The day began at 3 a.m., and as John's surgery loomed closer, he became more and more anxious. He said goodbye to his father around 7 a.m. -- after an IV had been injected into both Johns and antibiotics administered -- and suddenly it hit him just what a gift his dad was giving him. It was an emotional revelation.

Luckily, the first half of the surgery went fine.

John Jr. is in excellent physical condition, which means he'll be in a bit more pain than a less-fit individual immediately after the surgery, but his overall recovery time will be much faster. The only hitch in the laproscopic procedure was minor, costing nothing but time; it took about 45 minutes longer than expected.

Otherwise, everything went as planned.

John F. was wheeled in around 2 p.m. His best friend Erik is photographing the surgery. He should be finished around 6 p.m. It has been a long and hellish day for everyone involved, but we keep in mind that this is a day to celebrate.