Earlier this week, I posted about my friend who was diagnosed with a malignant kidney tumor. He had surgery to remove the entire kidney today, and it seems to have gone extremely well. I waited at the hospital during the surgery and was able to see him in the recovery area following the operation. He was in pretty good spirits, all things considered. So thank you all for offering your prayers!

Now my concern is going to be making sure he takes his time with the healing process. He was in the middle of an extended trip to Mexico when this all started, and he seems to be in a hurry to go back. He is the kind of guy that doesn't want to ask for help with anything, and tends to keep most people at arm's length. He's not exactly the easiest guy to be friends with, but I love him like a brother nonetheless. I'm hoping that he will be able to set his ego aside and allow his close friends to help him through the healing process before he rushes back out of town prematurely. My hope (beyond 100% healing and recovery for him) is that through this experience, he will learn to allow those that really care for him deeply to get a little closer. I'll always be there to help him through anything, even though my concern for him seems to annoy him a bit at times. Last night I messaged him to see how he was feeling, and I could tell that he got a little bit aggravated with my questions. He is extremely independent, and I think he views me as kind of a doting parent figure, but that's OK...I don't mind wearing that nametag.

The link below is a song that really sums up how I view my relationship with my friend.
Thanks again for those of you who prayed for him...I really appreciate it!