Unforgettably proud!!

[Muesli]

Hi guys,

As some of you know, I am a Dutch military veteran suffering from PTSD. I am happy to say that the battle against the PTSD has moved me to a more comfortable way of life, mixed with some symptoms which I now take for granted. Social distancing and being more reclusive is one of the things I use to prevent me from suffering from the PTSD consequences... it works 90% of the times.
I also have been battling a lymphoma for about a year... it could have been bad, but thanks to chemo therapy and meds and a strong constitution my body was able to overcome the white blood cells going berserk in my body... Last monday I was told that the Hodgkin Lymphoma indeed has been defeated for at least 95%. 

Because I never give up and never surrender, I see my battle against the PTSD as an ongoing struggle which I will NOT "lose". So I sometimes choose to expose myself to that what can possibly trigger me... like unpredictable events, crowds and so on... The lymphoma didn't help for a while...
A year ago I decided to do THE thing... I wanted to visit a concert with my son Sen (just turned 16 in March). We both are metalheads and we saw that there would be a concert weekend in Frankfurt am Main (Germany) in May 2026. You might have heard from the group maybe once or twice.... Metallica...
I already saw them in 1990 and 1991... so this would be THE perfect chance for a "second generation fanboy" experience. 35/36 years after... (DAMN I feel old now!)

So... We were able to score 3 tickets (me, my son and my dearest best lady-friend who also is a military veteran), booked a hotel and waited... and May 22nd and 24th we took the streetcar to the stadium.
We had two incredible evenings, seeing Metallica perform both nights with two different playlists... first night Gojira was support act and the second night we saw Pantera.
So happy to have done this. Especially with my son Sen!! I just proudly wanted to share this anecdote with you as a positive note!!! Oh, and some photos to boost! 

Cheers all, have a great one!

Edited yesterday at 08:39 AM by Muesli
spelling

[Flanker562]

I had a chance at my young age to see Metallica, and might put that on my Bucket List of things I gotta do before I die. I mean I'd just be another face in the equation, but it would be awesome to see them live. Glad you had a good time too man.

[Stratos]

Not a fan of metal, but happy for you for the experience and the improvement on your PTSD.

[daddyairplanes]

awesome that you got to see Metallica, and do it with your son. and very awesome about teh lymphoma news 

different deployment backstory, similar end results. most of my "outdoors in crowds " experiences have been on account of my kids. i will say that it slacked off as they hit adult hood tho

 

[Major Lee]

@Muesli Thanks for sharing, bro! It is great you have soldiered on and defeated your foes and are living life with your son! In my younger days, I enjoyed Metallica a bit, but never made it to one of their concerts. I was, however, at Frankfurt Rhein Main airport twice, back around 1984 and 1985, passing thru on my way to Neu Ulm, Germany,  and two year duty with the US Army in the 56th FA BDE Pershing II (tac nuke) unit. I am so glad to see a brother in arms prevailing in their battles!!

[Erik]

Looks like a great time! A well deserved reward.

[GKABS]

I am happy for you, and I hope things will always be brighter for you.

[Flanker562]

Yeah as a two-time participant in mental health crises, I know what it's like, can't escape your mind and such, that just fucking sucks. I'm better like you too though Meusli, things have calmed down, and a calmer head always is great at times.

[madvad]

Awesome!
Keep going!

[Wrench]

Fucking AWESOME!!!! My (late) wife was a metalhead!!! She'd have totally gotten into seeing them!

I'm SO glad you're overcoming those issues!! You and your son looked like you have a GREAT time!!!

[DoctorQuest]

Fantastic story! Thank you very much for opening up and sharing. Rock on!

[whiteknight06604]

saw Metallica with Queensryche way back in the day. Nothing is better than heart pulsing music and a good mosh pit. That looks like an amazing time and the fact you got to spend it with your son is the best. I was lucky enough to go to a few concerts with my kids and it's such a great feeling watching them share one of my passions and really enjoy it. I'm so glad that you are passing your passions on to the next generation my friend. Love to you all and thank you for sharing this experience with us. 

[dtmdragon]

That is awesome mate!

[warthog64]

Enter Sandman is one of the best songs ever, hopefully they played it. Wishing you the best.

Edited 19 hours ago by warthog64

[Hans Topp]

It's great that you enjoyed the Metallica concert, keep fighting my friend, we all support you.