Ailing

Bush's Family Hopeful for Release

41st President is in ICU.

George H.W. Bush is in intensive care after “a series of setbacks including persistent fever,” but the former president's family said Thursday they are confident that he will be released shortly. "He has every intention of staying put," his chief of staff wrote in a note to supporters. "He would ask me to tell you to please put the harps back in the closet." The 88-year-old was admitted to the ICU at Methodist Hospital on Sunday, but is alert and talking to medical staff and is surrounded by family. Unfortunately, the fever that kept Bush in the hospital over Christmas has gotten worse. “It’s a stubborn fever that won’t go away,” a spokesman said, adding that doctors are cautiously optimistic about his treatment. Bush had been admitted to the hospital for bronchitis in November.