Ich bin ein [Texas-Born] Berliner

I received a message from Dr. Kempinski, a friend of Paul’s who is also a medical doctor, informing me that on Sunday or Monday of last week Paul was found incapacitated by one of his neighbors who immediately summoned an ambulance for him. The ambulance took him to the Klinikum Benjamin Franklin where he was admitted to their stroke unit. Dr. Kempinski visited Paul on February 4th and confirmed that he had had a stroke and was unable to speak but fortunately he did not have any paralysis. He also noted that Paul was very depressed as would, I think, be expected.

Then on Saturday the 7th, there was some good news. Dr. Kempinski reported that he had visited with Paul and that he had started to talk though still somewhat inarticulately. He described Paul as in “much better condition” than the last time he saw him only a couple of days before.

Of course, the reports I receive from those in Berlin are the only things I have to post here about how Paul is doing. Dr. Kempinski has said he plans to visit Paul again on Monday, and I am hopeful he will provide another report after that visit. If he does, I’ll pass the news along.

On Paul’s behalf I would like to thank you all for your interest him and his health and for your good wishes and thoughts. If and when I am able to speak with him by phone, I’ll convey them to him.