Let your friend share when the time is right. We humans go through extreme highs and extreme lows whether we are celebrating the birth of a precious baby, mourning the death of a dear parent, or recovering from major surgery. Your job is to be a good listener if your friend wants to share a story their situation. Let your friend take the lead.
Puzzle Bring a puzzle or some other fun activity to do with your friend. While he is keeping his hands busy he might be more able to open up about what his journey.