George H.W. Bush does not owe anyone any kind of apology, that much is certain.
The former President of the United States was admitted to the intensive care unit at Houston Methodist Hospital this week to address “an acute respiratory problem stemming from pneumonia,” according to his spokesman, Jim McGrath.
He is currently in stable condition.
“Doctors performed a procedure to protect and clear his airway that required sedation,” McGrath added said in a statement on Wednesday, although Bush is now awake and alert.
The ex-Commander-in-Chief is so awake and alert, in fact, that he actually penned a note to Donald Trump from the hospital in order to explain his absence from tomorrow’s inauguration in Washington, D.C.
“Dear Donald, Barbara and I are so sorry we can’t be there for your Inauguration on January 20th,” the father of George W. Bush wrote, explaining:
“My doctor says if I sit outside in January, it likely will put me six feet under. Same for Barbara. So I guess we’re stuck in Texas.
“But we will be with you and the country in spirit. I want you to know that I wish you the very best as you begin this incredible journey of leading out great country. If I can ever be of help, please let me know.”
It’s true: Barbara Bush is also in the hospital.
She admitted on Wednesday morning as a precaution after “experiencing fatigue and coughing,” McGrath said yesterday.
The former First Lady has a case of bronchitis and is being treated with antibiotics.
George H.W. Bush is 92 years old and his wife is 91 years old.
Despite his self-proclaimed hatred of Twitter, Trump responded to Bush’s kind letter with a message on the social media service that reads:
“Looking forward to a speedy recovery for George and Barbara Bush, both hospitalized. Thank you for your wonderful letter!”
According to NPR, the 41st President – for understandable reasons, of course – will be the only living ex-POTUS who will miss the ceremony on January 20.
His son and former first lady Laura Bush; Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton; and Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter will all attend the inauguration.
The elder Bush served a single term as President from 1989 to 1993. He was defeated for a second term by Bill Clinton, with whom Bush has since developed a close relationship.
“They have not only dedicated their lives to this country, they have been a constant source of friendship and support and good counsel” over the years, Barack Obama said on Wednesday of the Bushes, adding:
“They are as fine a couple as we know.”
We join everyone else who has wished both George and Barbara Bush a full recovery from their respective ailments.