President George H.W. Bush Still In Hospital

Former President George H.W. Bush remains in the Houston Methodist hospital where he has been since Tuesday after reporting a shortness of breath. The 90-year-old (who celebrated his birthday in June by skydiving) was said to be in good spirits and condition, though his gradually worsening Parkinson’s disease has made walking and talking increasingly difficult. He has been confined to a wheelchair for some time now.

Bush spent nearly two months at Houston Methodist in January 2013 for a bronchitis-related cough and other health issues.

Today, his office released a statement saying, “President Bush had another terrific day and is in great spirits. He was visited by Mrs. Bush as well as his son Neil and daughter-in-law Maria Bush, and has received well wishes from family, friends and fellow citizens. He asked that his sincere wishes for a very Merry Christmas be extended to one and all.”

Doctors at Houston Methodist have said they are keeping the president for another day or so for observation, but also intimated that his situation was not as severe as it was in his last visit. Though his health has been a problem over the last several years, Bush has kept up a busy schedule working with charities and various humanitarian causes.