Perspective

It is amazing how easily the way we see things can change so quickly and so completely.

About three hours ago contract negotiations broke down between my mother's fighting spirit and the tired body that was transporting it. Apparently the body refused to accept her terms which included waiving the cancer in her bladder and signing a replacement for her retiring kidneys. True to her stubborn, Irish roots, my mother would not back down from her demands and I am sure she is already engaged in negotiations with those in charge of the league on the other side. Fortunately she has my brother with her now and he is has 18 years of experience dealing with them, so between the two of them I am confident she'll walk away with a much better contract than she had over here the past few years.

Of course, for those of us still playing here, she will be sorely missed. Sure, she couldn't shoot worth spit, but she was a solid defender, was fantastic at finding her team mates in the right spot with an assist, and she always knew the right place to be regardless of the play, at both ends of the floor. Her lack of playing time was a real sore spot for her, and I know that she will be thrilled to be able to run the floor and get out on the break again. I know she missed throwing those alley-oop passes to my 6'9" brother, too, I know she has been looking forward to that.

I am going to take a break from writing for a couple of days while the rest of the team throws a few farewell parties. I will miss the start of camp next week, but I will be back for opening day, and I bet my Mom will join me.