Bush is ‘quite moved’ by hospital tribute to Barbara, himself
Former President George H.W. Bush spent his 12th day at Houston Methodist on Thursday, eager to be released but “quite moved” by a hospital tribute.
The 93-year-old Bush tweeted his appreciation of Methodist naming the atrium of a new building after his late wife Barbara and himself. The three-story Barbara and President George H.W. Bush Atrium was dedicated to the Bushes Wednesday night.
“The atrium is beautiful, but recent developments notwithstanding I have not taken up residence here,” Bush tweeted Thursday. “The doctors, nurses and support staff are so nice, but the second I get the green light I’m outta here.”
Bush is looking forward to returning to his summer home in Kennebunkport, Maine, in the coming weeks, his spokesman has said.
The former president was hospitalized April 22, a day after the funeral for Barbara, and treated for an infection that had spread to his bloodstream. After three days, he was moved out of intensive care and into a regular patient room.
Barbara Bush died at home April 17 after she stopped treatment for chronic heart and lung issues.
Wednesday’s event, emceed by sportscaster Jim Nantz, also featured the unveiling of a portrait of the Bushes, who were married for 73 years.
The atrium is part of the Paula and Joseph C. “Rusty” Walter III Tower, a 22-story, $700 million building named in recognition of that couple’s $101 million gift to Methodist. The atrium features the 1.5-million tile “Ex-
tending Arms of Christ” mosaic mural, which was made in 1963 in Florence, Italy, and recently restored and relocated from Methodist’s Fannin Street entrance.
“Barbara and I were very honored that Houston Methodist wanted to name its beautiful, new atrium after us as we have long admired this institution for its values, its commitment to excellence and its faith-based mission,” George H.W. Bush said in a statement provided by Methodist.
“After spending so much time here in recent years, Barbara and I were worried we might wear out our welcome. Instead, this wonderful place of healing which has done so much to care for us, continues to give.”
Bush did not attend the ceremony.