This is me and my dad earlier this fall. We had a coffee and a walk on a chilly day in the sun. We laughed at old stories and sat on a park bench. It was good to be with him. To smile and share a little time.
January 17th is his 74th birthday. Now, if you know my dad he has never been much for gifts. Or really belongings for that matter. No one I know has ever wanted less. He in fact, is the only human I know who consistently and successfully refused to bow to the smartphone. Imagine! It was a pass for him from the start. Not a total surprise as he has never been one to conform. He maintained his ability to be present in a world full of people who were now forever elsewhere. Quiet wisdom, outsmarting us all. Not bothering himself with the trappings of modern society. Some people teach by talking. He's always taught by doing. His lack of convention has always been one of my favorite things about him.
He has loved simple things all of his life. Gardening, hunting, fishing, cards with his brothers, reading a newspaper cover to cover with a hot coffee at his side. No bells and whistles needed. No fancy devices. No thanks on the new clothes or more of anything. He always felt like he had enough. He has always quietly shown me the way. Not telling. Just doing. Make a life you love. Find what matters to you. Don't worry what everyone else is up to.
On my dad's 74th birthday, I struggled as usual to think of a gift. What do you get the guy that wants nothing? And then I realized, he has always been one to help somebody out if he could. Maybe we can help some people out together.
My dad has Alzheimer's. It sucks. It's hard everyday. For him. For my mom. For my brother and I. For all that know and love him. This is the story of every family dealing with this brutal disease. The grief. The pain. The loss. It's real. Maybe we can help them all, just a little. I think my dad would like that.
If you feel inclined, please donate a little birthday something in honor of my dad. If not, maybe just read this post and send your good vibes, your prayers, your healing energy. Whatever currency of well-wishing you deal in, we'll take it. Thanks so much. And happy birthday, Dad. I love you. And I don't want to show you by talking. I want to show you by doing. Just like you taught me.
Thank you to all our supporters
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Kelly Dunham
Jan 15, 2026
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Marc Stocker
Jan 15, 2026
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Blair Yaroch
Jan 15, 2026
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Mettle & Moxie
Jan 16, 2026
What a beautiful tribute.
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Payne Family
Jan 15, 2026
Beautiful tribute to your Dad - and so much of him is in you too! Love you, friend, and hate this terrible disease ❤️
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Shane Armstrong
Jan 15, 2026
Beautifully put, Sis! Thank you for the love and support, everyone. May we all put a dent in the heartache this disease brings to future families. 💚
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John And Linda
Jan 16, 2026
Happy Birthday to your dad! Beautiful message, Blair❤️
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Anonymous
Jan 15, 2026
Happy Birthday to your dad!
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Carrie Grundman
Jan 15, 2026
Sending lots of prayers your way! Xo
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Jen Tursman
Jan 15, 2026
What a beautiful birthday gift! Sending lots of love 💕
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Marika & Adam Bevier
Jan 15, 2026
❤️
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Beth
Jan 15, 2026
You’re a great daughter and amazing human B!
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Heather And Justin
Jan 15, 2026
Love this! Your dad has always been one of my favorites 😘
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Karah Mantinan
Jan 15, 2026
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Andrew Chapman
Jan 15, 2026
Happy Birthday! What a lovely idea!
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Stephie Luyt
Jan 16, 2026
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Jen Cullen
Jan 15, 2026
Sending you love, Blair. ❤️
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Emily Herman
Jan 15, 2026
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Theresa Gill
Jan 15, 2026
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Taryn Allen
Jan 15, 2026
Happy birthday to your sweet dad! He must be so proud of you for your generous heart. Big hugs!
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The Walkup Family
Jan 15, 2026
Making a gift in honor of your amazing, dad, Steve! Sending love and light to your family as you navigate the path ahead.
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Robin Furlong
Jan 15, 2026
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Jen Cullen
Jan 15, 2026
One more hug
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Marta Tessy
Jan 16, 2026
Happy birthday to sweet Blaire’s dad!
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Gordy Wheeler
Jan 15, 2026
Happy Birthday to your Dad! Tell the family I said hi and that my thoughts and prayers are with you all
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Colleen Dennis
Jan 15, 2026
Happy Birthday to Steve!
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Brian Blattert
Jan 15, 2026
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Heidi Dietrich
Jan 15, 2026
Beautiful gift! Warmed my heart to read your reflections on your dad and coming up with this gift idea for his birthday this year. Love to you and your family!
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Jamie Boynton
Jan 15, 2026
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Meghan Donahue
Jan 15, 2026
In honor of your dad’s birthday, with love. Blair, your strength and devotion to him are so evident. Holding your family close and sending love and hope always. 💜
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Jennifer Evans
Jan 15, 2026
Happy birthday to your dad, he has a wonderful daughter!
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Happy birthday Steve-a-Reno!!