An Unparalleled Moment of Beauty

I am witnessing something incredible.  Something beautiful.  And I'm bawling like a baby.  This isn't a story from the streets of New York, but rather a story of the world and its onlookers.  The world and I are watching the rescue of the Chilean miners.  I watched the first three come out and I watch the last one surface now.  As I sit here, crying on my bed, I am flooded with this universal bond of inspired hope and moving admiration.  And I really don't know what to write about it other than the fact that I honestly cannot come up with the words to describe this feeling.  This moment.  This event in history.  It's...momentous?  Well, yes.  Historic?  Of course.  Inspiring?  Yes, but that's not quite strong enough and it seems slightly off.  Admirable?  At the moment, that's the best I can come up with.



These men had such incredible perseverance.  Not for surviving, but for their will and their spirits.  I can't even imagine being in such a situation ever, let alone keeping an attitude as good as the ones these men maintained.  I'll never forget back in August when the camera was sent down and they sent it back up, with everyone singing the Chilean national anthem.

What an unparalleled moment of beauty.  I'll never forget the chills I got when I heard their voices.

These men had just the clothes on their backs and each other for 69 days.  69 days in darkness, in heat, trapped thousands of feet below the surface.  And what's the first message they send up to us?  Pride.  Tenacity.  Gratitude.  They sing their national anthem for the entire world to hear.  So beautiful.  I am enamored of these men and astounded by their bravery, good spirits, and perseverance.

My thoughts are with you and all of your friends and families.  I hope no complications arise and you all make quick and stable recoveries.  Congratulations to a successful rescue effort and all who helped in the process.  "CHI-CHI-CHI, LE-LE-LE, LOS MINEROS DE CHILE!  CHI-CHI-CHI, LE-LE-LE, LOS MINEROS LIBRES!"  Los mineros de Chile que son libres finalmente.

"Mision cumplida Chile."