My happy day

I want to share something very personal and meaningful that happened to me recently.

Back in spring, I saw that my favorite band was going on tour. Just on a whim, I replied to the lead singer’s Instagram story saying, “I’ll treat myself for my birthday and come to your spring tour.” I didn’t expect anything in return. But to my absolute shock and joy, he replied and said, “Let it be a gift from me. Don’t buy a ticket — you’ll be on the guest list.”

Saying I was over the moon would be an understatement. I’ve been listening to this band since I was about 14 or 15 years old. I discovered them as a kid, and they became incredibly special to me. So this opportunity meant the world.

As you know, lately, my mental state has been getting worse. I’ve had to increase my medication and go to therapy more often. So this trip became uncertain. On top of that, it required a lot from me — both financially and physically. I would have to take a bus for over 30 hours one way, and the same on the way back. To save money, I planned to arrive and go straight to the concert without any rest.

Then, just days before the show, I got sick. My plans collapsed. I was devastated. People around me tried to comfort me: “You can go next year, it’s not the end of the world.” And sure, not making it to the concert wouldn’t have been the worst thing that’s happened to me recently… But I had dreamed of this moment for so long. I wanted to live it so badly.

This band doesn’t just make beautiful music — they stand for something. They sing about peace, about resisting systems that treat people like disposable tools for governments. Their lyrics often move me to tears, and I feel seen, heard, and empowered when I listen to them.

So, I had accepted that I wasn’t going.

But on the day I was supposed to leave, I woke up at 5 a.m. out of nowhere and randomly decided to check if there were any bus tickets left. And there was one. Leaving at 3 p.m. — just enough time to get me there about two hours before the concert started. I hesitated, but deep inside I knew: it was now or never.

We live in such uncertain times. I can’t plan a year ahead. I realized I had to chase my dream now, not “someday.” So I packed up, bought the ticket, and I went.