around all over the country camping and fly fishing small streams and sometimes rivers. He does it without waders. Sometimes it’s rough terrain, sometimes it’s not.
https://www.youtube.com/@LooknFishy
I’ll be going to western Colorado in the spring to catch a couple of those steelheads.
Inspiring column, John, with lessons for all of us. You’ve recruited a great bullpen to sustain you after five or so innings.
Deal.
Deal! Keep on writing.
Don’t you dare give up!!! When God is ready, He’ll let you know. He’s quite pronounced when He is. Your job is to keep using the arm bike, and the rubber bands, and any other therapy, and attempt to catch fish in April.
We will be here in spirit, praying along.
Good morning John. Happy Name’s Day late. You are correct, our Lord and Savior has plans for you and for us, and we need your honesty and integrity that seems to be missing these days. I pray for you and your family every day. I know our Lord has plans for you and all of us, and when we are done with the purpose he has we will go to him. You have a lot to say and please keep healthy and strong to be able to tell the people the truth. Obama and Michelle hate America even thought they made Millions of it’s people, and now they want a Black America and want a Palestinian State and White people are evil and they want to destroy them and the idiots are allowing that. Please we need people like you to tell the truth and God will do the rest. Trust the Lord he is in charge at the end but for now the Evil one is turning the young into Evil. They hate their Parents, and God and they only want money. They told us Illegals are here because we are not having babies, and they want them to Vote for Democrats so they never have to run for office again. Please with God’s Blessings keep writing, you are loved, and respected. Lord Jesus Christ Son of God have Mercy on us. Forgive, and move on. Prayers always for you and your family and all of God’s people. We that love the Lord are protected by the Evil one.
Pasta ? Pastries? Panini? Johnny Lad , you eat concrete!
John, thank you, it’s a deal!
“endeavor to persevere” A line from the great movie “The Outlaw Josey Wales.” Sometimes good advice comes from unlikely places.
Deal! Now hit the softball the D convention has thrown to you.
Good morning John. Please stay strong, we need you. Great article, full of hope and political boxing. Keep throwing those punches.
“Kyrie Eliason, Lord have mercy upon me, a sinner.“
The perfect answer for how do I pray?
John, among the miracles of this past year, you are entitled to those brief pity parties because you have gone, and are going, forward. Always remember that you are “I got a guy” to so many of us shell shocked Americans.
John,
We love you.
We need you.
Please don’t forget that.
Keep kicking ass and taking names!
You are a River to Your People. Keep flowing!
I love everything about this column. Your son’s note about your surgery. That he saved this meaningful scrap of paper and sent that picture to you and followed up with a call. Your tunnel to towers foundation epiphany rang so true!
It has been great, being on this journalistic journey with you. You are the voice of a movement. We depend on you!
Keep on truckin’, John! Go get that fish, the story and those wonderfully cooked meals you tell us about.
Thankfully, you don’t need a cane to write!
And I’m stealing JoeBama🤣😂
I needed your column this morning about not giving up. I’m a 76 year old woman and I dislocated my left shoulder 3 weeks ago. I’m not prone to pity parties (been widowed 3 times) but I’ve been feeling sorry for myself. My 79 year old boyfriend has a boat and we’re fishing in Wisconsin in May. You and I need to get better!
Keep writing, John. We desperately need your voice.
God bless you John.With all you went through, looks as if God was with you along the way. Thank God, and our prayers will continue for you. Can’t hold a fisherman back, and prayers you get to hold that rod and reel again!
This column was beautiful and so personal. What touched me was the timing of the text from your son. You and Betty have raised a fine family by working hard and standing up for what you believe in.
Aches and pains, worry about family you love are all challenges that can bring us down. On top of that, we live in political times where honestly we see our country being torn down. I don’t think we should just throw it all to God and know he has a plan. It’s important to speak out, to vote and to fight for our freedoms. I see how wokeism and poor policy is taking so much of our society down. Many days it’s hard to see the good. Yet, we must keep working on our health and being strong for ourselves and family.
I look forward to your insightful column. Thank you for your wisdom, your humor and passion. Thank you to all of your subscribers.
Cheryl, so true. Ditto to every word you wrote.
We need John’s light in this world of sin.
Thank you John for this column which came to me a week after hip replacement surgery. Thankfully, I am doing well, but facing the fact that as we age we cannot do everything we once did is not easy. I know you will be fishing up north this spring, because you are determined and you have all of our prayers behind you. But as a fisherwoman myself, I am going to be sending out a prayer request for a huge steelhead on the end of your line! Go get em!
Hang in there John — you’ve come a long way in a year. Your family, friends and readers all need you!
It’s a deal. Thanks.
Γιάννη,
I know just how you feel having survived life threatening medical issues myself. But we’re both still here due the good graces of our Lord, and many prayers. So, as long as you’re here, keep on keeping on, and never lose sight of your goal to fly fish!! I’m reminded of what Clint Eastwood said to someone who asked how he copes everyday with his 90+years. Simply put, he said “I don’t let the old man in!!” Neither will we! It’s just not in our Greek DNA to give up! We’re in this together so Δύναμη!! Να σε καλα!!
It’s a Big Deal John!
You are not just a powerful voice for the truth. You are family. Our family. And for me, my family.
Your faith and courage are an inspiration to us all. You are right to give all the glory to God. His faith in you and your voice is more than a gift. It is a blessing for all your greater johnkassnews family.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for overcoming all the obstacles life has brought to you. May you continue to bring us the unvarnished truth.
Sincerely,
Your ‘liberal’ brother inlaw
Where’s my NO CHUMBALONE cap?
Houli
Yeah! I’ll buy 2!
I’m in. Keep up the good work, and we enjoy the guest writers to fill out KassNews. Keep expanding your network as well as we need it to fight against the progressive deniers of democracy, but also the CTrib in a death spiral with their 82,000 print copies that no one reads!
Hang in there, John.
A year ago, every time I logged on my heart jumped when your name wasn’t on the byline. But not only have you survived a great ordeal, your fellow friends/columnists gave us all the gift of their perspective, and readers could tell their efforts were especially focused on upholding the mission of JohnKassNews.
That is something to honor and celebrate.
I’ve had my own dark night of the soul with tough rehab, and I can tell you it is all worth the effort, despite the bouts of depression and fear you won’t “ get yourself back”.
You will.
You’ve already done the hard part.
Deal!
John you’ve got much more ahead of you. You are so blessed by God.
Remember life is 10% what happens and 90% how you take it.
It sounds like you are on the right path. Look at the Passion. Even the Lord had down moments. But he knew what must be done.
Inspiring, JK. I know a guy who’s still moping around four years after worn-out knees made him lose YMCA basketball. (You know him too, from a distance.) What’s that loss compared to that of wounded warriors or even losing fishing for steelhead in a magical river up north? Both of those losses challenge my imagination.
But I actually can imagine being a great columnist with the paper, hounded by pitiful thought-police fellow employees in the once-noble Tower, quickly shooed away by leftist Hedge Fund Boys, then fighting back from a storm of medical crises with courage and conviction. Probably couldn’t do it myself, but I sure can love it.
Our family is behind you 100%. Keep writing, someone needs to speak truth to idiocy.
Deal! 😉
Hang in there John! The world isn’t ready to move on from your sage wisdom, your ornery insight and your wonderful recipes! Besides…I just snagged one of your NO CHUMBALONE hats and I insist on a selfie w/ you one day! You’ll get there…stay the course and keep that 21 yr-old single malt handy!
Best,
Mike Reiss
It’s nice to have you back, John. I appreciate your ability to speak truth and do it with compassion. We are praying for you and your family. Also praying for your strength and your health so you can continue and get back to doing what you love.
John,
You have three key things to carry you through the tough times. Memories, use them to enjoy the things you have done in the past. When I lie awake at night, I open the memory vault and relive my magic moments.
You have family that loves you. Engage them all every day and let their love lift your spirits.
Last, you have something that most of us don’t have. Hundreds, if not thousands, of reader and fans that appreciate all that you do. Close your eyes and you will feel our encouragement and prayers.
May God bless you, John.
An inspiring masterpiece of proportion and perspective.
You’re making my day. Glad you’re here.
Deal
John, you are allowed to feel sorry for yourself for a while. The awhile is done. I’ve just renewed my subscription, so. . .
Your son was terrific to reflect back on a year. My husband came down with Guillain-Barre turning into the severe CIDP 5 years ago. Rehab slow but your body does return. Sometimes I wasn’t the nicest in the pity-party. I would often remind him what the alternative is or could have been. Now, he is back in his work shop building beautiful pieces of wood. Still slow walking but walking… So hang in there and next year on 1/24/2025 review where you are. You will smile. Thanks for your columns. We need them. Cheers, Tracie.
Mr. Kass- great column as always, and it reminded me of a lesson that I learned many years ago.
During the Vietnam War, I served as a Navy Corpsman, caring for wounded USMC and USN personnel at med-evac hospitals and units overseas. Although not in combat myself, I got to see up close what the results were, and it was a privilege to care for those men. One that will always stay in my memories was a young Marine who had lost both legs and one arm- a triple amputee. I cared for him for a few weeks until he was to be flown out to a U.S. hospital. On the day he was to leave, he said “Hey Doc (the proudest title I’ve ever carried in my life) I ordered something for you- it will be here tomorrow”. He got flown out that night, and the next day one of his Marine buddies gave me a package.
It was a Zippo lighter (I used to smoke), and on one side it had the USMC logo and a Medical Caduceus, and engraved on it was “Doc: No matter how bad things get”, and on the other side “It could always be worse”.
I often wonder what happened to him and many other good men whom I had as patients- it was a privilege to have cared for them and they taught me how courageous and noble people can be, despite their circumstances.
Hang in there with the therapy- we need you to keep speaking the truth.
God bless you. Thank you for your service.
DEAL! That may have been Peter texting you on the anniversary of your open heart surgery that jolted you back into the present here and now but, make no mistake, that was our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ working his will. And you have and always will be a true kindly gentleman who lives his life with a Servant’s heart (albeit a surgically reworked one)! You will take that fishing trip – may not be this April but you will do it, and all your subscribers will be doing it with you, if not in person, then in spirit!
PS: I submitted a piece right before Christmas entitled “The Company We Keep.” Not sure you saw it.
Agreed. God needs his warriors to get us through these dark times and JK is one of them.
As usual, your column has touched our souls and has given us fresh perspective on our lives. Thank you!
No deal. The only sympathy I’m feeling right now is for Betty. You need to apologize, if you haven’t already, that you’ll stop whining about maybe not being able to go fishing. I didn’t know you had a vasectomy when they fixed your heart. This is not the John Kass that I thought I knew. The one with courage and moral clarity to speak truth to power. The one that gives voice to the rest of us who don’t have a pulpit. Now put on your big boy pants and do what know you need to do. Sorry, I guess I’m whining now. You got this Bro !!
You’re an inspiration, John.
You know it’s healthy to keep your hobbies. Have you tried fly-fishing in a small drift boat with a guide or someone to row? It may not be as “pure” as wading but it’s much easier, safer, and doesn’t require that extra gear. At age 73 we annually drift-fish the Green River in Utah and catch many beautiful rainbow and brown trout.
Moved to Texas four years ago. Lots of like minded people here for me. No Woke Dystopia here. My wife asked if this state would ever turn Blue. As we drove past a new church under construction, I replied ” ..not as long they keep building these..”. There’s a lot here to do if you like fishing and hunting. Texans love and thrive on this. There’s a cold front headed here from Canada, the same one that now has Chicago in its grip. I think the weather followed me over here. Winter usually lasts about a week and then its over with. Going to buy some tarps right now to protect a rather good looking palm tree I have growing in my backyard. And best of all…NO ONE EVER DIED OF A HEART ATTACK SHOVELING SNOW OVER HERE. Best wishes John, keep up the good fight!
Great Column. Its been a year, this will take time.
You remind me of a time with my dad. He had a stroke and had mild aphasia. He felt down in the dumps. He was an old Marine and Tool and Die Engineer. I took him to the rifle range and let him shoot. At first a .22cal Anshutz, later his old weapon the BAR. Once they were snapped in, he was his old self. He wasn’t struggling to talk or joke. That was the turning point in his rehabilitation; he could do his old stuff again. The point, it go ahead and fish, do your column it’ll be difficult at first, but you will adapt. You have done so well since last January; keep it up and don’t be afraid to get wet sometimes. Keep up the work.
It’s a deal. And if there is a day your shoulder doesn’t allow hooking one more trout, God has left you with brain and hand intact to hook another budding intuitive and conservative reader.
Deal!
You keep writing, we’ll keep subscribing. You’re getting better everyday. Keep it up.
It’s your voice we need to hear.
You the Man, John. Keep the faith and keep praying to the Good Lord.
Thanking you. Deal!
Deal!!
Keep on trucking John.
I had a button once that said: ‘Life is hard. Then you die’.
Now I will speak as a physician who has done thousands of autopsies. People abuse their bodies and then are ‘shocked, shocked’ they get sick. Decades of drinking, smoking and over eating cause disease. Get use to that fact. Alcohol has no value at all. None, Nana, kaput. The BS promoted that wine is OK because it’s got some nutrient(s) is just that: BS. You want those nutrients? Eat grapes without fermentation. Smoking? No value obviously. Over eating? Will kill you, ESPECIALLY HIGHLY REFINED AND PROCESSED FOOD. Then there is lack of exercise. It took you years of abusing your body to get were you ended up. Stop whining and be glad your alive. Like Cher in the movie MOON STRUCK, someone needs to slap the crap out of you and say: SNAP OUT OF IT. If it took decades to ruin your body it will take years to get it back. Just do it.
John, You’ve got a deal! If ever I have read a columnist for whose writing I have as much affection and appreciation as I have for yours, it is for you, and yours! I so look forward to your column. You–you, John–are the reason I’m a paid subscriber. Ο Κύριος σας ευλογεί πλούσια.
John Kass, you are my hero. Your personal gauntlet is finding it’s mark on you and the goal of going up North to that special place for steelheads is a worthy challenge. God bless you.
Yes, you are correct….it will take a lot of work to put that body back in shape to accomplish your goal. But, John Kass, you are the man. Your remarks of the Wounded Warrior Project on that tv commercial made me wake up a bit also. YOU inspire many of us whether you know that or not. Yes, you are still in my prayers and I am always anxious to read your words. Your words mean a lot. They give us direction as to what to do next with our words. You, John Kass, are our blessing from God. Yes, I have also questioned why this or that has come upon me on my path of life, but just knowing that God has given it to me, I thank Him and keep on keeping on as He needs me to do something else or help someone else.
Yes, I am older than you and my children have blessed me with 49 grandchildren, 18 of which are the variety of Great grandchildren. So, being a good example and sharing some bit of wisdom with them is my goal. One of my items on my bucket list is to witness number 50. Yours of wading in that stream challenging the steelheads to come along to you is an amazing goal. I gave my fishing gear to one of my grandkids and he does well at fishing.
I am getting too involved with myself and sorry for that….Thank you John Kass for this column and it does make me feel like I can do better….I pray for quite a few people every night and you are still on that list.
God bless you sir and keep on keeping on.
Tom
John it’s been a Deal since the beginning.No quitting for me.
The straight path never is. It’s filled with twists, curves and turns but the goal never moves. Sometimes it just takes longer to get there.
You will
Last January, after 72 years of right hemiplegic cerebral palsy, my left thigh stopped lifting me up the many stairs at Starved Rock State Park. In March I learned that a syrinx in my spinal cord was compressing just those left thigh nerves. I started building new pathways on a PT guided Matrix circuit and began hiking again at the beginning of December. Only 2 days per week, but I’m not ready to put the boots away yet. Find a way to whip that rod John. The old man is here, but I say “Don’t let the old man win”. Rage, rage against the dying of the light. Get up! Go Outside!
John, we have shared two events in life, the magic they do at Shirley Ryan Ability Lab and bypass surgery. That said, never give up!
John, I had a surgeon say something to me after surviving a bad episode. He said, “If you let something control your life, it will”. I say that to myself often every day. Be well my friend!
It’s a deal. Keep up the good work. I’m sure you’re a good fly fisherman but remember that the pen is mightier than the rod
Bless you
Tom
John, I appreciate your pain of needing to don the gear and throw for steelhead. But, given your immediate situation maybe you’re aiming a bit too high. Steelheading means cold bigger water, 8wt rod and many long casts. This is a lot of work for anyone. Maybe you should be thinking inland trout. It’s smaller water, fishing from the bank, 4wt rod and fewer and shorter casts. Steelhead is about covering water, inland trout is about reading the water and hitting your spot. Maybe like going from bowling to throwing darts.
Tons of good water in the SW Wisconsin Driftless (only Alaska has more miles of trout water than Wisconsin) and Michigan. There are a number of good guides in both states. Tell them what you can handle and they’ll find the right water.
Do this in the Spring and until Summer, then hit the St. Joe and Kankakee for smallmouth then back to the Steelhead in the Fall. Let’s call this progressive therapy.
And, best part yet, if you don’t have a smaller rod, you get to buy one (any excuse will do).
John,…you stated it so beautifully and succinctly: “Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior and all the rest of it really doesn’t matter.” Amen to that brother!
Deal old friend.
I’m in an even deeper boat right now than you and I completely understand your feelings. You pulled out of the nosedive though. As noted, there’s much more to comment on!
~A
You keep writing, we’ll keep reading. And while it may not be a magical stream somewhere up north, if you want to build up your strength closer to home I can put you in touch with some of the better local guides. Yes there are places around here to fish
My God, John, please, don’t ever give up! You have been through hell on earth, but the number of people who love you is incredible! I look forward to your columns and podcast every day.
I somewhat understand how you feel. I am 75 years old, have had 19 surgeries in my lifetime, and can no longer do many of the things that I’d loved to do. Too many things, and too many surgeries to list here.
But the total frustration that comes from being unable to do things, the special things you loved to do, it’s terrible I admit. I guess I’m lucky in my life that I’ve always been able to find a substitute to still give me joy, even though I am unable to do the things that I loved. But I have great memories that no one can ever take away. And as long as they keep putting replacement parts in me, I want to keep on living and enjoying life, and my family. But it is hard at this age because most of my friends have already passed away .
But you keep on going and find something that makes you happy. I think that something is this column and the joy that you give to your massive number of readers. I am definitely one of them!
Keep getting healthy, stay positive, good luck, and God bless you!
Yes, I’ll take your deal! As Mr. Hardig said, you keep writing, we’ll keep reading.
John –
I love your work so much I wrote a letter to the editors at the Wall Street Journal emploring them to have you take the place of the Peggy “Beltway Insider” Noonan. I told them the WSJ is overloaded with New York and DC elites and that they would profit from the voice of an experienced newspaper guy from fly over country.
Don’t lose any sleep waiting for their call because even the WSJ editorial board (not to mention the newsroom) likes the east coast bubble in which they live. Just keep on writing on JohnKassNews.com – and don’t give up on going flyfishing.
And I resubscribed just last week!
Brad
John, we all have a plan till we get punched in the mouth/heart of life. Keep stabbing them with your pen. Thank you and your friends and your podcasts.
Deal! I cannot wait to see you post a photo of you fishing again! You’ve set your sights – you can make it a reality! And thanks for letting all of us tag along with you! ❤️🙏❤️
Keep going, John! We’re all praying and rooting for you! I look forward to all of your columns and podcasts and Golden Moutzas! I know you’ll be back at that river again soon. God bless you.
John Vietmeyer.
Deal!!!!!!!!!
You are the truth teller and we need you. I have a picture of you and me taken at the DuPage college at a cooking event and I look at the picture often just to remind myself there is a great guy out there who I can count on to tell the truth.
John,
You will get better – mind over matter.
Loved your article today.
We need you – your family needs you.
I am friends with a childhood friend of yours. Chuckie Martello from Oak Lawn.
He is my dentist and fellow Usher with me at Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church in Frankfort, IL.
Mike DeMent
Frankfort
Fishing in the icy waters of a mysterious river up North in the middle of nowhere
is not going to happen this April or this year.
It is a future goal – Do Not Date your goals.
Yes, I believe you will get there, hopefully, next year.
Dr. Jill has been cruel to the American people for encouraging Joe to run
for President the first time.
And, Oh Michele O, sounds like a case of the vapors.
Wasn’t she a corporate lawyer?
When are corporate lawyers terrified of anyone?
I appreciate your honesty in writing about your down times.
You can have 10 minutes to whine – then get a grip!
You are not an old man, so stop saying that.
Getting older, yes. Medicare doesn’t mean you’re done.
You have had many serious health problems and now you are in therapy.
Depression and self pity are part of the process, it’s awful but you will get through it.
How fortunate you are to have Betty, who has been with you every step of the way 24-7.
How fortunate you both have healthy sons and a Family who loves you.
And how lucky so many readers believe in you, too.
Let’s get back to work but don’t overdue it.
How good it is to be here today, never give up. And God Bless, Betty!
Deal.
Deal!! Keep up the good work on both fronts – writing and PT!! We need your voice!! God bless!
John,
Keep up the good work. We need you more than ever in this area. The Tribune has become so woke, that I’ve cancelled my subscription. Their editorials are so left wing that it’s a joke.
Stay strong.
We need you and the wisdom of the big view now more than at any other time in the last 50 years.
Thank you for helping us to put this complex world into some context. We need to be asking the right questions and look behind the curtain to try to understand what is actually happening.
Our republic has checks and balances, but we also have propaganda and lying. Let us go towards the Light!
As Monty used to say “Let’s make a Deal”. You keep writing and I’ll keep subscribing.
John, I have been reading your columns for years and have never been disappointed. You give me cause to think of things, especially from a different perspective and experience; I greatly appreciate that fact. I just had my 69th birthday and, believe me, I know what it’s like to have to face the fact that you’re not that 16 year old anymore. I had my own health emergency almost two years ago and, so, I do understand what you are going through. Enjoy life and keep on writing. As a fellow writer, I applaud you for the persistence in making sure “We the People” have something interesting and thought provoking to read every few days. Thank you for your generosity of spirit.
When my husband had his shoulder surgery in April of 2023, he too had a major pity party, and was not pleasant to be around. Like I told him, “it will get better, you have a FIXABLE PROBLEM, feel blessed you don’t have terminal cancer”
all is well now, until the next health issue. Stay well
John Kass:
Great article.
We are joined by our reverence for the relevance of the written word and scar tissue.
Speaking of heart issues, John, I can tell you from personal experience that getting through two episodes of atrial fibrillation in the last two years; and before that, surviving open heart surgery at age 43 (in 1999) to have an artificial aortic valve installed; and before that, surviving two open heart surgeries as a baby (in 1956-57) to repair a coarctation of the aorta, is not the end of the road! If I can do it, I believe you can surely do it. To borrow a word the Covidian dictators foisted on us for months on end, you are “essential” to us! No Trib, no S-T, no Daily Herald: just John Kass News in our inboxes every week–now that’s a deal!
It’s a deal, John. No one else on the national scene today is such a skilled craftsman, honing words into meaningful, personal, and impactful masterpieces like you do. Your column today actually reflects the beauty of words and the power of writing. In being real and raw, our hearts resonate with you more than you will ever know. Discouragement comes upon the best of us which is why Jesus reminded us, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). Being an overcomer is made easier by knowing the Overcomer and I’m glad you do. Maybe don’t think of it as a cane but a staff like the one Moses used as God parted the Red Sea for deliverance or the staff and rod David found comforting in the Psalms. Your words are power and comfort to us, and the legacy of your writing will live on so long as the Internet or archives can be found. You are a treasure!
John, Yiasas! There is nothing wrong with what occupies the space between your two ears thank God. Lost a friend not long ago in good physical health whose mind was gone to Alzheimer’s. Keep writing John. You must keep wrting and the rest of you will follow. Setbacks are part of being alive. I had breast cancer and now I have prostate cancer. I was laid up for awhile, but have gone from a wheelchair to walking with a little help from my walker. I am 82 and I’ll be damned if I am going to give up. God help us all John. There is no other way out. It is not in our hands. We might not get it, but it all happens for a reason which is way beyond mere mortals to fathom. God bless and keep you!
DEAL!
Pardon me if I am speaking in bumper stickers….
You think you have a long way to go? Look how far you’ve come.
Getting old is not for wimps….and
Father Time is undefeated.
I was put in a wheelchair by a drunk driver when I was 18. Then I became a wheelchair athlete – a wheelchair basketball player. For 26 years of basketball, thousands of hours on the track and on the court training all the time…and now? I’ve had 4 shoulder surgeries. I tore my right bicep inside the elbow golfing – it rolled up my arm like a window blind. I tore my left bicep – it rolled down my arm. Now I’m toast. I can’t do any of the things I love to do. Feeling like a burden to everyone is never far away…
If I can tell you anything, it would be this: We all have bags to carry. Some have heavy bags and some not so heavy. Some people are lucky enough that they have help carrying our bags, some not so lucky. And some peoples’ bags are visible and some invisible…but any way you cut it, we all have bags to carry. No one gets out of this alive….
Good luck John. Reread the first one above – Look how far you’ve come…
You’ve got a deal, John, as far as I’m concerned.
You’ve had a rough year with some rough times yet to come. We all have em, as proven by the number of comments above. Your writing is your ultimate therapy, and you do that quite well. I don’t think anyone likes PT, so don’t feel bad about that.
I like Tim Kelly’s suggestion of building up to the ultimate. It might be more frustrating if rushing into it and unable to do it than satisfying. Small steps towards that ultimate goal. That said, it IS up to you…do it the way you want !
As I’ve said previously, I feel like I have found family here and that family has been brought together with the glue you provide and is here to give you a boost when you need it. Don’t ever forget that.
I know I am late to the party (celebrating you), but I need to respond to all the wonderful things people have posted and to tell you a few things. People are not often favorable to the internet, but without the internet we would not have you with your great knowledge and take on what’s going on in this world with honesty including the people who guest columns that you run in your space. I have been a long fan of you, in fact when I didn’t subscribe to the Trib, I would have my Mother cut out your columns so I could read them. Without the internest we would not be able to get conserveative views on what is happening. We need you so that we can see the “light”. Take care of yourself and keep writing.
Deal! From all my Southern, Planting, Slave holding Ancestors – Patriot, God fearing ancestors who now have next to no voice. Founding men and women! We know a thing or two about depression, not from any guilt (there is none, or at least very little) from having owned slaves, or secession, but from what seems like every generation’s “coming out party” to hate and destroy the Southland and its history. Our gratitude perhaps beyond words
Keep hanging in there John. We need your inspiration.
It’s a deal, John! I’m still here via subscription and I expect you to hold up your end of this bargain we have made. This year should be one for the books and I want to keep getting your take on all this foolishness as only you can. Keep on keepin’ on, John.
John
It’s definitely a deal.
This too shall pass. Two years ago I broke my hip and right femur, then had prostate and cataract surgery followed by retinal detachment surgery. Did the walker and cane routine for a while but after much prodding form my wife I am walking again. Took a while. You will get there because you will do the work and in time it will come.
Keep well sir.
Mike Melcher
DEAL! I look forward to your columns every week. As my 98 year old Mom says ……at least I’m still on this side of the grass. Stay strong and have faith.
Deal?
Hm… let’s see if we can sweeten it on both ends.
I’m guessing it’s not enough to support someone who writes columns. I’m guessing there’s “infrastructure” that’s essential to journalism:
– people to do research
– people to do the ground-work of interviewing those connected to a story (leaders, victims, villains, by-standards).
– people to do legal legwork (FOIA request don’t file themselves).
I’m guessing a column-writer such as yourself has a limited ‘shelf-life’ (think of milk) if you don’t have access to the infrastructure mentioned above. Sure, you can write lots of columns based on what you’ve been exposed to your whole life, but you’d be missing out on new developments.
So, is there a way I can support a column-writer and the necessary entourage to enable that column-writer to be on his A-game? Are you mentoring anyone? Are you participating in any internship-programs? Are you working with a collective of researchers/reporters/legal-aids who provide this kind of infrastructure? Can I help pay for any of this?
I don’t have that much disposable income, but I’d be very excited if you were to build a mini-new-york-times (in terms of having a staff that could go deep on a story). If you hate managing news infrastructure, can you team with someone or some organization that has this as their mission? You have a popular brand – I can imagine lots of folks wanting to work with you even on a free-lance basis.
JK, I look forward to your report from wherever you choose as your “return to fishing spot”. Sent via the net, perhaps with a short video. Extend your trip and file from the boonies. Enjoy !!
DEAL. 👍👍
Everybody loves you JK, that’s why we pay the $50 bucks 🙂
Deal John!
You know that Greeks are stubborn and NEVER give up. You, as a fellow stubborn Greek, will NOT give in to those “I can’t” or “I won’t” fantasies. A pity party is only a bit of understandable self indulgence that we all “attend” once in a while. Those steelhead are looking pretty smug John, time to teach them a lesson!
JoeBama Drama, – classic bullseye. Hope he enjoys a large order of caucus results.
Lord Jesus Christ
Son of God
Have Mercy on Me
A Sinner.
Peace
Powerful stuff, John. Thank you.
Hang in there John. You’ve been through a lot, give yourself time to get back physically. You will get there!
John, while it’s been year of recovery, you made it!
Your career looked Chicago politics straight in the eye, so you’ll stare this down to success, too.
Keep fighting the good fight!
Melody
Deal! Keep on fighting the battle to go on that fishing trip. God brought you through all the trials you experienced for a purpose. It is a wonderful life we have been given, and you matter! I fight the self-pity battle too, in a different way, about the things I will not get to do, but the Lord God has reasons beyond our scope of understanding. Thanks for sharing so eloquently!