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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Best wishes for a quick and thorough recovery, and that Dr. Pournelle is home for the holidays.
Thank you for keeping us informed. Best wishes for recovery and continued good health.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
We are praying for your speedy recovery. Since the early 1980’s I’ve benefited from you doing all those silly things with computers so I didn’t have to. Lately you’ve been doing things that all of us may have to do ourselves even though you’ve done them first. We are blessed by your experience and advice as we travel along that road.
Get well soon, Dr. Pournelle. Your insight on matters both scientific and politic will be sorely missed until your healthy return to Chaos Manor. God Bless You.
I just quoted you in an article this morning on military science fiction before I heard the news. Get well soon, for your sake and the sake of the world: we could use a lot more Pournelle quotes!
Dr. Pournelle,
I’ve been a fan for decades, both for fiction and Byte.
You and your family are in my prayers. To a speedy recovery surrounded by friends and family this holiday season.
Turn on the regeneration stimulators in sick bay, Commander!
Best wishes and hopes for a speedy recovery to Jerry!
Best wishes to you and your family. I wish a speedy recovery.
I have read your fiction most of my life, and have valued your work a great deal. You are in the thoughts and prayers of my entire family. Get well soon.
Dear Dr. Pournelle,
I hope you get well soon, and that this doesn’t interfere too much with your Christmas and New Years celebrations. May God bless you with a speedy recovery.
Get well soon, Dr. Pournelle! You’re one of our nation’s best minds on science, technology, and policy.
Get well soon!
Get well quick Jerry. I wish you a minimum of discomfort and a speedy recovery. I wish peace of mind to your family.
All the best to you for a speedy recovery, a Merry Christmas and happy New Year.
Best wishes and a speedy recovery!
Jerry, you’re in my thoughts. Be ferocious, and remember that you have three options: on the one hand, on the other hand, and on the gripping hand.
Kick its ass and get better.
My prayer is for you and your family. And for a speedy recovery!
Here is for a smooth, speedy recovery for the good Doctor!
Best wishes for a very speedy recovery, Dr. Pournelle!