Miner's Miracle

After 69 days of being trapped underground in the San Jose Mine, all 33 Chilean miners have finally emerged at the surface. It is the longest time anyone has been trapped underground and come out alive.

Families and nations celebrate as miners were rescued one-by-one via a custom-made capsule that descended down a 2,041 escape shaft. It was equipped with oxygen and sensors were attached around the miner's midsection's to monitor pulse, respiration rates and skin temperature.

Aspirin was taken and compression socks used to keep the miners blood from clotting during the trip to the surface. Sweaters were donned in order to combat the drastic change in climate temperature.

A major concern throughout the rescue process was the potential for panic and claustrophobia. The capsule design allowed for room to stand-up, but was only 2 ft. wide. It narrowly fit through the hole burrowed to reach them.

The equipment could have failed at any point in the operation potentially trapping a man yet again...and with an even more limited oxygen supply. The trip to the surface took no less than 25 minutes per man and was no doubt one of the scarriest rides on earth. It was truly a life or death situation.

News camera's captured the varied emotions of family members as they stood by anxiously awaiting the safe retrieval of their loved ones. Cheers, tears, and seemingly endless clapping serenade the couples as they embrace for the first time in over two months. It has been hell for both the miners and their families.

Throughout the ordeal the miner's steadfastly held to their promise to "never give up." Their triumphantly positive attitudes have given hundreds of thousands of people around the world a renewed sense of inspiration, hope, and a belief that miracles do happen.

Praise the Lord!