From Alex Pournelle, Dr. Pournelle’s son:
“Jerry had a small stroke. He is recovering well at a local hospital. Prognosis is good, though they’re running more tests and he’s expected to stay at least another day or two.
“He felt well enough to call Mom [Mrs. Pournelle] from the hospital.
“Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. More updates when we have them.”
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UPDATE – 19 December 2014
“Update: Jerry continues to make much progress. Even in the last day the differences are marked. He has moved yet again to a long-term acute rehab assignment for speech/throat and physical therapy, where he will stay at least through the holidays.
“In a twist of fate far too strange to put into fiction, Jerry ended up in the exact same room as did Harlan Ellison a month earlier, after his own stroke. Harlan related this in a call today to get an update on Jerry. Harlan, by the way, sounds completely recovered on the phone—another good sign.
“We expect Jerry to start updates on the website presently, but they will be short at first. He’s re-learning to type, now just with one finger ‘and a claw’, so patience is appreciated.
“He called after the transfer, to say it was 17 minutes by car from the one facility to the next. Not the sign of someone out of touch with his surroundings or the passage of time.
“His cognition appears little affected. He keeps answering the many ‘do you know where you are?’ questions straight, but he’s sorely tempted to start embroidering the truth…”
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My first Computer was an Aim 65 so I was a long time reader of
your fiction and Byte when I read your first Column. Yes I am
an ultrageezer fan/geek. On of my treasured memories is spending 10 minutes talking to you at a Sci-fi convention. Know
that you have always been a positive influence on my life and
helped me be a better person. You are in my thoughts and prayers and I thank you and hope your recovery is complete and fast.
Many thanks and may you “Live long and prosper.”
Lee Moler
I am sorry to hear about your illness, best wishes and I hope you are feeling better soon.
Best wishes for a full recovery. You are missed, and your expertise is required in the future.
Get well soon! It is possible to make a full (or nearly full) recover from a “mild” stroke. I had one 11 years ago. May yours be even milder than mine was!
My family and I send our best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Remember, a small stroke is a divine sign for an author to write faster and to focus on your most fun projects.
Yes indeed- best wishes to you and your family and to your dad for a full recovery.
Jerry you bastard,
A tough old bird like you having a stroke? I don’t believe it. Whatever it was get well soon and GOD bless.
JE
Best wishes for a full recovery.
Out thoughts are with you and your family. So much more to accomplish! Get well soon!
Best wishes to you and your family, with my hopes for your steady and complete recovery.
You and your family are in my thoughts, sir. Mrs. Pournelle, please let me know if there’s anything I can to do assist.
May you be well soon – there is so much more that I am sure you have not yet had the time to educate us on.
Alex – thanks for letting us know. My thoughts will also be with your family, and hope that your father will be taking his accustomed place at your holiday table.
Please convey my sincere wishes, as a fellow stroke sufferer (June 28) , to Jerry for a complete and swift recovery. One-handedly yours, L. Neil
Smith
Jerry,
Wishing you a speedy recovery. Take care, my friend, and get well soon.
Get well soon, Jerry. In this day and age, heroes are difficult to find and you’re at the top of my very small list of heroes. Your words always make me think and your life is an inspiration. Rest and come back to us.
Jerry,
All of us at SIGMA join in with all the rest of the SF community in wishing you a full and speedy recovery.
We look forward to your return to the fray. 🙂
Respectfully,
-Arlan
Dr. Pournelle, be sure to get well soon. The sfwa.org boards aren’t the same without you!
I wish you full recovery.
God bless and get well soon Jerry!
Take care sir and best wishes to your family.