Thank You Shirley Ryan Ability Lab

By John Kass

June 7th, 2026

When I think of graduation in June, I usually think of the poem “If” by Rudyard Kipling, the Victorian era guide to life that 20th Century parents once gave to their young sons instructing them on how to become resilient, responsible men:

If you can keep your head when all about you   
    Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,   
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
    But make allowance for their doubting too;   
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
    Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,
    And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise

 

It is a most excellent poem, Kipling speaking for the culture, informing young men what is expected of them, about their obligations of citizenship and their obligations as men. But such graduation ceremonies involved the wearing itchy uncomfortable clothing we once called our Sunday best before professional football replaced church on Sunday and the price was paid by everyone having to listen to  long commencement address by some boring geezer.

My own commencement address at Shirley Ryan Ability Labs was urgent and to the point:

“Let’s hurry up before the pizza gets cold.”

And then it was done. I graduated.

Yes, I was a proud Shirley Ryan graduate, but this wasn’t my first rodeo. Three strokes for me and a great deal of work with the therapists who were kind and empathetic and never let us give. up. Unlike “Dr. Jill Biden” my wife Betty didn’t take me to a Waffle House. She took me to the hospital. Betty did everything she could to get me to Shirley Ryan, monitoring all aspects of my therapy.

There was To Shirley Ryan With Love in 2023 and then this year’s Fighting Through (Another) Stroke at Easter.

The one thing I couldn’t afford was to give up.

Because I have too much living to do.

Remember the twins? Some of  you have been reading my column since before our boys were born 30 years ago. They’ve grown into fine, strong independent men, with their own careers, one a special education teacher, and the other an electrician. They’ve found strong independent and accomplished brides, yes brides. And despite what American soccer haters say, they still love the Beautiful Game.

Who knows what will happen? We might even become grandparents someday. And with God’s blessings, I  could be walking the sidelines, working the ref arguing like some Indiana Daniel Webster that Kass kids never foul anybody. Never, ever.

Yes, I’ve had some setbacks, but I’ve been so blessed. You’re still with me after all this, my dear friends. Thank you.  I can still write, thank God. And I can still talk on the Chicago Way podcast. God has blessed me with the warrior’s heart. And I’m always seeking a foe.

As a wise old South Sider once wrote from his garden, thinking of the spears he had left to throw:

Life is a fight.

I wish that weren’t so, and that instead of fighting to live we could sit out on soft freshly-mown grass on the top of a sunny hill, nibbling cookies, sipping Coke Zero while teaching the world to sing.

But God didn’t make life like that.

Not for many of us. And certainly not for me.

Life is a desperate contest against illness, disease and against others.

We humans are contentious creatures, fighting for recourses, food, water, land, mates, and liberty.

If you’ve spent any time in with animals, or any time studying nature in the wild lands, you know this.

In closing, I’ll let you in on a secret, friends. Don’t take yourself too seriously and don’t forget to laugh at yourselves. Don’t lose your sense of humor.

As we waited for the pizza to arrive (we were in Homewood so we ordered Aurelio’s for the staff) I got on a tricycle and peddled around the parking lot humming  I am Don Quixote\ the man of  LaMancha!

I’m sure many have this dream. It isn’t impossible, not really. Is it?

(Copyright 2026 John Kass)

 

 

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About the author: John Kass spent decades as a political writer and news columnist in Chicago working at a major metropolitan newspaper. He is co-host of The Chicago Way podcast. And he just loves his “No Chumbolone” hat, because johnkassnews.com is a “No Chumbolone” Zone where you can always get a cup of common sense.

Merchandise Now Available: If you’re looking for a gift for that hard-to-buy for special someone who has everything, just click on the link to the johnkassnews.com store.

Where else would you find a No Chumbolone™ cap or a Chicago Way™ coffee cup?

Because I know this about you: You’re not a Chumbolone.

Comments 88

  1. The best advice you will ever give–“Don’t take yourself too seriously and don’t forget to laugh at yourselves. Don’t lose your sense of humor.”
    Houli

    1. Yes, JK, keep up the good fight. I love reading your columns and enjoy your sense of humor. What would your readers do without you? Keep up the good fight and keep on writing!

  4. Get busy living or get busy dying. We love that you always chose to fight.

    Great column, John. Congratulations on your successful graduation. Those therapists are angels on earth.

  6. The Hoosier Zorba and Diogenes is Mr. Kass. I immediately remembered these lines by Henry Howard, Eael of Surrey:

    My friend, the things that do attain
    The happy life be these, I find:
    The riches left, not got with pain,
    The fruitful ground; the quiet mind;

    The equal friend; no grudge, no strife;
    No charge of rule nor governance;
    Without disease the healthy life;
    The household of continuance;

    The mean diet, no dainty fare;
    True wisdom joined with simpleness;
    The night discharged of all care,
    Where wine the wit may not oppress;

    The faithful wife, without debate;
    Such sleeps as may beguile the night:
    Content thyself with thine estate,
    Neither wish death, nor fear his might.

    Well done, my Friend!

  9. Great piece today, John. Well done.
    We are all proud of you and everyone (except the referees) anticipates your haranguing for your grandchildren on the sidelines!

  10. John: You look great. Shirley Ryan is the best. I’d forgotten about “If”, but it’s perfect for this moment. Thanks for reminding us. Elaine Loeser

  11. I have been a reader of your column since your days at the Southtown. Not sure how life would have been had I not had your columns to read, especially since they made sense in a world that was getting crazier by the day.

    Thank you for being a fighter and surviving through all of life’s ups and downs. And to the staff at Shirley Ryan’s Ability Lab, thank you for setting John Kass back in the right direction for all of us to get a little more grounded in the right direction.

    Last but most important, thank you to Betty for not being a “Jill” and taking good care of John so we all can still share a little more common sense reading.

  14. I’m glad you’re doing well and hope you continue to. I’ve been reading your columns since the beginning and I’m glad you still want to continue. I appreciate a big cup of common sense to start my day and I think many will agree, the world’s a better place for it. Thanks.

  15. Great column John.
    IF is a small word that punches above its weight.
    Congratulations on your graduation!
    By the way I was both surprised and delighted to see the WSJ editorial column yesterday commenting on your role in exposing the ISBA and the rights of a private citizen to opine before volunteering to go back in the bench only to be summarily removed.
    A JK cup of common sense cannot be spread to far….
    Keep on keeping……PV

  17. We’re blessed that you have a warrior’s heart & have kept fighting, because that means we can sleep reading your words of wisdom & truth. I admit I felt my age when reading how old your boys are. I remember reading your columns before the arrived! I pray your wish for grandchildren to coach & teach to fish comes to pass. Congrats on your graduation. God speed, John Kass!

  19. Good job old Don Quixote channeling your Broadway inner Richard Kiley who was best with the Impossible Dream but it beats a nursing home so yes,peddle or shuffle on and don’t forget the Obama Shrine opens shortly so I expect an essay about how bad Healthcare reform and expensive plans should condemn him to a cloud someday not with Michelle but Mitch McConnell. GO DA BEARS IN THE FALL and Salute to wifey who still loves you….

  23. Great news! Your Bride is an angel and your marriage is an inspiration. She makes it easy to continue the fight. Continued blessings to your family🙏

  24. Congratulations, John , on your Graduation! And Congratulations to Betty also!
    Enjoy everyday, stay in touch with some old friends, and Be Happy!

  26. You’re looking great in those photos John. And it’s nice to see your smiling face along with the staff members that cared fir you. Welcome back!

  27. Congratulations! I’m glad you’re doing well, both for you and your family, and selfishly as I just realized that I’m getting 0ld (almost 60) and have been reading your columns since way back when. Still looking forward to more of them.
    Thank you.

  29. So grateful you are in the mend again John and recovering. As a stroke survivor myself, I know how much time matters. I was fortunate I recognized the symptoms, my husband worked from home, and 911 was here in minutes. I was treated within the hour. If “Dr.”
    Jill really thought Joe was having a stroke, she was content to let him finish and then take him to Waffle House, before seeking treatment. We all know she’d seen him like this before and wasn’t worried, she’s just making excuses now.

    Continued prayers for recovery. Congratulations on your new daughters in law, and may you be blessed with grandchildren. They are God’s gifts.

  30. John, what a pleasure to read your words with my coffee this morning! You’re looking great, keep up the good work ~ life is indeed a blessing! Ise oreos, veveos. Na’se kala 💕🙏

  35. Life is survival.

    You can please some of the people some of some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time.

    If you don’t read the papers, you will be uninformed. If you read the papers you will be misinformed.

    There’s no such thing as a free lunch!

  37. You wrote, “Don’t take yourself too seriously and don’t forget to laugh at yourselves. Don’t lose your sense of humor.” Just who do you think you are to tell ME to not take myself seriously!!! And what makes you think I have lost my sense of humor???

    Seriously, I’m glad that you are recovering! I miss you and your great columns. Sometimes, when we ourselves face life threatening health issues it brings about an awakening in us to reject the superficial things in life and to focus on the things that make life worth living and fighting for…and you are! Congratulations on your graduation!

  38. Congratulations John on your graduation from Shirley Ryan and continued good health to you and your family. As I told you and Betty last June at the Sicilian Summer Fest, my definition of being a grandparent is “pure joy – with no responsibility.” I hope you and Betty experience the love and joy of being grandparents very soon.

  39. Wonderful upbeat column as I and the other posters here wish you continued good health! When able, hope you can comment on 66 year old Rahm Emmanuel and his obvious preparations to run for Democrat 2028 Presidential Primary or do fly fishing (see today’s WSJ online article).

  40. John, congrats on now multiple graduations from Shirley Ryan. I did a stint in Cardio rehab a number of years back in the northern burbs. The people you really love in the end – as you are doing the reps in the first week or so you do wonder if it’s worth the pain. As you know it certainly is. Good rehab techs know how to push you and when. I’m on relatively minor meds and try to walk several times a week for 2+miles per. No “events” since I first recognized jaw pain as a cardio symptom.
    The best news is your mind and fingers are still well oriented and we can still get a cup of good midwestern common sense. Enjoy your new daughters (I’m sure the boys picked some real gems) and future grandkids too. Been reading your stuff since the first Trib column. Keep on keeping on. Thanks to your number one fan and Nurse too. “Dr” Jill is a joke. Her degree is no PhD, nor MD/DDS. Her recent tome sounds like payback for losing her power and position. Time will tell if her fingers get caught in the autopen web.

  41. Awesome work here today John.

    God does have a great sense of humor, otherwise many of us wouldn’t be here to read and comment.

    Thanks for staying in the fight.

  42. You’re looking good. You’ve come a long way. When you can, go down to the pond, stand on the bank and cast a fly. Therapy for the body and soul.

      1. I’m as real as a doughnut Enrique.
        I shared your personal attack, a violation of John’s commenter’s rules’ with John and his staff.

        1. You’re as real as a doughnut hole. Fake operative, sent to infest this site with your nonsense by some social media/ Demo entity. Go away.

          1. The doughnut hole is real, it’s literally the open space at the center of the pastry.

            Oh, and…no.

  45. Glad to see you’re doing well. We need your cup of common sense in this era of craziness. Aurelio’s is the best…living in Homewood every time I go by the place the parking lot is jammed. I suffered a mild stroke at work and thanks to great co-workers and the paramedics I’m still kicking. We need you man!

  46. John,

    You are an inspiration and a Chicago gem.

    Keep fighting the fight. This falls elections need your special kind of perspective and coverage!

    Glad to be a faithful supporter of your work.

  48. After my first hip replacement at 32 my Fraternal Big Brother gifted me a pocket knife inscribed “Don’t ever lose your sense of humor” and for 34 years it’s been in my pocket or my luggage so I’ll never forget its importance.

    Welcome back John and I’ll assume you were Magna Cum Laude.

  49. After 3 strokes and heart attack with surgery you look pretty darn good John! Your a fighter and it shows. Also proves that: only the good die young.
    BTW your govt sponsored health care kept you healthy and from going into bankruptcy, yet the GOP is doing everything it can to destroy it. I’m sure that the Social Security checks you and Betty get also help. Some would called that the evil scary word: SOCIALISM.
    When u needed it the most your govt. healthcare was there keeping u from going broke and providing you the best in care.

    1. As Thomas Sowell pointed out – something you’d be wise to consider – there are no real solutions – just tradeoffs. Your misinformed comment regarding Social Security as “evil scary word: SOCIALISM” is a case in point. The real “evil scary word” is legal PONZI scheme. In terms of your governmental health care nirvana look across the pond to the NHS:

      https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/apr/03/nhs-rehabiliation-care-staff-shortage-stroke-patients

      I know. Facts can be so inconvenient.

        1. Well that’s a nice non sequitur if I ever heard one. What does accepting or not accepting SS have to do with accurately describing the nature of the program? By law I participate in the program meaning I paid for those who are retired (via FICA taxes if you will recall), and now those working, do the same for me. The viability of the program largely depends upon always recruiting new participants: the hall mark of a Ponzi scheme. As opposed to Ponzi’s original scheme, participation in SS is (with few exceptions) mandated by law. I declined Medicare part “B” and instead purchase Federal Blue Cross coverage whose premiums I pay out of pocket. My “free lunch” is less than you are hoping my friend.

          1. As a ‘sovereign citizen’ I would think you would not want to participate in a Ponzi (criminal) scheme. Self fund your medical care and retirement. Return your govt SOCIALISM MONIES. OTHERWISE UR A HIPPOCRITE

        2. Well you thought wrong. Try not to overthink. The structure of a Ponzi scheme – pay as you go – is not necessarily illegal unless it is. Ponzi’s original “investment” scheme was illegal. SS is not. Both however were based upon payouts depending upon recruitment of new members. SS makes the recruitment mandatory. Ponzi did not nor could not. As such its success depends upon perpetual recruitment which explains why Ponzi failed and why SS beneficiaries will soon be taking a 20% cut in benefits.

          1. No on cares of your response to me Bruce. I personally enjoy arguing with your twisted thought processes. But the rest of readership don’t give s…. what you and I argue about. My comment was to John, who chose not to answer. But u butted in bcuz u have a personal grievance against me and luv hearing yourself pontificate. Great, Let’s you and I debate privately. You dont need an audience, or do you? Here’s my email: icmblu1@yahoo.com. Send me your comments. I enjoy them and will reply but the other readers most likely dont want to read our comments to each other. Grow up Bruce, put your big boy pants on and act accordingly.

            AND TO JOHN KASS: PLEASE INSTRUCT BRUCE TO NOT COMMENT TO ME ON THIS SITE. NO ONE CARES WHAT HE AND I ARGUE ABOUT.

  50. Congratulations John on your graduation.
    May God bless the cheerful souls who staff Shirley Ryan Ability Labs. My sister Janice Christine Winike was a patient there in 1987.
    Back then it was called the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (or RIC.)
    I visited RIC many times, always taking time to gaze at the awesome Chagall Tapestry, one of three Marc Chagall artworks in the city of Chicago.

    The artist depicts the Biblical struggles of Job as the theme for his gift, which has inspired thousand of patients, therapists, physicians and clergy.
    Like Marc Chagall’s “Four Seasons” mosaic on Dearborn St, the Chagall Tapestry reflects human emotions on a spiritual level.

    The Shirley Ryan website says: “The corners of the tapestry tell Chagall’s story of faith. In the lower right is a person reading from the scriptures. In the lower left is a rabbi also reading from the scriptures.
    “In the upper-left corner is a depiction of the crucifixion of Jesus. This configuration of Christ represents, for Chagall, the suffering of all mankind.”

  53. Most meaningful ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ ever, wasn’t it John? You look terrific, which means the world to all your fans. Daily prayers continue for you.

  54. I certainly would not normally ask these questions regarding one’s personal medical history, but John has raised the issue himself. And there is the proverbial elephant in the room here: namely John’s initial stroke treatment. Perhaps clarification would actually help others – many of his readers – may be at risk for stroke themselves (I know I am one). Because, while Shirley Ryan is an admirable institution, it would be misleading to think that a rehab facility is the initial treatment for stroke. In fact dangerously so. Shirley Ryan is great but is NOT an acute stroke center. Most strokes are ischemic, meaning they are caused by blood clots. As such none of the initial treatments – meds as well as procedures – can be performed at Shirley Ryan as far as I am aware. So I am curious, were any of those life saving, brain saving procedure done? John’s focus on Shirley Ryan is admirable. But he gives the impression to others that the initial critical treatment of stroke is a rehab center. He could do all his readers a public service by clarifying his actual treatment for this otherwise common life threatening disease.

  55. Congratulations on graduation, John. A hard-fought battle, indeed! Blessings to you, Betty, boys and brides. Your columns are one of the only things that keep me sane in this insane landscape.

  56. Yianni,
    Congrats and kalee eegeea! Stay healthy my friend, for we need your strong voice to help us all maintain our sanity while is seems the world around us is losing theirs! Basta Kala!!!

  57. John, This is your best column yet! Wonderful news! I know you are a man of prayer & God has answered you and all praying for you. You are an inspiration for us, as we each deal with our own health issues. God bless you & your family. 💕

  58. John, Congrats on your “Graduation”. Maybe you can have your sons help you get a garden in or at least a few tabletop/container tomato plants. Bob Zeni “Chicago Tomato Man” sent me an email last week that this was the final weekend for his plants. Thank you for writing about him years ago. Also, I remember your BLT column – it was a great!

  59. Congratulations on your graduation. You look as handsome as always. Great column today as usual.
    Hardly a colum
    goes by that I don’t shed a tear or two. We all love your writings and you.

  62. Hang in there Kass, you inspire us old guys. And those grandchildren are even better than you and Betty can imagine. Soon you will enjoy them in God’s plan.

  63. John: Congratulations on your Graduation from Shirley Ryan. Please keep at the keyboard John as long as you can (or as long as Betty will let you !) The world needs your truthful outlook more than ever. Prior to your May 2009 column about Mary Ann Glendon turning down the prestigious Laetare Medal at Notre Dame, I read most of your columns. Since then I’ve never missed one I don’t believe…I still keep a pdf copy of your Dec 17, 2010 column about how Notre Dame failed both Lizzy Seeberg and Declan Sullivan. The world so needed to see your truthful print in both of these columns. Then, just like now, we NEED your truthful insights John. I’m a 1972 Graduate of Notre Dame. I pray for my own family, Lizzy, Declan, and you John every time I visit the Grotto. May God Bless and keep you!

  64. John it’s great you perseveres and give the bird to the grim reaper.
    Your drive and will to survive should be an inspiration to many. Oh to be able to sit on a stoop and just bs with you about life over an allowable beverage of your choice (even if it’s just water) some day.

    It’s a shame we have those here who choose to chirp in selfish, divisive ways. There’s a place and a time for it, and this ain’t it. Why must there be those who choose to overlook what you have accomplished here. Life itself, survival, should be more important than any nonsense that keeps rearing its ugly head.

  65. Wouldn’t miss a Kass column for the world. Lived in Chicago suburb and N. Indiana for many years and always feel a pang for Chicago in the 60’s and 70’s when I read him.
    Hang in there…your voice is important.

  66. Bruce, I believe we need a national health service in the USA! Israel has one. Europe has one. Canada. With all the money we spend, we could cover everyone. As it is, clinics and hospitals are closing. When the corporations took over health care, costs went up and our life expectancy is declining. Plus, all of these insurance companies are skimming the cream off the top as well. Record profits due to Obamacare. Pharma has record profits due to GWB’s Medicare drug program. The government cannot negotiate prices!

    Face it, any allegiance you have to the lesser of two evils, or whatever you call these two sham political parties, is pure folly as they’ve sold us out.

    You love the founders. Washington warned us against political parties. He warned us about foreign entanglements.

    Eisenhower warned us about the military industrial complex. Boy was he right.

    1. Robert, you make some great points. But before you jump into the “national health service remedy” pool I suggest you check out the absurd elective waiting lists in Canada where the average wait time for an elective MRI is 4.5 months. I suggest you also check out the tragic case of Roseanne Milburn and view it not as a “one off” but rather as a sentinel event. Then there is the grandaddy of ‘em all: the UK’s NHS. Their problems – financially and care wise – are now legend and overwhelming. Be careful what you wish for. But perhaps look closer to home. The VA is actually an example of what an American NHS would look like. Check it out.

      Yes both Washington and John Adams warned us against political parties: allegiance to party rather than country. Both have been proven correct.

      And yes folks always cite Eisenhower’s famous warning regarding the “military-industrial” complex during his farewell address of 1961, but conveniently choose to ignore his other prescient warning “that public policy could itself become the captive of a scientific – technological elite.” In fact we witnessed this very thing during the Covid pandemic.

  67. You look great and I’m glad to hear that you’re doing so well.
    My little Italian mother once told me I was privileged to be born Italian and Irish. The Irish have the ability to find something good in any person or any situation, and the Italians have the ability to laugh at themselves I found both to be true throughout my life.
    Take care of yourself and keep healing up. We need you.

  68. You have been through so much and we thank you for being such a “fighter”. You look great and sound great, too. I am so glad the many prayers for your recovery were answered. We look forward to many more years of John Kass! Prayers continue for your healing. With that wonderful family of yours behind you, I am sure you will make a full and speedy recovery!! Yay to Homewood Aurelio’s!!

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