There would be many chapters to this article if constructed for meaningful events, - too many chapters to count if it were to include failures, successes, highs, and lows; and the ebb and flow of daily living. However, it is easiest to write and read if divided into three chapters based on locations: Dayton, the World, and Florida.

Zero to eighteen were the Dayton years. Born to two of the most exceptional people who provided the best environment possible (love, acceptance, and individuality,) the sail was set. Out of doors allurement played havoc with indoor necessities. School was stifling and meaningless. If it had not been for the element of fun that was a constant companion, the rolls of high school dropouts would have grown by one. Caught in the current of early life; the ease of drifting along the merry way; savoring the benefits of having my needs met by others; the efforts of the next chapter, brought the ease of the first chapter to an abrupt halt.

The World began after a miserable semester at Wright State University. Aptitude and attitude were ill equipped to tackle serious study. The escape valve was the Air Force. Looking back, it was the best move available. What began haphazardly, eventually brought marriage, family and stability within a twelve-year period. Between Viet Nam and Holland, marriage came quickly. Our first was born in the Netherland, another in California, and the third in New Hampshire. The world was our oyster.

Education resurfaced its lovely head after the Air Force had exhausted it usefulness. Starting at the bottom at 32 is not an envious position by any stretch of the imagination. Hard work and sacrifice by all; and studying with earnest; eventually achieved a Bachelors and a Masters in six years, and a position on the faculty after four years. Education assumes vocation, and Tennessee was where it began.

As pastor of a church in the Bible’s belt buckle, especially a new church, there are many exasperations and rewards. By the grace of God, and some good people who believed; a small church grew, a counseling practice thrived, the kids launched, and the next stage was set for the World.

Nearing 50 years, this next step brought new life and death. Life’s leap landed in Russia. There to lead Russian educators how to teach. (This done by a student, who was told by a teacher, that a D or F level was to be the future.) The challenges were overwhelming and wonderful. Volumes could be written here alone with experiences and encounters with Misha, Nikita, Svetlana, and countless others; but space limits. The death happened slowly. Health suffered dramatically in Russia. Finally, it arrived in Florida. After 29 years the marriage died.

Now, lack of vocational direction, and family stability, meant that three lonely and hard years were ahead. Haphazardly at first, better defined as time grew, a new life and wife unfolded. In Florida with a larger family (7 children and 17 grandchildren), a new vocation (investment counseling rather than marriage and family counseling), the richness of life overwhelms and humbles me.

Are you thinking, who in the world is the serious, stuffy guy? Yes, it is the same old happy go lucky Dave Annis that you knew in the halls of Colonel White. I should say outside the hall of CW, as I really was not there that much in my junior and senior years. As the advertisement manager for the school paper, I had a “get out of school pass”. I made hooky into an art form, albeit not authorized by Mr. Davis. Colonel White honed my socializing skills, which are still in use today. To this day, I still wear the high impressions of esteem for Coaches Eby and Whittaker, and a few impressions held a little lower, planted there by our principal, Mr. Whitworth.

As you can see, the course of my life has made some rather dramatic changes. From pupil to airman to pupil, to professor, to pastor and counselor, to consultant, and I have treasured them all. However, I especially treasure the course that life is now on, and I intend to see it through. Surrounded by water, a pool in the back yard; a lake in front, grandkids galore, gobs of friends, 3 house cats and a back yard filled with birds, my plants, a special someone who accepts me as I am, and my work where I will die at my desk, only a fool would ask for more.

If I can distill my life into a three of meaning thoughts, they would be: Starting over only kills you for a little while. Then it releases you. Never give up on yourself. Dissimilar people shape you best. Don’t resist them, as there is much to learn. The best day of my life is today, and tomorrow will be better.

Asked to supply pictures for this article, I would prefer that your use your mind. Picture me with the same amount of hair, (more salt and less pepper by the day), the same smile (all my teeth), and the same eyes (focused by trifocals). Remember that lithe body, well double it. Remember those swift legs, well hobble them. I walk like a penguin. Think of me as a closed coffin. “I prefer to remember him as he was“, trust me you do. And that is the way I prefer to remember you. Go Cougars Go!