Billy Graham Remains Under Observation

Aug 24, 2007 12:08 PM EDT

Evangelist Billy Graham underwent a colonoscopy Wednesday evening after experiencing a third intestinal bleed that morning.

Doctors said it was a minor episode and the 88-year-old evangelist is in fair condition.

Graham was alert during the procedure on Wednesday and reportedly talked with the physician and hospital staff, asking them about their families, according to Asheville Citizen Times.

On Thursday, he was sitting up, watching TV, visiting with several family members, and reading newspapers and cards from well-wishers. He also received updates from his son, Franklin, who is currently leading a three-day Festival of Hope in Ecuador.

Hospitalized at Asheville's Mission Health & Hospitals since last Saturday, Graham will remain under observation through this Saturday and has resumed a liquid diet. He is undergoing physical therapy to maintain strength.

Graham's wife, Ruth, died in June at the age of 87. She was buried at the foot of a cross-shaped walkway in the Prayer Garden at the newly opened Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C., where the renowned evangelist will eventually be laid to rest side by side.

"The Bible says the Lord has prepared a place for us and I know He has prepared a home for her - I hope she saves a room for me," Graham said at a private interment in June when his wife was buried.

“I believe the Lord has brought us to this point; I am looking forward to the day when we’ll have the next service here,” he said.