All Too Human

It happened not long ago, but for most, the events that began that day have faded from memory. Citizens the world-over desperately waiting for a sliver of hope. Prayers pouring in from every corner of the globe. Offers of financial and technical assistance increasing by the minute. The high drama portrayed in living color on nightly newscasts, touching countless millions. Most of all, the spirit of brotherhood and compassion exhibited by people of virtually every nation — an inspiring testimony to the better angels of our nature.

For the thirty-three trapped Chilean miners, the nightmare that began that day culminated with a rescue that was nothing short of a miracle. A few awful seconds in the afternoon of August 5th, 2010 would forever change the lives of the men working at the San Jose Mine. Hours earlier, a group of miners, drenched in sweat and covered with soot, assembled in one of the caverns. Their night shift over, the crew waited for a truck…