One year ago today, Sheriff William Honsal walked up to a makeshift podium to say the words so many had been waiting to hear for two long days: "Good afternoon," he said. "I'm pleased to report that we're all witnessing a miracle today."

With that came the announcement that the two lost Carrico sisters — Leia, 8, whose name is pronounced "like the princess," she'll tell you, and her 5-year-old sister Caroline — had been found. 

It was a story that captured the attention of the world and the close knit Southern Humboldt community where the family lived held its collective breath awaiting word on the girls. More than 250 people from across the state responded to assist with the rescue effort, with more than 20 agencies participating.

On that day, they all found the happy ending they had been hoping for.

Read the full account of the rescue — day by day — here.