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…”
Comments are still open if you wish to express your thoughts. Just click the Comment link at the top right of the byline area.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Dr. Pournelle. Thank you for all of the wonderful writing you have given us over the years!
Thank God for Jerry and Larry combined genius writing my thoughts are with your family
Best wishes for a speedy recovery Jerry.
Get well soon Jerry!
Signed: Greg, a fan for many decades!
My prayers are with you for a speedy recovery and a return home before Christmas. You never fail to educate and inspire thought.
Hell of a way to start out the holiday season! Glad to hear that you are on the road to recovery. Wishing you, Bobbie and the kids all the best. Know that you are all in our thoughts and hearts.
Prayers and well wishes for your full and speedy recovery sir.
All the very best, good Sir! We need you and your writing…
Having lived thru a stroke – and recovered about as nicely as one can expect – I send you good tidings. Jump thru the hoops and be well.
P.S. You do good work so stick around.
Best wishes, Dr. Pournelle. Have a speedy and full recovery.
Jerry,
Glad it was minor and you’re on the mend!
Warmest regards,
Gordon.
Dr. Pournelle:
I have read and enjoyed all of your science fiction books and stories through the years. I also started reading your computing columns way back in Byte in the early 80’s.
You have always been a valuable presence in personal computing and in science fiction.
My best wishes to you for a speedy and full recovery!
Dr. Purnelle,
Your website is one of my favorite regular reads. Best wishes for a speedy and full recovery!
Jerry,
Best wishes and prayers for your rapid and full recovery.
Alan
Best wished for a speedy recovery. I look forward to reading your commentary!
I know the doctors will be giving you great care, and I will add my own prayers for your complete recovery.
Dr Pournelle;
Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Rest and get well, Jerry.
Your perspective and insight are much-needed, today and tomorrow.
–John
God bless Dr. Pournelle, you are in our prayers. Praying for speedy recovery, you are a national treasure. Thank you for all that you have given us.
My thoughts are with you. I hope for a speedy and complete recovery. We all still need your wisdome and insight.
Dan