The FARC hostages
Robin Meade
Morning Express Anchor, Headline News
I’m in the middle of a whirlwind of live shots and writing about the amazing men we just interviewed today.
You will not believe some of the incredible detail they give in our interview… about their despair, their concerns, the way they were able to get through this and what the reunions were like with their families.
Behind the scenes, I was told they could talk for no more than 60 minutes. That’s a ton of time, right? Well at the 20-minute mark, they were still detailing their rescue, the looks on their faces, the plastic they were bound with before being told they were free and the reactions of the other hostages.
And I was thinking – "Oh my word… I’m going to run out of time before we ever get to the part about their reunions, captivity and concerns now."
But think about it… these are men who for five years had nothing to do but dwell on the tiniest of details and thoughts to help pass the time.
Before the interview started, they told me they visualized and fantasized about being free again. They would make lists of things they wanted to do when they got free and in general kept their minds busy latching on to the smallest of ideas for days, going over it again and again in their head to pass the time.
So no wonder they were able to tell with such detail their story.
I think you’ll be moved by their mental sharpness considering what they’ve been through… and their compassion for each other and the people who are still hostages.
Editor's note: See Robin's interview with the former hostages on AC360° tonight at 10PM. See Robin every weekday on Morning Express.
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Filed under: 360° Radar • Behind The Scenes |
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I'm hopeful that the massive amounts of courage, strength, determination, heart and mental toughness shown by the former hostages will someday rub off on our failed leaders, politicians and executives. Who knew that some of the last remaining real men could be found in the wilds of Colombia?
Robin, these men have shown a surprising amount of courage, compassion and fortitude. Their families should be extremely proud of them. I am as an American . I know we all wish them well for the rest of their days. I have enjoyed listening to their remarkable tales of that trying time. Their teamwork generated by concern for each other should be mandatory for all to watch and hear about. Maybe then we can accomplish more. I know I leared something valuable from it. Thanks for the great job you do.
Robin: It is incredible that these men not only survived living in the jungle but worked together as a team to keep their minds strong by playing chess. The stories these men have to tell is fascinating. Thanks for the heads up and the video preview!
Jolene, St. Joseph, MI
i have been alternately amazed and appalled by the story of the hostages. I'm amazed that they were able to endure 5 years of horrible treatment and still emerge in good shape from what I have seen in the coverage. I have been appalled by the actions of the FARC against their hostages. To think they still have hundreds of other hostages on which they are probably venting their anger at being tricked out of their prize hostages is terrible to contemplate.
I hope that plans are being made to free the remaining hostages and to do it soon. Forgetting the other hostages would be as terrible as some of the treatment they are forced to endure.
Annie Kate
Birmingham AL