For the trapped Chilean miners, one of history's most incredible escapes may be within their grasp. Family and friends hold vigil. While workmen continue to drill downward, for those waiting above and below, hope grows for freedom and reunion.

While the 33 Chilean miners trapped underground await freedom, above ground their friends and families hold vigil.

A simple routine has developed here after nightfall: they sit around eating, talking, joking -- and, of course, waiting.

Chile's mining minister is here, sipping on traditional tea and visiting with the group.

The daughters of one miner spend time making signs about their daddy.

And then there's Jessica Yanez whose husband and nephew are trapped below.

Esteban Rojas, her husband of 25 years, hasn't let the 700 meters of earth between them stop him from proposing—again.

That's because they'd never had a chance for a church wedding.

[YANEZ, Wife of Trapped Miner]:
"He told me to say that we're going on a trip with the children, with the grandchildren. We're going to go relax for a few days and after that, comes the wedding. I'm waiting for him to come out to put a date on it."

That day may come sooner than expected.

Officials say the men could be freed within the week, despite earlier predictions this would happen around Christmas time.