Did the 33 rescued Chilean miners achieve American Idol fame?

Jan. 25, 2011 - PRLog -- Surely, you heard about the remarkable survival and rescue of the trapped Chilean miners.  In fact, Michael Grimes nicely summarizes it:
“The successful rescue of the 33 trapped Chilean miners earlier (this month) was an incredible feat that managed to uplift, inspire and ultimately unite the entire world – however briefly. Of course, more amazing than the solidarity of a billion people watching on and almost willing the miners to daylight as they emerged one-by-one was the supreme display of solidarity the miners themselves (dubbed “Los 33”) demonstrated throughout their 69-day ordeal.
Against impossible odds – trapped 2,000 feet underground in 92-degree temperatures with little food and almost complete darkness – Los 33 didn’t just survive, but they also provided the broader world with a near-perfect model of a society run on principles of mutual respect, democracy, accountability and teamwork.”

The famous “33” have been showered with lavish dinners, international invitations and free vacations around the world. In fact, Michael Grimes also reports that “Over the next couple of weeks, representatives for the 33 Chilean miners that famously survived 69 days trapped in the San Jose mine last summer, will be going to Hollywood. Their plan is to make a deal for the miners to sell their life stories, and The Hollywood Reporter (is) suggesting that one media corporation would likely snap up both book and film rights at the same time.”

It is as if they have reached American Idol fame. The world loves the story of how an ordinary person can become an “overnight success”. On the first of 69 days, the miners were just regular people going to work each day. Many of them had families and children. Then one day, that all changed. On that day, no one knew what would come of the ordeal. They did not stand before Randy Jackson, Aerosmith leader - Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez or even Simon Cowell to judge them. The only judges they stood before were their sheer determination and their faith. Yes, they did get a lifeline and did not have to worry about getting enough votes to move on to the next round. Truly, an amazing story!

But what if no one survived and their journey ended in tragedy? Would the world be just as captivated as when they avoided death? Would the world care about the families and widows of the 33 miners? How would the families survive, “financially and emotionally”?

If you think about it, the world is awestruck whenever an ordinary person achieves incredible feats or accomplishments. Unfortunately, it is not the same when humanity meets tragedy. When tragedy occurs, people do sympathize, but soon after they lose interest and get back to their busy lives. The death of the 33 miners would not have as much impact as their victory did. What would each of these widowers do after receiving a call or discovering that their husbands had suddenly died?  How would any widow support their family or raise their children? There is much more than financial concern. There is emotional, mental, spiritual and physical trauma.
Most of us rarely take the time to ask ourselves any of these questions. I rarely did. Then one day, my life was changed forever.
I recall a journey like this that I myself survived. It did not take place in a deep mine, but in the caverns of my soul and emotions. My journey started about 8 years ago when my wife suddenly passed away. My children were very young. Matthew had just turned 2, Juliette was 5, and Joseph was 13. Up to that point in our lives, I worked many hours as the breadwinner for our family. Before I knew it, I was holding a baby in diapers and wondering about things like a pediatrician and diapers?  It was so overwhelming. What would my daughter tell her kindergarten classmates? How would my teen handle school and life? How would we all cope with this? How would I raise kids without any prior experience? You see, I had spent the last several years like many husbands and fathers:  Primarily as the breadwinner for the family. I worked long hours and by the time I got home from work, I was exhausted and barely spent time with my children. Do you know anyone with this same dilemma?
Unfortunately, my wife’s death took an immediate toll on us emotionally, spiritually, and financially. I was faced with earning a living, as well as taking care of my children at the same time. I remember the first few months of barely making ends meet. I had to borrow money just to pay for my wife’s funeral. Sadly, it took 3 months before I could even purchase her grave stone. I remember a paper grave marker that began to fade over Helena’s resting spot…
After three months, I finally decided to change my life. I was determined to achieve abundance in every way possible. I demanded financial and spiritual wealth with outstanding physical and mental health. I also was committed to raising joyful, healthy children. Remember, if there is anything in life you desire, you must first decide on what you want! Within one year, I had financial AND emotional abundance. I regained my faith spiritually and was physically fit. To this day, I am very close to my children, who are all honor students with loving and giving hearts. I utilized a simple program that helped me reach abundance in all key areas of my life.
It is with this experience and passion that I offer a pathway to the possibilities of personal greatness. Truly, there is nothing in life that cannot be achieved by the human spirit with determination. There is however, a faster way to achieving your goals by following role models who have traveled further down this road. My mission is to help others not just survive after loss, but to have abundance in all key areas of their lives. For those fortunate ones, you don’t need to have experienced loss or trauma to achieve great heights. But we must all first know exactly what we want. Then, you must decide that it is urgent for you to achieve this and take action. Surely, it seems simple. But not everyone will do it. Will you?
Please leave me a comment or any questions as to how I can best serve you! Visit us at
http://www.WinYourFreedom.com

Blessings,

~Dennis and Kids

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As a widowed father, Dennis Sablan specializes in coaching others through grief and tragedy, to wholeness and abundance. Loss is not necessary for abundance.
His programs are geared towards widowed parents, single parents and busy parents. They serve anyone who is motivated for personal success.