Posted on 02/14/2008 2:09:16 PM PST by Squidpup
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) Evangelist Billy Graham was recovering Thursday from a surgery to update a shunt that controls excess fluid in his brain, a family spokesman said.
The 89-year-old Southern Baptist minister was expected to spend some of the day walking the halls of Asheville's Mission Hospital and to return to his usual diet later Thursday, said Graham spokesman Larry Ross.
"He rested well overnight and is in high spirits," Ross said.
White House spokeswoman Jeanie Mamo said President Bush placed a call to Graham on Thursday morning.
"He wished Rev. Graham a speedy recovery and said that he'd keep him in his prayers," Mamo said.
Graham underwent the elective surgery Wednesday to replace a shunt first installed in 2000. The shunt drains fluid from his brain through a small tube that runs down his head and neck and into the abdominal cavity, where the fluid is absorbed by his body.
Doctors determined the old shunt was not adequately controlling the brain fluid. A buildup of fluid, known as hydrocephalus, can cause symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease.
Graham has also suffered from prostate cancer and macular degeneration. He was hospitalized last year for nearly two weeks after experiencing intestinal bleeding.
Those conditions, combined with his age, have left Graham mostly confined to his mountainside home in Montreat for the past several years.
The charismatic minister once led a worldwide crusade-based ministry that packed stadiums with believers and put him on the pulpit in front of millions. He also gained the confidence of every U.S. president since Harry Truman.
Graham's wife, Ruth Bell Graham, died in June following a lengthy illness.
On the Net: http://www.billygraham.org
God bless Billy and keep him well until He decides to call him home.
God bless
I hope he gets better soon. That way if Hillary gets into any moral trouble he can hold some sort of service to defend her.
Not sure if Rev. Graham can survive another Clinton inauguration.
What is THAT supposed to imply?
The Graces of God continue to be poured out upon you sir.
My mother had a shunt and it worked perfectly for many years.
God bless Rev. Graham, I’ll remember him in my prayers.
Wishing Rev. Graham the best.
Wow, that’s pretty snotty. Did someone pee on your Cheerios this morning?
Go Billy.
What do Billy Graham and Bill Bellichek have in commom?
.
.
.
.
.
They both can make 75,000 people jump up and shout “JESUS CHRIST!”
God bless and keep His servant Billy Graham.
May Jesus Christ Our Lord and Savior Heal Billy Graham.
Now, now, you should not speak ill of poor old Billy. He has been entertaining now for decades. And I’m certain he does not bear me anywhere as much malice as the average baptist preacher does.
I didn't sir. Perhaps your reading and comprehension skills are a bit off.
Billy Graham does not bear you malice, nor do I.
There you go again misunderstanding the LDS and putting your spin on it and on a thread when a the sick needs get well prayers.
The Church has never said those things about Billy Graham!
Not quite elective. He could have the shunt fixed or die.
God bless him. He’s been a very good man.
He will leave this earth pretty soon, given his age, numerous health problems, and the recent loss of his life partner. His legacy (I believe) will continue to inspire people for many years to come.
I have no doubt he will be welcomed with open arms in the Kingdom of God, where we all hope to find ourselves when we are done here.
Prayers up.
Billy Graham has been about so much more.
Do you ever wonder what folks will say about YOU when you’re so close to the end of this life?
You could benefit from a dose of dignity.
Hey asshat.
I’m a very non pious Christian but you suck.
Bigtime.
What does the Mormon faith have to do with Rev. Graham’s upcoming departure from this earth?
It amazes me what a fool will say at precisely the time when keeping his mouth shut would be in his best interests.
You are bait and switch on a recovering surgery for Billy Graham have you no respect?
SkyPilot you had this in your back pocket all along and just was trying to find a way to post this!:)LOL
Silly man
In Gal 1 Jesus testified to Paul that The Gospel of Jesus was so soon being preverted.
Gal 1
6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
Now, you tell me, is that important enough for you? It was, and is, to people like Billy Graham. The story of his illness is on the front page this morning. The very cause he gave his life for is ridiculed by the "Latter Day Saints" and their "prophet" Joseph Smith as an "abomination."
You really are stretching this and milking this because you have no clue what you are talking about!
We are all children of God and each has their calling and only God knows why man resides at various stations in life.
Wow! You are using the Bible to defend the LDS position on a charge of perversion of the Bible?
The LDS Standard works include the Bible it is another witness to Jesus Christ.
Are you "working towards being a god" when you say that, or being a "Precious Vessel?"
LOL
Do you deny that the LDS church calls the Christian faith an "Abomination?"
There is no such thing as the LDS church!
God bless and protect him.
Whether I wear donkey skin on my head or not, when you get involved in Presidential politics at that level you need to be prepared for the big fall when they make you pull stunts like Billy did.
I think you need a time out and then a nap.
I don't live my life caring about what others will think of me on my death bed. God willing, after I die my son, my Grandchildren and hopefully their children will remember me. After that I will be just a dusty old photo in a family book or a name on a family tree.
I am so glad you can speak for Mr. Graham. Are you also still speaking for all Mormons?
And, at any rate, I wish Mr. Graham well.
God bless and keep Reverend Graham. He is a national treasure.
When did I ever claim to do so?
Are you also still speaking for all Mormons?
If quoting Mormon literature, doctrine, and theology is to "Speak for them" - then why do you say that with such sarcasm and apprehension? Are you afraid or ashamed of something?
And, at any rate, I wish Mr. Graham well
Even though he has devoted his life to an "apostate" belief - correct? I know you will not answer that one in the full.
But thank you - I wished well the departure of your President Hinckley.
You are almost as amusing as Mr. Graham. By the way, how many jews are too many?
The Jews pushing the porn through Hollywood and offered for Romney to make monetary dividends through his position with Marriott are more than I want to abide. How about you?
I was more interested in the ones Mr. Graham was griping about to President Nixon. On tape.
Since you haven’t the foggiest idea of to whom Graham was referring with the comment, how do you dig your smarmy mouth out with that diversion? Do a little research, then get back to us.
Why should I? It is better to sound like an evangelical and just attack somebody, isn’t it? I mean, once saved, always saved, right? Bible lite and all that?
You guys are so funny.
So you’re proud of being a bigoted hater ignorant of facts. Figures
You have a sick mind!
You really need help....
I learned everything I know about that behavior from you.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.