Former US President George H.W. Bush Hospitalized A Day After Barbara Bush’s Funeral

Former US President George H.W. Bush was hospitalized a day after his wife Barbara Bush passed away. He appears to be responding to treatment. Here’s more.

Former President George H.W. Bush was said to be ‘broken-hearted’ when his wife, 92, passed away. “He held her hand all day today and was at her side when [she] left this good earth,” chief of staff Jean Becker said. He fell sick a day after Barbara Bush passed away and was admitted to Houston Methodist Hospital. He contracted an infection that spread to his blood. However, the 93-year-old former President appears to be responding to treatment.

Battling a rare health condition

The Former President had previously been diagnosed with a rare health condition called ‘Vascular Parkinsonism’, a condition that is quite similar to Parkinson’s disease and since then he has been confined to the wheel-chair.

According to a source, Bush was admitted to the hospital when he had an infection that led to Sepsis and this condition could have been life-threatening, keeping in mind the President’s age. It also has been an emotional week with losing his beloved wife of 73 years. His blood pressure kept falling a couple of times, however, his condition was soon stabilized.

The doctors also believe that the former President may be undergoing a ‘Broken-heart syndrome’ wherein in response to a devastating loss, the blood releases chemicals that can weaken the heart. The immune system weakens and the body is unable to fight infections which it would fight under normal and healthy circumstances.

True fighter

According to a family spokesman- Jim McGrath, the Former President is determined to get healthy and get back to Maine. He was alert and talking even though he was in the intensive care unit.

The Bush family was worried about how the 41st President would handle his wife’s death. Though he was broken-hearted, he shared a powerful tribute to his wife, "I always knew Barbara was the most beloved woman in the world, and in fact, I used to tease her that I had a complex relationship about that fact. But the truth is the outpouring of love and friendship being directed at The Enforcer is lifting us all up,"

"We have faith she is in heaven, and we know that life will go on -- as she would have it. So cross the Bushes off your worry list."

This beautiful tribute to his wife in his own words indicate that the Former President is a true fighter and has taken his wife’s death in the right spirit. We are hopeful that he will soon be on the fast road to recovery, keeping in mind his fighting spirit.