Well wishes to Sen. Mark Kirk, who had an ischemic stroke over the weekend, have arrived from The White House and beyond.
President Obama sent the Republican senator a handwritten note, Ward Room is told. It read, in part:
"... Michelle and I have you in our thoughts and prayers. Good luck on what I'm sure will be a speedy recovery."
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's note was typed, though it had a handwritten portion.
"... while the road to full recovery may look long and daunting, please know I join your family, friends, colleagues and supporters in cheering you on. Stay strong, keep positive and heal fast."
She added in her own handwriting:
"Let me know if there's anything I can do."
The news comes after after an announcement from the Republican senator's doctor indicating a second surgery to relieve brain swelling. Two small pieces of tissue "previously destroyed and rendered non-functional" by the stroke were removed during the surgery, which doctors said was completed without complication and deemed a success.
Kirk remains in the Intensive Care Unit at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
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