On Inspiration

On this Labor Day -- a day devoted to honoring those who toil daily in the fields, factories, offices, restaurants, hotels, mines and streets -- let us turn our attention yet again to Chile where a story of unparalleled perseverance and inspiration is unfolding before our eyes.

On August 5, 33 copper miners were trapped 2,300 feet below the surface of Atacama Desert in the San Jose mines of northern Chile. For 17 days, searchers above drilled frantically in hopes that the men had made their way safely to one of the 500 square foot shelters constructed in the mine for that very purpose. Each of the first seven attempts produced no signs of life. On the eighth try, those on the surface heard sounds on the line that suggested life below. On removing the probe, the searchers found two handwritten notes enclosed in a small bag attached to the end of the line. All 33 men had found shelter during the blast and were alive and in good spirits.

Celebration!

As the news spread throughout the country, horns blared, traffic stopped, flags were waved, strangers hugged, family members cried. The miners, presumed dead, had been found alive! A moment of unabashed joy swept over Chile, a country still recovering from its recent devastating earthquake.

Only later did the sobering truth begin to unfold.

We first learned that the men had survived those first 17 days -- in 90 degree heat and 90% humidity -- on 2 mouthfuls of canned tuna and a half glass of milk every 48 hours. Seventeen days not knowing if they'd ever be found.

We then learned that, if all went well, their rescue could take upwards of 3-4 months.

For many, that's where the story began.

Thirty-three men trapped for another 3-4 months nearly a half mile below ground, 90 degree heat, 90% humidity, with a 500 square foot shelter and 500 yards of tunnel as living space. One month underground already -- which is now the longest recorded mine entrapment. And three to four more months without sunlight, loved ones, freedom.

At least they've been told the truth that their rescue is not imminent. Curiously, those on the surface contemplated keeping this rather important fact from the men below, fearing that they were not able to handle the truth. Clearer heads finally prevailed and the men were so informed last week. They have apparently dealt with the sobering truth as we would expect: With calm and a resolve to survive.

(What they haven't been told yet is that the owners of the mines may have to declare bankruptcy later this month. It might be wise to keep this piece of data close to the vest for the time being.)

Three to four more months underground. But, alive and surviving.

Talk about inspiration.

Indeed, the miners have become a symbol of strength -- fuerza -- for Chile. More, they've become a symbol of hope. Hope that the miners will eventually emerge from their near-grave thousands of feet below the surface, be reunited with their families, and, as a survivor of a long underground entrapment said, "be reborn".

For when that day comes and the miners are rescued, as one Chilean told me, "We will be a stronger people, a stronger nation."

Why?

Because, as my friend said, "We will have survived."

These 33 men did not foresee the power they would hold over their country when they entered the mine that morning one month ago. Nor did they seek to inspire a nation or a world. Even so, these trapped miners -- strangers to nearly everyone -- are now in the hearts and prayers of millions. A symbol of strength, a symbol of hope.

And should they survive this unfathomable ordeal and again hold their loved ones and feel sunlight on their skin, their months underground will not have been meaningless. For these 33 men will have proven that we can persevere, that we can come together, that we can accomplish miracles.

Which, in its most romantic sense, is what Labor Day is truly about.