Schuller Improves; He Gives a Thumbs-Up to Photographers

A week after undergoing emergency brain surgery, the Rev. Robert H. Schuller on Monday felt hearty enough to don a Los Angeles Rams cap and step onto a hospital balcony to give the thumbs-up sign to photographers.

The brief appearance marked the first time Schuller, who will turn 65 Monday, has been out of his intensive-care room since surgeons relieved a blood clot between his skull and brain Sept. 1, spokesman Michael Nason said from Amsterdam.

Schuller, televangelist and pastor of Garden Grove’s Crystal Cathedral, sat up to eat his meals Monday, and although he still showed signs of post-operative fatigue, his coloring and mood showed marked improvement, Nason said.

Nason said the Rams cap was a get-well gift from Rams owner Georgia Frontiere. Other well-wishers have included President Bush and his wife Barbara, Bob Hope, the Rev. Billy Graham and the Rev. Norman Vincent Peale.

The hat was intended to disguise Schuller’s “Marine’s haircut.” Schuller’s head was shaved for the surgery and Nason said the preacher joked about sending an enlistment message to retired Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf.

The family and followers of Schuller, whose syndicated “Hour of Power” show is seen in 31 countries, got a scare Thursday when his health took a turn for the worse as doctors discovered swelling and blood residue between the brain and skull. Medication overcame the complication, and since Friday Schuller has grown steadily stronger, Nason said.

Schuller developed the clot when he bumped his head getting into a car. He suffered the injury in Amsterdam while en route to Rome and Moscow.

Nason said Schuller may be returning to the United States sometime this week.