KENNEBUNKPORT (NEWS CENTER Maine)-- Former President George H.W. Bush remains in a Houston hospital, being treated for what the family has called a blood infection. The former President was taken ill and hospitalized shortly after the funeral for Barbara Bush last Saturday.
The President’s family says he is responding to treatment, and that is encouraging for people in Kennebunkport. Presidents of the town have long considered summer residents George and Barbara Bush to be their friends and neighbors. The former president's illness, coming so soon after the death of Barbara Bush, has some longtime friends worried.
“I can only imagine how he feels right now,” said longtime friend Evelyn Paine on Tuesday. “And I’m so afraid that will cause him to be very depressed and lower his immune system.”
Others, like restaurant owner and Bush friend Robert Fischer, said they are confident the former President will be able to bounce back from the illness.
“I was concerned when I saw it but from what I understand I think he's (going to) be OK,” said Fischer.
All are hoping for the recovery so that Bush can return to Kennebunkport for the summer, as he and Barbara did for so many years. Their Walker’s Point home is a magnet for tourists, who admire the oceanfront family compound from across a cove. Since Mrs. Bush’s passing, a memorial with flowers and American flags has sprouted at the spot with an old anchor, referred to as the “anchor to windward”, a phrase President Bush has used to describe the importance of Walker’s Point in his life.
In Kennebunkport, people are hoping to see him there again this year.
“Everybody I know and everybody I've talked to, they all feel the same way. They just hope he can make it back here this summer,” said Evelyn Paine.
Robert Fischer said he is confident Bush will be there.
“If you know him he’s a pretty strong guy, so we have full faith,” said Fischer.
President Bush’s spokesman, Jim McGrath put out a statement on Tuesday that underscores Bush’s fondness for Walker’s Point.
“That very special place is a part of him, a part of his heartbeat. It refreshes him. It’s where his big family can come together. He has always loved Maine, especially the people, and he always will.”