ALIVE

An ABC News Studios documentary talks with survivors of the 1972 plane crash into the Andes, where 16 men spent 72 days fighting to make it back home. 

PRISONERS IN THE SNOW

https://abcnews.go.com/US/survivors-1972-uruguay-plane-crash-revisit-tale-extremes/story?id=98405303 

Survivors of 1972 Uruguay plane crash revisit their tale of going to the extremes to live. 

I was fascinated by the real life story of survival of this Uruguayan rugby team.  I read the book ALIVE in an English class durng my junior year in high school. We had discussions about the book , including the survival methods of the rugby players. I don't remember any of that at all

But, the courage, bravery , and determination of all who initially survived the crash is captured well in the two hour documentary, Prisoners of the Snow. The story has been told many times in books.and movies. 

Roberto Canessa (left) and Nando Parrado upon reaching civilization.

"Death has an opposite, but the opposite is not mere living. It is not courage or faith or human will. The opposite of death is love. How had I missed that? How does anyone miss that? Love is our only weapon. Only love can turn mere life into a miracle, and draw precious meaning from suffering and fear"  - Nando Parrado

"We all have our personal Andes.'

 - Nando Parrado

"Hunger is the most primitive fear of the human being,' Mr Parrado says. 'Not knowing when you are going to eat again is the most incredible fear a human being can have… And then when your body starts to feed upon itself, everything that you have inside is turned into energy and you feel it and that is killing you.".-.Nando Parrado

"If you have sleep, water to drink, and decent food, you are lucky. Don’t wait for your plane to crash to realize how lucky you are. Be more grateful for life. You can wait for the helicopter, but don’t wait too long. In life there is a moment to wait and see what happens, but there is also a moment to get active. Walk out and search for your own helicopter, otherwise you will succumb. Don’t be seduced by your own ego and think you’re better than other people, because that’s the beginning of being unsuccessful."

Roberto Canessa

"effort in the face of adversity is what makes you a stronger person.,"

Roberto Canessa

I think of Helen Keller, Jim Valvano, Jackie Robinson, Rosa Parks 

POWs of VIETNAM WAR; 

Clockwise from top left;

Charlie Plumb, James Stockwell, John McCain Jr, ,Bob Shumaker

Faith, hope, & love, at least for the survivors of the survivors of the Uruguayan rugby team , was vital. Faith that God was watching over them. Hope combined with a thoughtful solid plan would sustain them. Love for their teammates, their families, would propel them to act, and help maintain a " We can do " attitude