It still gives you chills.
Slowly, almost agonizingly slowly in a world that so often moves at heart-jangling speed, we watch as men who have been trapped more than 2,000 feet underground for more than two months are returned to the light of day in Chile.
As each man emerges from the tiny capsule that has snaked along and delivered them from the catacombs that could have been their tomb, they smile widely as they collapse into the embrace of family.
And you feel that soothing, familiar emotion as your eyes well up.
It always feels so good.
Just as it did at Quecreek in western Pennsylvania. Just as it did when Jessica McClure was finally pulled out of that well in Midland, Texas.
It is a world away, and a world underground, but we share common traits.
It reminds us of our human frailty, and the indomitable spirit of man, and our ability to do good things.
Every day we are bombarded with horrific news. Today, there are moist eyes all over the globe because 33 miners who spent 69 days trapped underground are once again in their family’s loving arms.
And we all try to wrap our own arms around them.
A miracle in Chile? Absolutely. We could use a lot more of them.
* * *
As usual in these kinds of instances, there are a couple of local ties.
A company based in West Chester manufactured the rig that was used to free the minder. Schramm Inc. can be proud of their T-130 drilling rig, which bore through 2,000 feet of rock to deliver the trapped men back to the surface. Schramm is no stranger to Chile, and its copper industry.
Its rigs are used all over the country.
Two Schramm workers have been on the scene for about a week to oversee the rescue operation.
And if you’ve ever wondered exactly what a person who has been trapped underground for more than two months gets to eat, the folks at Aramark could tell you.
The Philly food-service contractor – more well-known for their stadium and school fare – was hired to feed the miners. The vacuum-sealed meals were sent down a PVC Tube to the miners four times a day.
A sample meal? Beef stroganoff, roast chicken, lentils rise, and fresh fruit.
Slowly, almost agonizingly slowly in a world that so often moves at heart-jangling speed, we watch as men who have been trapped more than 2,000 feet underground for more than two months are returned to the light of day in Chile.
As each man emerges from the tiny capsule that has snaked along and delivered them from the catacombs that could have been their tomb, they smile widely as they collapse into the embrace of family.
And you feel that soothing, familiar emotion as your eyes well up.
It always feels so good.
Just as it did at Quecreek in western Pennsylvania. Just as it did when Jessica McClure was finally pulled out of that well in Midland, Texas.
It is a world away, and a world underground, but we share common traits.
It reminds us of our human frailty, and the indomitable spirit of man, and our ability to do good things.
Every day we are bombarded with horrific news. Today, there are moist eyes all over the globe because 33 miners who spent 69 days trapped underground are once again in their family’s loving arms.
And we all try to wrap our own arms around them.
A miracle in Chile? Absolutely. We could use a lot more of them.
* * *
As usual in these kinds of instances, there are a couple of local ties.
A company based in West Chester manufactured the rig that was used to free the minder. Schramm Inc. can be proud of their T-130 drilling rig, which bore through 2,000 feet of rock to deliver the trapped men back to the surface. Schramm is no stranger to Chile, and its copper industry.
Its rigs are used all over the country.
Two Schramm workers have been on the scene for about a week to oversee the rescue operation.
And if you’ve ever wondered exactly what a person who has been trapped underground for more than two months gets to eat, the folks at Aramark could tell you.
The Philly food-service contractor – more well-known for their stadium and school fare – was hired to feed the miners. The vacuum-sealed meals were sent down a PVC Tube to the miners four times a day.
A sample meal? Beef stroganoff, roast chicken, lentils rise, and fresh fruit.
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