Lidia Pop

I was working alongside a friend in a restaurant in France when three guys wearing masks and holding bottles in their hands came inside. In that moment, I realized something bad was going to happen. They started sprinkling the contents of the bottle everywhere. Within seconds, I saw flames. They closed the door behind them and we were trapped inside. 

We ran to the window, but the flames were so big that it was too difficult for us get out. 

Then a man came and helped us. It all happened in 20 seconds. We managed to get out, but I couldn't feel my body anymore. I saw my best friend lying on the asphalt…motionless. 

After those cruel images, I woke up in hospital with 89% burns, my fingers half amputated and found out that my best friend had died in the attack. Those were the worst moment of my life. 

I later found out that the restaurant owner had debts and ran away, so we were the ones who were attacked; we suffered because of him. 

Now, after 5 years, I’ve had 64 surgeries and there are still more to come. But I’ve been absorbing lessons like a sponge, and adapting to many welcome changes. 

But trauma sneaks up on you. I thought the surgeries would have helped me get over the trauma, but it doesn’t get easier; I’m just getting tougher. I finally understand my patterns, and how to deal with them… Sometimes, I feel sad, anxious, grateful and happy all at the same time. 

Going forward, I want to interact with people who have experienced trauma, and who are managing to cope with it.