This story has really interested me. I have some unique observations.
The Miners signed a legal binding contract with each other that no Miner would go off on their own and sell story rights, book rights, movie rights or even paid interviews. All financial gain decisions will be made by the majority. Good idea and guarantees income for all.
The government and mining company immediately joined together to provide mental care for those guys. Once communications were established a team of professionals were on hand every minute to counsel and entertain any Miner needing that assistance. They played all sorts of mental games, trivial questions, etc. Anything to occupy them. That exercise was where they got the idea to create the contract above. Gave the Miners something to think about, even if for only a few days.
They encouraged physical exercise. One Miner progressed to the point that he was running five miles a day!!!
They encouraged spiritual exercise. Miners that had never claimed to know God came out of that hole praising God for sparing them and carrying them thru the experience.
In the end I'm still very concerned for their mental health. I'm a forty year military Veteran, Vietnam, Desert Storm and two tours in Iraq. I have a personal relationship with the term Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Each of these Miners will suffer with that syndrome. Some worse than others, but all will be affected.
An example of PTSD would be that the place they have spent the past 69 days can be classified as horrific. Horrible conditions that we know nothing about. Comforts were created as best could be. Little things were cherished by them and became extremely valuable. As the days went by the Miners began to develop attachment to these things and even to their private little space down there that they went to for solitude.
When it came time to leave they each suffered a pang of abandonment for leaving that spot and those things. As the days/weeks/months/years go by they will each have to deal with those feelings. A great sense of relief for being out of there mixed with a great sense of regret for not being there. Horribly conflicting emotions that will plague them.
In 2003 I lived outside with no cover for 4 months near Tikrit Iraq. Full moon was the worst because the light made it hard to sleep. Wallowed in sweat all night, huddled under a poncho liner thru dust storms, chased away wild dogs in the middle of the night, slept with my rifle on the cot with me. Swore it was the worst time of my life. Miss it still today. Strange emotions.
My experience is nothing compared to what these Men have endured. May God continue to embrace them with his unwaivering love and grace.
I agree. unfortunately, I think if it had been less miners and not such a dramatic rescue. the only coverage would have been a quick bit onto he tube.I was abit disappointed when FOX news said a live feed .. And I went to their site and found that I played the 'live' feed. And then opened another box and say the same 'live' feed and it repeated itself.I continued on and found commercials and then it changed the subject.My fault, I assumed a live feed meant they had a cam set up that would just run all the time.
