In a heartfelt episode of his podcast "A Letter to Myself," cellist Hughes Chong reflects on the profound impact that music—specifically the cello—had on his life during some of the darkest moments. He vividly recalls a time when strangers from the bank invaded his family home, tagging their belongings for sale after declaring bankruptcy. This traumatic episode shook the foundations of Hughes's childhood, creating a tumultuous environment filled with the stress of financial hardship and upset relatives demanding money.

Despite the chaos around him, Hughes found solace in the warm embrace of his cello, which he began playing at the young age of seven. “From the moment I picked it up, it felt like my best friend,” he shared. His passion for the instrument ignited a professional journey that would carry him far from those troubled times.

Tragedy struck again when Hughes's mother suffered a stroke. The prognosis was grim, but through determination and the therapeutic power of music, she embarked on a journey of recovery. Hughes turned to the cello once more, realizing that their shared love for the instrument could bridge the gap caused by her condition. “Playing together gave us a connection amid the challenges,” he explained, recalling the emotional spectrum of their journey.

Hughes vividly recalls difficulties from that time: “It was humiliating when the bank came into our home, marking items for sale. My mother was working multiple jobs, barely sleeping, and the last thing I wanted to do was to ask her for money for things like new strings for my cello or music books.”

Using music as an emotional outlet, Hughes found ways to channel his frustrations. “If I was upset, I’d go to my studio, lock the door, play something sad, and simply let it out. Conversely, if I was feeling stressed or frustrated, I played faster pieces, pouring my energy into the music.” The cello became more than just an instrument; it was a lifeline amid turmoil.

In an inspiring twist of fate, Hughes began to guide his mother in her healing process through music. “When she was ready, I started her on simple songs, like ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star’. It was a struggle at first—she’d play out of tune, and it would sound scratchy—but I couldn’t have been prouder. We celebrated every small victory together,” he recounted with emotion.

Over the course of one to two years, Hughes's mother made remarkable progress, eventually playing more complex pieces. When that day finally came, and she played a song beautifully, it became a deeply moving experience for both. “It was as if the cello was not just healing her body; it was rekindling our bond,” Hughes said.

Through the art of music, Hughes Chong not only overcame the shadows of a lonely childhood but also played an instrumental role in his mother's recovery. His story is a powerful reminder that in the face of adversity, the healing power of music can forge connections, mend spirits, and transform lives. How many lives could music touch if we take the time to listen?