First, the business news and then the personal reason for it:
… we are moving the 2027 Extra Elite 100 rankings back a week to start Jan. 17, 2022.
Here’s the link and I’ve already made the date adjustments on it: 2027 Extra Elite 100 Starting Jan. 17, 2022.
Sorry for the change, but the reasons for the pushback have to do with my family, specifically, my mother who lives in Southeastern Ohio…
*****
Here is the story behind the rankings and why I will be laying low for a week…
My Mother’s Accident
Last Saturday (Jan. 1… what a way to start the New Year) my 87-year-old mother, June Eads, suffered a fall in her home and was pretty badly hurt. She suffered a fracture in her back and hit her head hard enough to cause bleeding on the brain.
She was taken by ambulance to a hospital and looked to be good on Sunday when I had a really nice talk with her. She was alert, happy, clear-minded and the best she’s sounded in 5-10 years.
However, in what I believe to be the case, my mom was going through something called “The Rally” where those at the very end of their lives suddenly “look like they are ‘better’” according to the Newsweek article.
By Monday, my mom’s health had taken a turn for the worse and it’s declined to the point where—based on what doctors and others were saying—it looks like she is moving towards passing away within the next week.
Hard for me to write that, but what gives me solace is the words she said on Sunday when we had our memorable phone call (I live in Idaho).
Ready to Go
“Brentt,” she said calmly and with comforting assurity, “I love you, but I miss your Dad, my own Mom and Dad, my Brother and my other friends and family who’ve gone before me. I’m at peace and I’m ready to go.”
Now, that transition to the other side looks imminent and I am flying back tomorrow (Thursday) to, what in essence, will be me saying goodbye to my beloved mother–at least for a few years here on Earth.
In almost four years of running Extra Inning Softball, I haven’t missed one day off from content—be it holidays like Christmas, sicknesses like the flu and travel to and from softball events. I still hope to be working over the next week I’m gone but will also be by my mother’s bedside.
Work & Public Support
Thankfully, I have two great workers and people in Justin McLeod and Carlos Arias who will take the bulk of the work on their backs and let me spend a final few days with Mom.
My father, Jack Eads, passed away 16 years ago and my mom is expected to go soon, as early as the next few days or maybe in a week or two. I’m flying back Thursday and my two brothers and I will hold her hand and tell her: “It’s alright for you to go join Dad and family.”
… and what’s really help keep me from being a total basket case has been… YOU.
On Sunday, I put up a note—before it got this way—to my Facebook page and, expecting maybe 15-20 responses, explained the situation and asked if people could think of my mom. “Would appreciate your positive thoughts and prayers,” I asked.
The response was tremendous with, as of Wednesday mid-day, over 360 responding and 250 writing, to wish my Mom the best… including four former softball Olympians and several college head coaches, not to mention longtime friends from my youth, schooling and jobs across the country.
So many said they were praying for her and I think—in a way—those prayers are being answered as her role in mortality will soon be done… but so too will be her discomfort.
How joyous will be the reunion, I totally believe, between my Mom and all her family! I will be sad and shed my share of tears, of course, but I know her pain and suffering will be over.
Thanks to the Extra Inning Softball Community
Finally, my greatest, most humble thanks and love to everyone—especially, for those who’ve taken time out to express their support.
I believe God will happily take her back into his arms and be grateful for all that she has done. And I will miss her and her awesome laugh but know we will be back together as a family someday in the future… Families Are Forever!
Thank you for your concern and care for Mom and me—I’ve been touched by the softball community’s support and appreciate you always.
With much love,
Brentt Eads, Extra Inning Softball President & Publisher
Email: brentt.eads@extrainningsoftball.com
