The son of the man known as "America's Pastor" has revealed that his father still has a sharp mind despite being in ill-health for two years now.
Franklin Graham, the son of preacher Billy Graham, told NBC News that his father is "very weak." However, Franklin says that the clarity of his mind remains in good shape. "He's 96 years of age so he doesn't have a lot of stamina and he doesn't carry on long conversations, but his mind is still clear and we're thankful for that."
Billy Graham had been physically weak since November 2013. That year, he celebrated his 95th birthday. However, he had to be admitted to the hospital afterwards because he needed to undergo tests for his lungs as well as for observation by specialists. The preacher has not regained his strength since.
Franklin, the president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, told NBC News of a conversation between his father and the nurse tending to him in the wake of the Dallas Cowboys' loss to the Green Bay Packers on January 11. The nurse, Franklin related, asked Billy if he remembered preaching in Wisconsin.
"'He said, 'oh, yes,'" Franklin revealed. "We talked a little bit about that."
Franklin expressed to NBC his gratitude for the long life that God had given his father.
Back in January, Franklin stated that Billy was "ready to go to Heaven." However, he also wished that "the Lord will leave him a little longer. We need him."
"He's a great father, been a great friend and just... I enjoy having lunch with him every Sunday. I have my own personal reason for wanting him to stay around a long time," Franklin said.
Aside from Franklin, Billy has four other children with his late wife, Ruth, who died in 2007. The preacher is also grandfather to a total of 19 grandchildren from his five kids.
