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REIDSVILLE — The bond between Richard Johnson and his father-in-law, Thomas Morman, has always been strong.

Morman welcomed Johnson into the family with open arms from the time Johnson began dating his daughter, Yolanda. The couple eventually married, and in the years since, Johnson has always relied on Morman for fatherly advice and wisdom.

Earlier this month, their bond became virtually unbreakable when Johnson donated one of his kidneys to Morman.

The surgery was performed Oct. 15 at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. Doctors removed Johnson’s left kidney and transplanted it into Morman’s right side. The Johnsons, who live in Reidsville, said doctors have told them the indicators are good that the kidney will function well in Morman.

“I thank God that Richard was there and tested positive to give me a kidney,” said Morman, 57, also of Reidsville.

Hypertension contributed to Morman’s kidney failure. One of his kidneys was smaller than the other and didn’t function at all, his daughter said, and the second one had begun to fail in recent years.

Dialysis or a kidney transplant were the only options. Johnson knows other people who have endured dialysis and was aware of the effects it can have.

Johnson, 36, also knew there would be few options for donors in Morman’s immediate family. Johnson’s wife and one of her brothers could not qualify because of health conditions. Yolanda Johnson said her husband had his initial blood work done without telling her or Morman.

“He was just taking things into his own hands at that point,” she said.

Johnson’s blood and tissue, coupled with his general good health, made him a perfect candidate.

Johnson, who was elected to the Reidsville City Council in October, said giving his father-in-law a second chance at life is something he wanted to do in return for all Morman has done for him.

The Johnsons eloped when they were in their early 20s. Most of Yolanda Johnson’s family gave the couple grief about their decision, but not Morman.

He schooled Johnson on the things he felt a young husband needed to know, like how to properly cut grass and maintain a car. He helped them select their first vehicles and move into their home.

“He has been our backbone,” Yolanda Johnson said.

Morman’s reason for supporting his son-in-law was simple. “I felt like he was a good person,” he said.

But Morman’s actions touched Johnson, who grew up without his father in his life.

“He’s been very good to me — very good to me — over the years,” Johnson said.

Johnson and Morman both said they were nervous about the surgery. Johnson got  antsy when doctors described the procedure in detail and its possible side effects.

Today, father and son-in-law are a little sore and bandaged, but have no regrets.

“In the end, it was worth it,” Johnson said. “It was a good thing to do, and I’m happy that I had an opportunity to help.”

Contact Jonnelle Davis at 627-4881, Ext. 126, or jonnelle.davis@news-record.com