earthquake, 27 days earlier. >> it's a miracle. >> reporter: but as he explained to us, it wasn't a miracle but incredible good luck. those market walls collapsed around him not on him. he suffered no crush injuries or open wounds. while he says he had no food to eat, he lost 60 of his 140 pounds, there was always what he called muddy water within crawling distance and he kept drinking it. >> you can't go that long without water. hearing his story about his being able to get access to water is believable. >> even muddy water. >> even muddy water. >> the massive weight loss, access to water. the fact he was in sort of a cave and not pinned by rubble convinced his doctors and nurses his incredible survival story is true. for devout christian, support for a core belief. >> it is not his time to go. >> reporter: and a reason to smile at least for one man and his family and rescuers and caregivers. >> what a story. mike taibbi.