Father’s Day: A Day in the Life of Abel Bohannon

I always get that “I’ve shared this before” feeling when creating a post for Father’s Day. You can read my 2016 Father’s Day post HERE and let me know, haha!!!

For as long as I could remember, Abel Bohannon arose every morning at 4:00am, washed up and headed to the kitchen. He would get a spoon out of the silverware drawer and re-wash it, along with his coffee cup, and meticulously lay them both out on a paper towel on the counter next to the coffee maker. While the rest of the house was still sound asleep, he would carefully make his coffee in the quiet of the morning, enjoying, I’m sure, his time to himself. No music, no TV, just the silence. Sometimes he’d go through some brochures or mailed items he’d set aside for review, but most times he’d just sit back in the chair at the kitchen table, in complete silence, just him and his thoughts. Sometimes he’d read the bible. Later in the morning, when one of us interrupted his solitude, he would begin his process of getting on with the day. Just as meticulously as he’d prepared his coffee apparatus, he’d clean everything up, dry it and put it back in its place, before heading off to get dressed, and then off to work he went. Later, in his retirement years, he’d get dressed for the chores and errands he planned to tackle that day. After putting in a full day’s work, his evening had a ritual too. He’d come home and prepare himself for a little time bonding in his favorite chair… the chair no one else in the house dared to sit in… at least when he was home. After reading the paper, and of course, having a little dinner, he’d watch TV until the TV would begin to watch him, which was usually by 8 or 8:30 in the evening. And depending on what he was watching, you entered his den at your own risk. He loved Phylicia Rashad, so you best not walk in while an episode of The Cosby Show was airing. Other times we’d find ourselves in some semi-deep conversation in the kitchen or in the family room before he’d dismiss himself and hunker down for some TV time. Then just like that, he’d disappear for a night of sleep.

So just like my Dad, I’m very structured. One of the things I most definitely acquired from my Dad is being regimented. I too am up during the 4am hour with my own routine that I rarely stray from. I love the quiet of the early mornings. I feel I am my most productive and accomplished self during that time. My evening spiel is pretty much routine as well, and I find myself nodding by 8:30am.

My Dad was a very strict man. He didn’t budge much on anything. I may have tried my luck once, but an extreme eyebrow-raise and tightly pursed-lip glance would shut me up and have me seeking shelter in my room. His “no” was ALWAYS a firm no. That bled over into my decision-making skill and is probably why once I decide to do something or go somewhere, I rarely waver. Though he was the life of the party whenever we entertained or went to visit friends or family, he had no problem being by himself. That too, I think I get from my Dad.

My Dad was very disciplined. I guess he acquired that from being in the Army. Before I was born, my Dad used to smoke. And as the legendary story has been told, he just decided to quit one day and never picked up a cigarette again. In terms of money, he was beyond frugal. He handled all the household finances and was very disciplined with spending. My Dad could definitely squeeze a dollar for everything and more than it’s worth. One of the things I admired most about him, is when he’d get paid, he take out about $200 in cash, (consider the times of course), and the rest was left in the bank to cover bills and other re-occurring expenses. When that $200 was gone, it was just gone. He made due until his next pay period, and was never tempted to get more from the ATM (once it became “a thing”), or to use a credit card. Well, see, (to coin a Kevin Hart phrase), “the way my bank account works”… haha!!! I’m definitely frugal, but not quite THAT disciplined 🙂

It’ll be 20 years in January 2020, since my Dad transitioned from this life. As everyone is gearing up to celebrate Father’s Day for another year, I’m not sad. But I do reminisce about all the quirky and comical things my dad said and did. One of my life’s regret is that I don’t have him on video doing and saying some of the things he did! I do wonder often though; what he would think of the woman I’ve become; if he’d approve of my choices. He was a simple, no-nonsense, Christian man, who just wanted to provide for his family and enjoy his leisure time as best he could. I’m so grateful for his presence in my life for the 39 years I had him, and for my memories of him, that run through my mind just like videos. Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing Dads, from a forever “Daddy’s girl.”