"The 33 Crosses That Never Were"

I'M NOT one to usually write about news topics but this rescue really brings tears to my eyes. I think every cent and ounce of strength used to rescue those 33 miners in Chile was worth it. Seeing how much effort was used restores my faith in humankind!

HERE IS an extract from a piece written by Hernán Rivera Letelier, who is a Chilean writer and who was once a miner. It is entitled The 33 Crosses That Never Were:

"I hope that the avalanche of lights and cameras and flashes that is rushing towards you is a light one. It's true that you've survived a long season in hell, but, when all's said and done, it was a hell you knew. What's heading your way, now, comrades, is a hell that you have have not experienced at all: the hell of the show, the alienating hell of TV sets. I've only got one thing to say to you, my friends: grab hold of your family. Don't let them go, don't let them out of your sight, don't waste them. Hold on to them as you hung on to the capsule that brought you out. It's the only way to survive this media deluge that's raining down on you. Take it as advice from another miner who knows a bit about these things."

I WISH I could have been there to see those miners resurface, I can imagine it was an experience bordering on religious. The footage of Mario Sepulveda, now aptly nicknamed Super Mario, was amazing. He was so excited to be out of that hellhole, he was hugging everyone. I can only imagine the joy and adrenalin coursing through his body.

MY HERO would have to be the miner who VOLUNTEERED to be the last to resurface. I don't know about you, but I would never be able to stay there by myself for 12 minutes, which is what Luis Urzúa did. Then there were the words he said to the president, Sebastian Pinera, during their phone call on the 17th day:

"Mr President, we need you to be strong and to rescue us as soon as possible. Don't abandon us."

WOW! AS for the miner, Yonni Barrios, who was greeted by his MISTRESS! I'm sure his wife was not a happy camper when she found out about her!

HERE ARE some incredible images of what has captured the world's attention and hearts:



I'M SO glad the world was watching and waiting for those 33 incredible men.