Mike Rayburn sings "Cat's In The Cradle" -Tribute to his father.

May 1, 2013. I know my Dad is going soon. But even for the rocky relationship and challenges he and I had, one Christmas I wanted a CB radio. He said no way. Instead he gave me a guitar, and changed my life forever. So tonight I sang him the first song I ever performed on stage, irony of ironies, "Cat's In The Cradle," and held the hand that taught me my first chords.
Let me say something about grace. I was always the one to confront Dad about the fatal dysfunction in our family. I forgave him completely many years ago and in recent years we've gotten along, though there were still issues. Bedridden now for 15 months, 2 months ago our last issues came to a head. I came to his bedside, just him and me alone, I listened to him, I countered what he said with the truth, directly, firmly, I never accused or condemned him, never got angry, but I also looked him straight in the eye, never blinked, never backed down. To his credit he faced the truth, accepted it, and repented for it. It was very emotional. I held his hand and through tears we each prayed, forgave, and beyond forgiveness we experienced grace. I believe grace is the single most powerful force on earth, precisely because it does not come from earth, it comes from God. It's the only way this world will heal, I know that. I love my father and I will miss him... and I am finally, very thankful for him. Peace. I love you, Dad.
Note:
I want to note that my sister, Kathi Melendez and her daughter, Andrea Vechery have taken care of Dad almost daily for years, so well and so lovingly, doing whatever needed to be done to serve and assist him. They're both angels.
In Memory of Charles (Charlie) Benjamin Rayburn, Jr. 1936-2013. Coach Rayburn.

[@mikerayburn]

I am moved more than anyone will know by all of your kind, emotional comments. My father passed away on May 9th, 2013. All is forgiven, God's grace covers all and he died a beautiful man. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

[@timdrichardson]

Thanks for sharing this, Mike. Powerful!

[@ivanakoceva1428]

Sorry about your dad

[@angelinathon6970]

Sorry About Your Dad. :'(

[@letitbesaleisha]

That's my birthday..But I just guess life ends and life begins like an infinite circle. I just thought the song could not be more beautiful until you played it as a tribute to your father before he left. Every May 9th I believe I will also remember this beautiful scene and your story behind. I hope your father is in peace now.

[@bamcartley]

I am speechless watching this, truly a moving video i feel humbled just by watching it. Thankyou for sharing :)

[@claytongusky52]

I've never told my Dad that I love him and he's never said it to me. He's 85 years old, and I'm 49. This video made me cry for the first time in a long time. I'm going to call him and be the first one to break the ice.

[@musicreviewingmelon4377]

clayton gusky Did it work out?

[@claytongusky52]

I still haven't done it. He hasn't either. I just got off the phone with him about 5 minutes ago and I realized we say it all the time in our own words. Kind of the stupid macho thing I guess. "It was good talkin' to ya' Clayton." "Good talkin' to you too Dad". "Okay. Bye now." "Bye". Still, nothing beats saying the "real thing".

[@musicreviewingmelon4377]

clayton gusky Thats beautiful.

[@XxXRapidoSxXx]

Try again and again ... Not everything lasts forever, enjoy what is giving to you when you still have it.

[@jrockon7150]

There is kind of a macho thing to it i guess. My dad was the strong silent type. I knew he loved us kids tho. It wasn't until late in his life i finally told him i loved him and i'm really glad i did. Folks, you only get one set of parents, appreciate them while you can. That's what this song is all about.

[@mikerayburn]

Thank you for such beautiful support and for sharing your own stories. I saw some really mean comments so let me say, it was a very hard decision to share this, being so personal. But for those who said ugly things, do you see all the healing going on? Do you see people opening up about their losses? I have to believe that's cathartic and cleansing. THAT is why I posted this. And it is certainly not monetized. I love the song, I loved my Dad, I shared it for those who might find it meaningful, and I shared it for me. -Rayburn

[@jlistetson]

Mike Rayburn your father would be so proud. Chhers from Tampa, FL

[@johnboy3377]

Mike Rayburn i think you have just broke my hart you have just made me cry.

[@LaXihuatl]

I thank you for bravely sharing this with us. My heart goes out to you. Beautiful rendition.

[@TOPHAT1966GS]

Mike I see a very strong minded person behind the guitar to be able to sing this song without breaking down. As heartbreaking as it is to watch, the song speaks about true life how we let life get so busy that it separates us from the people we love and care for. We become lost in this world and become strangers to our fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters. Life is toxic....

[@virvisquevir3320]

Mike Rayburn - Your dad is a good man - I can tell by his son.

[@gdsjkcjejzksgjf1835]

I hope your dad is having a wonderful time now, no pain, no bills, just happy in a beautiful place called heaven

[@laurenessary6074]

Me too... ☺

[@joshwaring7772]

FynleyGames heaven isn't real

[@MakeAmericaPlumpAgain]

josh waring dude. Show some respect. Religious or not.

[@OSCARFROG]

EIRE Ryan Sharing his opinion on what? His comment was unneeded and irrelevant, having no relation to the original statement so it is essentially just another separate statement which has no place on such a video. Say what you want about religion elsewhere, this isn't the place for it.

[@isobutyl]

josh waring this isn’t a good time for a fight man

[@newmyr-2556]

And 10 years later it still makes tears.

[@BiblicalReaper]

This, is probably one of the most amazing videos on KZbin I have ever seen. It's deep on so many levels, may he rest in piece.

[@amanfromthewest7326]

Followed and true

[@mockingbird3099]

Peace.

[@hshdsh]

Truly RIP!

[@nicbeat]

In 1981 I met Harry Chapin at a subway in NYC, the day before he was killed. He gave me an autograph for my best friend. I shook his hand. I found out about it on TV. RIP.

[@xxuncexx]

That's a really cool story to have in life

[@matttarrant1711]

@@xxuncexx that's freaking crazy if true.it bothers me that his son Joshua Chapin was so young when he died

[@Mikedadof2]

I love you dad, I may not say it much, but I love dad you make so proud to be your son, and your a great grandad to my kids Robbie &Fiona . Love you both since 2009 I last held them tight. Love you xo

[@sowwy59]

I never got to meet my dad... this song makes me cry.

[@marmar4937]

I feel sad for you

[@tobiasfarragut292]

Neither did I ... The best thing you can do is what I'm doing now, which is take that energy that goes into being sad, upset and feeling down about it and turn it into love, attention, and overall affection for your son or daughter give it all to him/her and watch it come back ten fold.. I never met my father but now when my son sees me his face lights up and he wants to be in no ones arms but mine because he has both my love and the love I never got from mine

[@chrischristian1596]

sowwy59. i just turned 52 yesterday an I've never laid eyes on my father either if I was to meet him this very day I would like to just tell my father I love you an I know that you had your reasons for never seeing me but you know what your till my dad an I love you an I forgive you your still my dad

[@stuartadamsrailfanningvideos]

My ex-girlfriend has a beautiful toddler age daughter (my ex-girlfriend got pregnant by her new boyfriend), and now the girl is living her life, growing up with her newly single mom, and an absent jerk of a father. My ex-girlfriend's daughter needs a good father figure, role model, and mentor. I want that sweet little girl to know who I am. That little girl is going to grow up without a father. I'm so sad for her, especially knowing that I could provide love and support for that little girl. She deserves to know me. I don't even know if my ex-girlfriend wants me in her kid's life. I don't if I could go on in my life knowing that there's a wonderful little girl out there who deserves an awesome dad. I would give up everything to be her stepdad. I wish my ex-girlfriend would communicate with me. That sweet little girl needs me, but I'm sad that I may never get to know her and be there for her. Even though she isn't my biological child, I would love her like my own. I want her to know that I exist. I already feel love for her. I love the only stepdaughter I may never have.

[@bobbowman9603]

who could possibly not like this video?????

[@gabe8500]

Who has the soul to dislike this?Oh wait,they don't have souls.

[@MactarJr]

+IHazDiamondz they dislike the dad dying? just a thought

[@mikerayburn]

+assistant Jordan Maybe that's it. Hopefully.

[@1ksubsnovideos7]

Mike Rayburn i am still crying 😭😭😭😭😭

[@1ksubsnovideos7]

Mike Rayburn it's so sad i cant even look at the video

[@thomaspollard3168]

IHazDiamondz You know what they say about gingers

[@sudhasoni4625]

Your voice moved me like anything. Your love for your father shone right through. My father and I would listen to this song together and he loved this song. He passed away 10 years ago. Please continue singing.

[@adagiotexas]

To All the Great Dad's in the World!

[@mikerayburn]

adagiotexas Indeed! And even to those who only figured it out toward the end. :-)

[@randybritt2844]

I remember the first time I heard this song.. Was with my Dad at a Dodger game, it was Bring your baseball glove day. I was excited to see the game. Yet my Dad said.. " Hang on a minute son, I want you to hear this" I had No idea what an impact this song would have on my life. As I listened, I still at that age, had No idea.... I am 60 now, my parents are in a assisted living now. Dad has Dimensia.. It is hard for me to see him this way. I cry...as I I do now every time I hear that song. My Dad means everything to me.. Yet I watched that song play out in my life. I am happy to say we still have a good relationship, though he doesn't remember much. He does however.... remember that song. It wasn't long ago it came on while with him... I cried, not sure he understood... But I Did!!! I will forever stop when I hear that song. So when I saw this video, I was captured, and move on. I am a grown man.... I know now that my Dad won't be here long. That song will ever be an important thing in my life. I Love You Dad

[@emersonk2551]

If that doesn't make a grown man cry... nothing else will.

[@MJ-cf9nl]

I cried like a baby... for my dad and for my son who 10 years old... my heart hurts

[@szutyksosisback]

it's 1am and I'm weeping like a baby, you did such a wonderful thing for your dad. may he rest in peace.

[@410babygirl]

i second!

[@michaelworse6034]

Same here just speechless

[@oliboy9107]

Same but its 11

[@andrei1151]

That was so beautiful

[@allfiktion1483]

me2 at 4.44 its one of my dads favourites we just lisened it yesterday...... im cryn a river right now ...... think it wi be the 3rd song on his funeral .....after sinatra and stones......nice live....: )

[@bshingledecker]

I just came across your tribute. Well done sir. I too attempted (I did but crying voice) to play this song to my Father, along with sounds of silence on Dec 2, 2021 at maybe 5-6pm. He responded by opening his eyes and looking at me for a second and smiling. He passed at around 2:21 am Dec 3rd. It was my last gift to him.

[@mikerayburn]

Oh, man... what a story. I am sorry for you loss but so thankful your father responded before he passed. Great job!

[@rindranegoro270]

My dad is 70 years old now, and i was 40 ,, we live in a good time and a bad time .. but when he go to bed in the night, i always wishper to him, and i told him, dady i am so proud to have you in my life...proud to be your son, i love u so much dad..i am never live you a lone till i die..

[@mikerayburn]

My father's name is Charles Benjamin Rayburn, Jr.

[@nevarddraw7456]

I love how you are not taking this too hard and that God did what was best for him.

[@mikerayburn]

+Nevard draw Thank you. I certainly did have my moments of taking it hard, but ultimately God's got him. I trust that.

[@sydneymoore3]

stay strong and remember he had a great life but he is in a better place bless you bless you that you will stay strong i lost my grandpa about a week ago so stay strong

[@Daniel19998]

I know im pretty young to say this, but Mike you did something incredible for your father. Im 17 and my dad is 60 and you give me inspiration to do things I have never done. Thank you :)

[@evangarcia7854]

Daniel Watson I'm 14 and I lost my grandfather and looking at Charles in that bed reminds me so much of him

[@randybritt2844]

My name is Randy Britt. I made a message a couple years back about this song. My Dad passed away last Wednesday 1/19/22 All of us were there. I have dreaded this day. I hold on to this song. From the first day I heard it So many decades ago I Love You Dad

[@mikerayburn]

Your story touches me deeply. Thank you, Randy

[@ironhugo2972]

In octobre 2016 our dad left us! Whished he can hear this song now...

[@stumpy5353]

You can tell by his face he new you where there and was pleased you were playing to him. That is how we should all die with our familys. ALAS the world is a harsh place Mike You give me hope that there are people that care out there, nice one bud

[@mattlambert3731]

Amen!!!

[@hvyrocker90]

I'm not crying, you're crying! I'm gunna go call my dad now...

[@CheetahWhisperer]

I think of my dad when I hear this song as well. He's still alive but I often worry I'm disconnected as we only write via email now. I'm a world away.

[@R-E-D-E-M-P-T-I-O-N]

enjoy the good times, i lost my father last night.

[@ThisUserDoesNotExist.]

What is stopping you from calling him? I don’t have have best relationship with my dad but speak to him every weekend.

[@MJ-cf9nl]

With all the technology nowadays you can call him or do facetime or chat... there is no excuse in this era for someone to not be in touch with his/her parents and relatives. This life worth NOTHING without your loved ones around you. Reach out to your dad and make his day, you may not have this opportunity one day and you will beat yourself down for missing out.

[@videojeffrobetustak5129]

I really enjoy your videos Mike you have a great expressive voice as well as be very talented guitar player!

[@TheRock712]

The best father to son song ever

[@chrisdixon3003]

Been there lost my dad 5 years ago... the pain never goes away you just learn to live with it.

[@mikerayburn]

God has assuaged and healed the pain over the years. I pray the same happens for you, my friend

[@pogglethelesser4688]

I literally cried.

[@carolineullrich7323]

Beautiful ❤ may he RIP.

[@tomtom4k]

Surprised this video hasn't gone viral. This is beautiful.

[@hansolo631]

IDKsomething feels off to me here. I'm sure his dad was a strong man, did he understand thousands of people would be staring at him at his absolute worst, on his literal deathbed? While his son sings a song that is the ultimate condemnation of fathers? For views/money?

[@carloscristal4349]

my father passed away in 1994 this vídeo made me remember my Dad . You are a great son

[@d0lldaddy]

Dude I cried as soon as he started playing guitar

[@mmhey4688]

Your dad had to be such touched by your song. I’m dieing from cancer , I wish my son had the same emotions

[@friesnerjr]

So touching. I wish I had the chance to play for my dad again. He passed suddenly the day after Christmas in 08. I walked in in time to say hello but not goodbye, I literally only had seconds with him. I am still blessed though because he was a good man and an awesome father.

[@franfender]

man oh man

[@DennisB407]

I lost my dad 4-15-2004. 20 years later Im still crying. Thank you for this video

[@lix0788]

Who else cried

[@dragomirada5873]

This song is crazy teary as it is......... combined with this videoooo is just too much crying for one day 😭😭😭😭. Weird how ANYONE can sing this song without crying their eyeballs out 😭

[@mikerayburn]

Believe me, I have

[@tierahumphriesbonnefond9758]

Mike, your father was, by far, my favorite teacher at TJ. I remember he went to Elon College, he showed us movies of college wrestlers, and we got to watch the TJ game films when he was the football coach - oh, and I learned some algebra, as well. He made a lasting impression on me and he often reminded me of my own father. My junior year, my dad, who was in the military, was away on assignment the entire year on Easter Island. When my dad returned, he had a bunch of Easter Island carvings and one of them was a pointer with a carved bird head as the handle. My dad gave it to me, so I could give it to your dad. I know he still had it when I returned to visit him a few years later. I love your tribute to your dad and I am so sorry for your loss.

[@mikerayburn]

That’s so cool. I’m sorry I don’t have that, and I’m thankful my dad was a positive influence for you! Peace, my friend. -Michael

[@matttarrant1711]

@@mikerayburn that's cool as shit someone that knew him commented

[@koltrex]

Bless y'all all's souls and hearts

[@clix2106]

I have always been told im cold hearted and im unfeeling, but this reminds me of when my grandpa past in December of 2016. I can feel a tear building up as i say i miss him. The only father figure i had in my life and i couldn't ask for a better man then him.

[@andrei1151]

Rip, I'm so sorry

[@benjamartpoondee3454]

Im crying when I watching this

[@jmb3040]

How the hell can people dislike this video. I have big respect for this guy. What a guy and what a moving video. Rest in peace

[@caleidoo]

Some people find it strange that people find it normal to put this kind of video on KZbin. Would he have done it 20 years ago? Just playing for the sake of it, with no camera recording? Probably not. Imagine doing this on VHS 20 years ago and making 200.000 copies and sending it to strangers all over the world. You'd be a total creep, people would cast you out of normal social society. But now if you give the masses amusement and emotion, it's all good. I'll never get it. Especially exploiting moments like this.

[@trihardcx6743]

LS_scape He's not sending copies to anyone. He's sharing a touching moment.

[@dantedavinci9662]

Ofcourse its cool he sings this song for his das. But its a little bit weird becease he is recording it...

[@mikerayburn]

There are literally thousands of cathartic moments recorded in these comments, where people have seen this video and decided to call their father, say I love you for the first time ever, reach across barriers, and show love to family. That’s why I recorded it. It’s not monetized and I get nothing else from it. My dad, though loved and long forgiven, did some really bad things. This is a way he can do some good long after he’s passed, which I know from some of our final words, he would be happy about. I hope that makes sense

[@dixiebling8599]

@@caleidoo thinking about it from that perspective you are completely right. I would not take this most personal moment of possible connection with my mother who has passed as a memoir and then shared it for all. However, it has been done. At this point, take it for what it is worth....a reminder to touch base with those that are a part of you, whether by blood or by choice, with or without strife, and let them know you care. His intentions do not truly matter!-but the emotion that may have been evoked from watching, that does matter.

[@yuvrajshrma9973]

Brother you filled my eyes with tears.

[@holly2011]

How warm-hearted of you, Mike. That is really special that you did that for your dad. I'm 100% your sweet soft voice helped to heal him. :)

[@holly2011]

I know that God has got your father tight in his arms and filling him up with unconditional love.

[@nelanienavarro9242]

heart warming song 😢😢

[@thinhh246]

Im 15 year old and i love this song so much

[@christyr6201]

My dad died almost a year ago. He was sick but didn't tell me. This was so beautiful. I'm just in tears. God bless you.

[@Britkong]

My DAD and Me, just the same Story. I Love him forgive him and I always will.

[@lolrip818]

to the 147 people that disliked this video I hope you know how it feels to see a loved one in that state or to lose one.

[@hansolo631]

IDKsomething feels off to me here. I'm sure his dad was a strong man, did he understand thousands of people would be staring at him at his absolute worst, on his literal deathbed? While his son sings a song that is the ultimate condemnation of fathers? For views/money?

[@nedrick2263]

I remember as a kid my Dad used to play this song on his guitar. My parents split while i was quite young, and my Dad took off and lived his life drinking and smoking and addicted to speed. But when i was 16 my Dad stopped taking speed and started to return to my life. he played this song and explained the meaning of it and how he hoped I didn't turn out "just like him". I lost my Dad 2 years later to cancer but i have a bunch of great memories from those 2 years of having a Dad. and im glad he explained this to me because i think about it all the time with my 2 boys now and how I need to be there for them. P.s this video gave me Goosebumps and brought a tear to my eye, really heartfelt rendition

[@Mr90sMusiclover]

Our stories are quite similar, my father chose alcohol over family and we didn't speak for 15 years, when he was diagnosed Terminal and given only a months, we made our peace, I was able to introduce him to my son (his Grandson) and I know he harboured so much guilt, I also know that he died forgiven, happy, and with some dignity, and I'm so grateful for that, as I wipe one of my own tears reading your comment, I felt compelled to share mine, so you know you're not the only one!

[@magic5596]

I feel for you, Brother. Thank "God" you got at least those two years. Thanks for sharing.

[@bernardoreynoso8073]

What a moment in this thing called life . Some of us didn’t have a father figure growing up and seeing a video like this one makes me wonder .

[@Hollcall]

My Dad went on a Blistering cold morning when I was 21 yrs. old. I said "Goodnight Dad, see you in the morning". Morning never came for Dad !!! You are a lucky man to have had your Dad around for so long.

[@amerc870]

Fantastic Mike...., God Bless

[@markpangman4413]

Makes me cry every time I hear this song. My dad never said he loved me. I was the black sheep of the family. Everything I did to try make him proud of me went unnoticed. I had to fight my own battles as a kid for being bullied. Why weren't you there for me dad when I needed you the most. To comfort me letting me know that things were gonna be ok but you didn't. Despite all that dad I will always love you even though you don't say it :(

[@halkingb]

How can you not cry watching this?!?!

[@tavist10875]

I have tears coming down my eyes right now. Lost my Dad in Sept 2010 still hurts.

[@ftwdragonslayer8466]

Im sorry i lost my grandpa in the summer and the day before he went in he taught me how to drive his chevelle. It was a day before my birthday and when i got a call after school about it i broke down. I also lost my grandma to cancer what seemed like it was a month before she was singing with the angels.

[@vegetable9115]

sorry for your lost

[@johnemmanuelmanzanilla9883]

My Dad just Died August 26 2018, And I'M crying Right now. 😢

[@potter3439]

It's okay bro, This is a great point of appreciation in life

[@andrei1151]

So sorry

[@EricReitzel]

God bless you and your dad......My days are numbered with mine.....Tears are falling now....

[@R-E-D-E-M-P-T-I-O-N]

my father passed away last night, So beautiful I hope you have found peace my brother.

[@mikerayburn]

I am so sorry for your loss and thank you for sharing it with me. I wish you peace.

[@negtype13]

I can't stop crying...

[@garyhoffman1517]

Sorry for your loss as I lost my dad in September of 2013 and you played a fitting tune for your father 👍❤️god bless 👍

[@incredigrill]

I just stumbled on this in 2019 and immediately called my father. You should too.

[@kenheltzel3440]

That was one of the most moving videos I've ever seen.

[@tomeighty]

Great job Mike. You can tell your father just loved the song. Thanks for sharing that personal moment you had, a lot of people can relate to times like that.

[@danielwhite4825]

My eyes are filled with tears so forgive me if theres any misspelled words. My father and I have never seen eye to eye on many things throughout my life. With age and wisdom I realized he has been right the whole time. Ovthe er the past few years we've settled out our differences and I would have to say hes my best friend and hero. But today is his 89th birthday and I fear that our time is numbered. My biggest fear has come full circle and I cry alot wishing I had more time for us to re-kindle the relationship I so blindly.ignored for most of my life. Seeing this video has me teared up knowing my day is.coming however Mike, your strength youve shown here in this video gives me hope that I can find the strength to say goodbye when the time comes. Thank you Mike for this and your father I am certain will be waiting for you on the shoreline of the river Jordan...thanks and God bless you.

[@brankannon]

God damn, I’m.... literally dying of sadness.😔

[@ronnyengelhardt8820]

Hochachtungsvoll!!!! Ich spielte auch für meinen Vater am Sterbebett einen Song. Er schaute mir ein letztes mal in die Augen. I MISS YOU DAD.....!!!!!

[@2010GamecockDad]

best version I have ever heard from the singing to the guitar playing. must have been a great father to have raised such a character son.

[@RichGilly]

I'm a grown man and this made me sob like a little girl.

[@clarencefoster7407]

my son just passed away july 5th 2017 and he listened to this song and told his wife that this song reminded him of me and him I never knew it Intel she just told me about it til a couple of days later and that's when it hit me that this song reminded me of me and my dad so I listen to it a lot more even on u tube and when it comes on the radio it makes me sad that hes gone now but i look up in the sky and tell him that son I know u wanted to be just like me and you will even know your in heaven

[@mikerayburn]

Clarence Foster My heart hurts for your loss. Thank you for sharing it and regardless of your faith I share what Jesus said, "Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted" I pray that for you.

[@clarencefoster7407]

Mike Rayburn thank u for the pain I'm having

[@clarencefoster7407]

once agIan sir his daughters birthday was today and I'm hoping he was looking down to tell her happy birthday she just turned 3 yrs old happy birthday Brooklyn' grandpa will always be here to hold u and see your daddy in your eyes

[@Chel1004]

Im 7 years late... but may him rest in peace love you 💕

[@markmaddock5976]

I can relate to your story. WELL PLAYED, AND THANK YOU!👍

[@mikerayburn]

Just happened to be online when your message came through. Hope you are at peace. And thank you

[@akacoogan3333]

Just cryed

[@evanscott9473]

As a divorced father of three, this got me right in the heart. What a beautiful tribute to your father.

[@guillermoagraan2668]

My tears is falling

[@mikepreston-engel8869]

I'm so blessed that even though my son lives miles away, he calls me or texts me every day, and we see each other at least once a month. He's 30 now and is my hero and best friend. I'm alive because of him. We're going to Toronto for three days at the end of June and all I know is it's going to be a great time.

[@arisbendanillo6945]

nice love story father and son may godbless you both,,..never change your ways..stay cool and good..

[@gordonvalentine7050]

I just realized that I stumbled on this Video on exactly the 8th anniversary, May 9th, 2013, of Mike's Father's passing. I don't know Mike, now I believe that I do.... and had never seen this Video until yesterday. Talk about "Nanu-Nanu"! Thank you Firedragon for raising my awareness! Some things do happen for a reason. Life is short, please don't leave S#it on the table. Peace To All! Gordon

[@mikerayburn]

😀 Well said! Thank you

[@chillpill4936]

I tell my dad I love him all the time. he's not my biological father but anyone can be a father, it take someone special to be a dad, and my dad is very special.

[@mattlambert3731]

Priceless! Thank you God bless you and your father.

[@michaellapinski9366]

It's father's day,I am 41 and am crying like a kid who just got punished lol... This is my father's favorite song and this is so beautiful. I've had many issues and fought battles with drugs for 25 years and he has never left my side. I'm over 2 yrs clean now and am so grateful for the time I get to spend with my father

[@OCRay1]

I couldn’t even watch this I started tearing up before he even began the song. I know it’s an amazing moment though and took a lot of strength on his part to get through it.

[@kevinmarsden8102]

thats the nicest thing ive ever seen. God bless you Mike and RIP to dad x. best wishes from Rhyl North Wales

[@terdsie]

I had the honor and good fortune (my opinion) to be there when both my father ('98) and my mother ('09) passed away. I can vividly remember the last conversation that dad and I had when he was in the hospital, as well as the last time mom and I shared a lucid moment (she had Alzheimer's). I was 21 when my dad died, but that last conversation stays with me. I'm so glad you were able to share this moment with your father, and that you were able to reconnect and rebuild the relationship that should have been. My parents were forced to listen to my MANY hours of practicing the guitar as I grew up and I hope that they were proud of me as I progressed. My dad never knew me as a mature adult (though I doubt I'll ever fully mature), but I hope he would be proud of who I am today. This video just brought back a flood of memories. Thank you for taking the risk and posting it, Mike. And to everyone else reading this: If it's possible, go and hug your parents. If there are issues between you, do what you can to make it right (at least try). I would do anything to have another minute with my dad, but when it's over. . . It's over.

[@geno80geno]

My father is still alive and healthy...and I pray that he remains so. But eventually he will pass, and that thought fills me with fear and sadness. Hes mythical to me, a rampart of my life who seems immortal, but when he does pass...I hope I have the bravery and love to honor him in a comparative way you honored yours. May the Lord keep you Mike, you made a man in his 30s cry beautiful tears today.

[@duncanrs]

sat with my dad as he died of cancer in the weston park cancer hospital in 1998 we were never friends,we had argued and fought since I was 17 and I couldnt hold his hand or tell him I loved him ,,,,Im 59 now and regret that last 4 or 5 hours of his life ,,,,,

[@mikerayburn]

+loopy twat I'm so sorry. You know, though, I pray and believe that somehow he knew, not in some Pollyanna, Cumbaya, way but in the sense that many things are known or communicated on a completely non-verbal, even non-physical level, especially in families. I do believe that. What if your dad DOES know that? What if he could have been conscious and verbal during those hours, what would he have said? I bet, as a dad myself, in his own way he'd have said he was sorry and that he loves you. As guys we tend to be hard-asses until it comes down to it, then rarely do we hold to that, our true feelings are rarely as cold as that. I bet he'd say, "Let go, it's all good, we both made mistakes, I love you, and I know you love me." I don't know, it's just my belief.

[@duncanrs]

Mike Rayburn sort of helps ....cheers

[@bigtextrucker1825]

I'm not one who crys much, but this definitely brought tears to my eyes...

[@Fav.234]

I'm sure your dad really appreciated and loved the song I've never heard anyone nail it the way you did.

[@rayrudge8471]

Huge respect to you there Mike . Thoughts went back to the time mum and I spent with my dad during his last few hours .

[@gordonvalentine7050]

What a beautiful follow up companion video to one of my all time favorite and prophetic songs ever. I hope my Son can find the time and fortitude to watch and listen to this video....and then read some of the over 1,460 Comments. Mike Rayburn, thank you from the bottom of my heart for this Video! Gordon Valentine

[@coreydemers5135]

29 yrs old construction worker here. Sitting in my van five minutes til I go in, and I'm crying like a baby. God bless.

[@tiredofallthis7716]

Peculiar how this sounds speaks to so many of us and our relationship with our fathers. Our Father in heaven gave his only Son so that we may know how much He loves us all. Get past the difficulty and say the words while you’re together. This is a beautiful and moving video.

[@Wicky5920]

What a Amazing son, Your father must be very proud of you, God bless you.

[@Match0176]

Best teacher I ever had at Chantilly. Speechless after coming across this video. I was class clown, everyone would say "Atcheson, get Mr. Rayburn telling stories so we don't have to do any work. Like the falling off the roof story. So I did, and he did and he knew what I was doing but would tell his stories anyway." I still have Joey the boxer memorized from your show you did at the school Mike. I know you do too. God bless you and god bless the best teacher at Chantilly high that I ever had.

[@mikerayburn]

I am so honored. To know he had that kind of impact on you would be music to my dad's ears. Thank you. -Mike

[@Match0176]

Thank you, Mike. For posting this video. We go about our daily lives not realizing how fleeting life is..until bam! It hits you in the face.

[@jedipadwan20]

I’m sorry for your loss I hope your father is in a peaceful place now

[@jeffreyharper2731]

I would like to learn this song but I probably would not because of the tears in my eyes. What a touching tribute.

[@mramicus6917]

A few years before my Dad died i told him i loved him & thank him for all he had done for me ! A great man !

[@doomtroll145]

This world needs more people like you. I respect you a lot more than you can imagine for what you did for your father. I'm sure he is smiling down from heaven.

[@mikerayburn]

+Doom Troll Thank you. That's very kind.

[@doomtroll145]

+Mike Rayburn no problem. I would do the same for my father.

[@snydro2961]

I'm a grown ass man and I'm bawling like a baby, don't know how you held it together playing it

[@maryrevis3367]

OH MY GOODNESS MIKE!!!! I JUST lost my father on May 2, 2014 and we had our final tears, smiles and forgiveness. He had COPD. My dad was a good man..a very proud man but he also could be hard at times. I KNOW my dad heard me saying how much I loved him, felt me holding his hand and kissing his cheeks. Mike sweetie..I KNOW what you felt being there for you dad and playing this wonderful song. Dear sweet Mr. Rayburn!!! May you rest in peace and know how much your son, family and former Groveton High School students loved and respected you SO very much. RIP Coach.

[@johnbrown1090]

Bless. I cry just thinking about what happened with my father brother.

[@GamingFreak_33]

To be honest. I've never seen something like this in my life so far. But to watch this, it makes me feel bad for the people who have lost their loved ones. This video brought a tear to my eye. And to the people who disliked this video. There are no words that could express how much I hate them right now.

[@mikerayburn]

Thank you, sir.

[@eire1334]

Such a powerful testament of love!

[@achloist]

Couldn't watch after the first minute. Tears streaming down my face. Then I went and gave my son a hug. God bless