Chilean Miners : from Panic to the Disco

The story of the Chilean miners is an interesting one. To live for 17 days in the dark without knowing
if you are going to be rescued is something I hope no one else has to go through. I feel panicked just
from watching that t.v. show 'I Shouldn't Be Alive'. I would just die if I had to eat tuna fish for 17 days
straight. I remember, not long ago, walking in Mammoth Cave for 2 hours 300 feet deep in the earth
through a narrow tunnel and it was hard for me not to panic even though I knew it would be over soon.
It's the feeling of being out of control that is scary. There is no quick escape to the surface when you
are so far and so deep in the earth. If you ever go on a cave tour in your lifetime, the tour guide may
choose to heighten the experience for you by announcing: "I'm going to turn off all lights in the cave. I
want each and every one of you to take their hand and place in front of their face." When you can't see
your hand you start to panic a little. You immediately feel disconnected with your body. Your mind and
body now feel separated because you can't see your own body parts in front of your face. It is the most
darkness you can experience without being blind or lost in the depths of space.

Hearing about the rescue was hard to believe. This had never been done on such a scale ever before.
These miners have been severely damaged psychologically and to throw riches and treasures in their
faces is going about it the wrong way.

Recently, according to an article on MSNBC, a rich mining executive gave all of the miners a motorbike and 10
thousand dollars (2010). Also, according to Ron Friedman of the Jerusalem Post, they have all been invited to Jeruseleum for Christmas (2010). These are all great acts of kindness, but these miners need time to relax, de-brief, and come to terms with what happened to them. It's kind of analogous to taking a feral child to Disneyworld. It's too much stimulation, too fast. You just don't do things like that.

If the miners are ready to share their story, let them do so and let them do it on their
own time. They can earn money themselves and buy things they are ready to buy. Let their circadian
rhythms catch up first. Let them build up to a full course meal.

Sources
Friedman, Ron. (October 18, 2010). Chilean Miners Invited to Israel for Christmas Pilgrimage. Jerusalem Post.
MSNBC. (October 14, 2010). Showers of Offers for Chile Miners.