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.”
Note that Dr. Pournelle cannot respond to emails at this time, although he and his family are grateful for your concern and well-wishes. If you wish to express your thoughts, we are allowing comments on this post only. All comments are moderated, so will not immediately appear. (To view comments, or add your own, use the link on the right of the byline under the title. Scroll to the bottom to enter your comments.)
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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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Like so many others, I am praying for your full and speedy recovery–not only for your sake, but honestly even more for the sake of those whom you encourage and teach by word and example.
Thank you so much for all you do, and Godspeed.
Best wishes to you, Dr. Jerry, for a speedy and complete recovery.
Our thoughts are with you – get well soon.
Best wishes and get well soon. I need my sanity fix from you!
You’re in our thoughts and prayers. Please recover fully and quickly.
Get well soon. Sending prayers your way.
Dr. Pournelle,
I’ll pray for your speedy recovery as well as peace and strength for your family. I’ve been a fan for a short quarter century and I’m looking forward to enjoying your work for years to come.
Warmest Regards,
Preston DuBose
Best wishes and prayers for healing for you, Dr. Pournelle, and to your family.
You and your family are in my thoughts and in my heart. Looking forward to reading more of your wisdom on the SFWA boards when you’re feeling up to it.
Prayers and more prayers for a speedy and full recovery! I too want to thank Alex for letting us know.
Prayers for a speedy and complete recovery for you, and for strength and stamina for your family.
Jerry,
Add Serena and me to the list of people who are praying for you!
Prayers are lifted up for a speedy and full recovery.
God bless,
Lee
My wishes for a complete recovery and looking forward to reading more of your insights and commentary.
I started reading your work in Byte magazine back in the day when I would anticipate every single issue and have benefited quite a lot from your writing.
I’m so sorry to hear this! Praying for your speedy recovery.
Respectfully,
Brian P.
hi Jerry,
Don’t let the stroke get you down. Get back on your feet and get back to being physical as soon as you can, and you can recover from this.
My judo sensei has just had his second stroke, and his physical exercise has allowed him and almost complete physical recovery in about 4 months. He’s “only” 77.
Besides, you still have so much more to teach.
In my thoughts and prayers.
– Paul
Best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Very sorry to hear that, but I’m glad it’s a small stroke. You have all the sympathy and good wishes I can give. Get well soon.
I’ve read Dr. Pournelle’s writings and corresponded off and on for close to thirty years now.
And now I add my hopes and wishes for a speedy and full recovery. You and yours are in our prayers.
You’re in my family’s prayers, Jerry. Get well soon.