“There is a voice that doesn’t use words. Listen.” By: Rumi
Several years ago, my good friend Rami and I had the incredible privilege of attending a Metallica concert from the exclusive “Snake Pit” —standing just feet from the stage, completely surrounded by the band.
Looking back at this unforgettable music experience, I realize that it represented something much deeper.
Life has a way of placing us in our own “Snake Pits.”
Sometimes we’re surrounded not by music, but rather by fear, uncertainty, pain, and challenges that seem beyond our ability to cope.
I found myself in one of life’s “Snake Pits” after surviving a devastating Traumatic Brain Injury in a horrific motorcycle accident.
That morning, I was riding my motorcycle to the TDSB school where I worked as a teacher. As coach of my school’s football team, I was determined to prepare my players for the TDSB Football Championships. We were all excited that they had qualified for such a prestigious tournament.
It seemed like an ordinary day—until the accident changed everything and I saw “The Light” during a near-death experience.
Years later, I am in another ‘Snake Pit’ following a March, 2026 diagnosis of aggressive, Stage IV metastatic prostate cancer.
With both of these life-changing journeys, music has always been a constant source of strength and support. Music is one of the greatest healing tools in my life. Music helped me to “Rethink, Redo, Rewire” my brain after my motorcycle accident. FYI – This is the title of my most recent book.
Music gave me hope when hope was hard to find, strengthened my mind when I felt defeated, and reminded me that healing involves much more than medicine alone.
That is why I wrote and recorded my very first song, “I Survived.”
I wrote this song after the doctors had told my mother that there was no hope for me and that I was “Brain Dead”. Writing “I Survived” was my way of refusing to let someone else say what would become of my life.
Today, as I continue my cancer journey, I once again find myself turning to music for strength, support, healing and hope.
Music continues to remind me that, no matter what challenge I face in life, there is always hope.
Sadly the Metallica concert came to an end, but I learned that:
Sometimes the loudest Music doesn’t come from the stage, Sometimes it comes from the quiet voice inside that refuses to give up.
Both my wife and myself very much appreciate your support. 🙏
Continue to play and enjoy your music. 🙂 🙏
If you’d like to listen to some of the songs I’ve recorded since my Traumatic Brain Injury and my cancer diagnosis, please visit: https://anthonyaquan-assee.com/music
If you’d like to watch the video for “I Survived,” you can find it here: https://youtu.be/KCYUEsWJfjo?si=xuErBUuGZ0vgCH6f
Anthony Aquan-Assee
“Always Believe” 🙏
