What to say to my friends on fathers day that does not have a dad?

[Misz. Jazzii ALi]

Hello, im on facebook and i see all my friends upset and unhappy cause like everyone saying how much they love their dads and how much that are thankful for having their dads today. and i was wondering what can i change my status to help them out and like i want something cute and preppy haha lol this is easy points people. please help.

[Arrogantstar443]

In addition, or in place of any gift, make a list of the reasons why you appreciate him. Perhaps have it inscribed on a wall plague.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVQP6GL-Ps0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbqF6Xv1mNU

If your father, or grandfather, has passed away, take the list, a small jar, and a spade, to his grave site. Read the list to him, than place the list in the jar, and bury it there.

Please don't get a joke card. In my 20+ years of working with fathers, it has been rare that a joke card that makes fun of his abilities is really appreciated.

I wrote this to "Dear Abby" for Father's Day, March 19, 2005.

APPRECIATION FOR JOB WELL DONE IS WHAT FATHERS WANT TO HEAR

DEAR ABBY: Today is Father's Day, so why don't we try to do more for dear old Dad than give him the usual greeting card that promotes the idea that all dads are imbeciles, followed by a collect call to see what he thought of the card. (Father's Day is the day when the most collect calls are made.)

We should treat our fathers the way we treat our mothers on Mother's Day and show them we appreciate them for being there. Yes, you probably tell your father all the time that you love him, but the minds of men work differently. Anyone can say "I love you," but as men, knowing that we are appreciated for a job well done is what really gets us teary-eyed.

Something else you can do -- especially you sons out there (but daughters can do it, too) -- is to make sure Dad has been to the doctor for a checkup, including depression screening. This can go a long way toward making sure he's here on Father's Day next year.

I wasn't raised by my father, but by a stepfather. Although we did not see eye-to-eye on many things, I would not be the person I am today if it were not for him. This man, who spent years climbing on top of heavy construction equipment to prepare the ground for many of the homes, businesses, roads and highways of Southern California, now finds it difficult to get into a car. Although none of the houses or roads have his name on them, they are all testaments to his life and the lives of men like him.

So today, let's do something extra for Dad, without him pulling out his wallet to pay for it. -- George McCasland, Overland Park, Kansas

[Randysdona]

Be thankful for every moment you had with your dad...those moments are now wonderful cherished memories.

[kate]

Perhaps rather than trying to cover it with a status update (although the answer directly above this is great if you do) you could send a short message to your friends who are feeling down. Even one sentence like "Hey, I know today is rough for you but hang in there and if you want to talk you know where I am" will let them know that you're aware of their sadness and you're thinking of them and sometimes that's all that people need. Either way you sound like a terrific friend.