ASHEVILLE, N.C. (BP) — Evangelist Billy Graham returned to his home in Montreat, N.C., Tuesday (Aug. 14) after a two-day hospital stay where he was treated for bronchitis.
“Mr. Graham had a quick recovery and responded very well to his treatment,” Daniel Fertel, a pulmonologist at Mission Hospital in Asheville, N.C., said in a hospital news release.
“Catching these types of pulmonary infections early is crucial for a fast recovery, as was the case for Mr. Graham. Despite this illness he remains remarkably healthy for a 93-year-old man,” the doctor said.
The news release said Graham kept his routine and enjoyed visits from family during his time in the hospital.
“I am grateful for the exceptional care I received at Mission Hospital,” Graham said. “It is never easy going to the hospital, but the doctors and nurses here provided me with wonderful care.”
Graham added that he was thankful for the prayers and letters he received from people worldwide.
“Such an outpouring of love and support is always a blessing but was especially appreciated during my hospitalization,” Graham said.
The renowned evangelist will continue with his usual physical therapy at home, his staff said, and he will resume his writing projects, including a book about his past seven decades of public ministry.
Graham was admitted to Mission Hospital Sunday morning (Aug. 12) and was described at the time as being “alert and in good spirits.” He watched on television as his grandson Will Graham preached at First Baptist Church in Spartanburg, S.C.
In a July 26 meeting with Southern Baptist Convention President Fred Luter, Graham mentioned how difficult it was growing old.
“He never thought he would grow this old, but he’s sharp. His mind is still sharp. I was just amazed at how mentally focused he was,” Luter said.
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Compiled by Baptist Press assistant editor Erin Roach. Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter (@BaptistPress), Facebook (Facebook.com/BaptistPress ) and in your email ( baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp).
