If there's been a more universally compelling human interest story than that the 33 Chilean miners, trapped in a collapsed mine for 69 days, it's difficult to recall it.

For the first 17 days of their ordeal, the miners had no idea if anyone would ever find them in their tomb a half mile beneath the surface. Then, once contact was made, they had no idea when they'd be getting out, as nobody was sure how long it would take to reach them.

Florencio Avalos was the first miner to smell fresh air, pulled above ground in a 13-foot long cigar-shaped capsule designed by NASA in collaboration with the Chilean Navy.

In a joyous scene played on 'Nightline' (weeknights 11:35 ET on ABC), and on hundreds of other TV channels around the world, Alvalos emerged to a cheering crowd. Then, in what will surely become one of the iconic images of the rescue, Avalos's young son rushed to give his father a tearful embrace.

It could be up to a day before all 33 miners make the trip back to the surface. Something could still go wrong. But, for now, this amazing ordeal seems headed for an amazingly fortunate conclusion.