By Tim Enloe
Too often in our movie of life, we focus more on the bad instead of the joy of a good chuckle. Considering all the cold facts referenced earlier, it is time to flip the coin, if but for a moment.
Following the unexpected death of my father in 1999, my mother was still trying to establish herself in the real estate industry. Monies were extremely limited, and she couldn’t bear the thought of selling the home she loved dearly and worked so hard to hold on to.
As referenced, younger brother Patrick was a happy and active young man; always smiling and always looking ahead. He dated many pretty girls during his short life. There, dear reader, begins our tail…
Living in Canton, GA at this time, I would come over weekly to see Mom and work on the property for her. One day, I arrived to unexpected activity. As I pulled up the driveway, I noticed an extremely long buffet table in our front yard, a SUBWAY sandwiches catering van, and countless people, including Patrick, holding large reflector screens. As I departed my car, I walked over to him and pressed “Younger brother, what the hell is going on here?”
Smiling ear to ear, Babe responded, “We’re having a PLAYBOY shoot!” I countered, “You are not having a PLAYBOY shoot – you’ve lost your mind!” He then returned, “Tim, I am telling you, we are having a PLAYBOY shoot right now!” Half laughing, I shook my head, again as a disbeliever, “Whatever…where is Mom?” With an even more excited and anticipating grin, he then said “Oh…she is in the den…” So off to the den I went.
Upon entry, my words left me. I tried to speak but nothing would return. Next to the bookshelf was my church on Sunday mother; all five foot / 105lbs of her – standing right next to…um…hmmm…how shall I say, A gift of perfection from God Almighty offered in all her natural glory. “Honey, this might look nice,” Mom suggested as she held up various options of PLAYBOY lingerie to said Goddess.
Try as I might to use the Force to move Mom to another state so one might suffer this incredible moment with this Angel alone, I failed miserably. Damn you, George Lucas. Hence, therefore, as a result of, I hastened my way to the adjoining kitchen and breakfast room area with my eyes affixed to the previous room for eternity.
Now, for most men in my dire situation, our minds are simple and direct. I just needed a moment to reflect but did I get that option? Of course not, as my mom; you know the lady who brought me into this world, followed me into the arena of meals and microwaves! Then, to make it even worse, she tried to speak with me about the situation currently at hand. This was not an attempt at casual banter, mind you. Oh no! This was Mom trying to speak with me eye to eye as if discussing breakfast options “Can you believe that young lady is in her birthday suit with all these men around here?” she pressed. Shoot me. (“Now, where is that spot on the ceiling I always think is a fly? I wonder what it is like to be Stevie Wonder, if but for a moment?”) “Yeah…Mom…”, I replied. It’s a miracle! Words cometh from that hole in the middle of my face once again!
Hoping that what I believed was reality was truly happening, I had to call someone; anyone which ended up being my other male sibling. Upon reception of said call, I said “You won’t believe this! Patrick is having an actual PLAYBOY shoot at the house!!!” He responded properly in such a dire situation – “You idiot! What are you doing talking to me? FILM IT!”
By this time, the lovely bunny was out in the front pasture sharing her nature with all of nature while feeding our horse Liberty carrots. Snapping away went the photographer’s camera. Patrick, as well as various crew members, were within a stone’s throw, offering support. Cowering behind the blinds in the front utility room, I used the power of our Panasonic State of the Art VHS Camcorder to record a few moments. To hell with selfies.
Now, one might wonder how all this transpired. Well, it turns out that younger brother was dating the daughter of a PLAYBOY photographer. Her Mom had come over to pick up her first born and thought the property would be a great location for a photo shoot. We never found out if any of the material was in any of the magazines. Evidently, the company doesn’t always use what they take. However, what we do have is a minute of grainy VHS footage as well as a cashed check stub from PLAYBOY International for $1600.
While I hope this story made you smile, I also hope it conveys what those who love something so much will do to hold on and protect what they hold dear…even if it means exposing a Bunny’s tail!