33 miners

I have a soft spot in my heart for coal miners because I served my mission in coal country. Last week, I watched and listened with hope and amazement of the rescue of the 33 Chilean miners who were rescued from 1/2 a mile underground after something like 79 days of being trapped inside their collapsed mine. Wow! Miracles do happen. I love that the world celebrated with them. An awesome "feel good" news story for a change. Then reality hit. I read an article yesterday that reminded me that even though their rescue was miraculous, they will be facing great challenges as they get back to real life. Most of them lived a life of poverty before the entrapment. Now, they will return to that life of poverty -- possibly even more so now that they are faced with the task of searching for new employment because the mine has been closed. Not to mention the psychological and emotional issues they must have to face in healing from the whole ordeal. I wonder how many will choose to ride the "celebrity" route -- book deals, movies, appearances, etc. I hate to admit it, but I think their story is fascinating and I would probably consider reading a book about it. And for those who choose to pursue a private life, I wonder how long it will take the media to leave them alone. I wonder how many will choose to go back into the mines, IF a job is available. I hope more miracles are sent their way.