Yous Pisei remembers stepping on a landmine at 3 pm on October 1, 1990. She now makes seats for wheelchairs at a USAID-funded rehabilitation center in Kien Khleang, Cambodia. Source: Noah Hendler

“I went to Poy Pet, near the Thai border, to sell garlic and other food. I did not know there were any mines around. I was walking to the pond where everyone bathed every day and stepped on a mine. I don't even remember the sound of the explosion. All I remember is waking up in the crater of the mine and seeing half of one of my legs missing and the other barely attached to my body.

My husband carried me to the hospital, but since it was located in a refugee camp, he was made ot leave. He was working in Cambodia and was not considered a refugee. After my operation my husband was not allowed near me. Since the day of my accident I have neither seen him nor has he ever come for me. I think my husband lives in his home province now and is married again. I am not angry with him nor do I blame him. This was my fate, my accident.

It was difficult for me to live in the refugee camp. I tried to commit suicide once by taking a lot of medicine. But the people in the camp brought me to the hospital.

When I returned to Phnom Penh, I lived with my mother and two sisters. My family helped me: they did not want me to feel like I was a burden. In my mind, I was a problem: they had to do everything for me.

In November 1994, I came to this rehabilitation center and was given a job. Having a job has changed my life. Now I live by myself and do not have to ask other people for money. With this job I can support my mother, sisters, and myself. They no longer support me. this is why I feel like living.”