Garth Brooks [ tickets ] will resume training at the San Diego Padres spring training facility in Peoria, AZ on Thursday (3/11) after spending time with his mother who underwent additional cancer removal surgery in Los Angeles this week. In a written statement, Brooks expressed his family's gratitude for the support offered by fans worldwide during the crisis.

''Mom is in terrific shape,'' Brooks said in the statement. ''Our family wants to be sure and thank everyone for their prayers and support. Nothing has meant more to us than the love and concern Mom has received from people all over the world.''

Brooks' mother, Colleen Brooks, is expected to accompany him to Arizona, where Brooks will again take his place on the squad after leaving abruptly last weekend to be with his mother after a new spot of cancer turned up during a routine exam. Brooks' mother had surgery to remove cancerous growths in her throat last year.