Cumberland Times-News

Local News

Related Photos

  • In a June 12 photo, former President George H.W. Bush, and his wife, former first lady Barbara Bush, arrive for the premiere of HBO’s new documentary on his life, near Kennebunkport, Maine. Associated Press

    Chief of staff: Bush getting excellent care
December 27, 2012

Chief of staff: Bush getting excellent care

Oldest living former president recovering

Michael Graczyk Associated Press

HOUSTON — Former President George H.W. Bush, who has been hospitalized for more than a month, is getting excellent medical treatment and would advise people to “put the harps back in the closet,” his longtime Houston chief of staff said Thursday evening.

But Jean Becker also pointed out in her statement that Bush, 88, is sick and likely will be in the hospital for a while after a “terrible case of bronchitis which then triggered a series of complications.”

Bush, the oldest living former president, has been in intensive care since Sunday. He was admitted to Methodist Hospital in Houston on Nov. 23 for treatment of what his spokesman Jim McGrath described as a “stubborn” cough. He had spent about a week there earlier in November for treatment of the same condition.

Becker said “most of the civilized world” contacted her Wednesday after disclosures Bush had been placed in the intensive care unit after physicians were having difficulty bringing a fever under control.

“Someday President George H.W. Bush might realize how beloved he is, but of course one of the reasons why he is so beloved is because he has no idea,” Becker said in the statement that made references to jokes and the former president’s sense of humor.

She said updates about Bush’s condition have been limited “out of respect for President Bush and the Bush family who, like most of us, prefer to deal with health issues in privacy.” She said another factor was “because he is so beloved we knew everyone would overreact.”

“I hope you all know how much your love, concern and support are appreciated,” Becker said.

While the president’s treatment was “unequaled anywhere,” she said prayers also were needed and welcomed.

“I am thinking heaven has not seen such a barrage of prayer intentions since ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’” she said, referring to the classic Christmas movie.

It was hoped Bush would be well enough to spend Christmas at home. But while his cough improved, he developed a persistent fever and his condition was downgraded to “guarded.”

Text Only
Local News
Facebook
Must Read
News related video
Protests Outside Cincinnati IRS Office Former Rep. Weiner Running for New York Mayor Police Ram House to End Hostage Standoff Families Begin Returning to Their Homes in Moore Lawyer: Feds Investigating Susan Powell Case Raw: Aerial View of Moore Tornado Damage Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God' Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster Former IRS Chief: Can't Say How List Happened Arias Tells Jury What She'd Do if She Gets Life AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims Raw: Aerials Show Path of Oklahoma Destruction