For weeks now, Kelly Monaco fans have been riding an emotional roller coaster. Following news that the General Hospital mainstay’s alter ego, Sam, was slated to meet her maker, her supporters began to rally the troops — quite literally, as thousands rushed to sign a petition which they hoped would not only show their support but convince ABC to change its mind before things went too far.

Then last week, viewers tuned in to find that Monaco had been replaced with Lindsay Hartley, the erstwhile Passions star who has, from time to time over the past few years, stepped into Sam’s shoes when a temporary recast was needed. Given that Monaco would soon reportedly exit, fans obviously didn’t love having someone else step in, no matter how briefly.

Well, at long last a bit of good news is coming, courtesy of Soap Opera Digest, which reports than Monaco has reclaimed her role from Hartley. This is not necessarily the miracle which viewers have been hoping for, as there has been no indication that the folks at ABC have “blinked” as it were and changed their minds where the actress or her character are concerned. It does, however, mean that the metaphorical sword hanging over Sam’s head is still being suspended by at least a slim thread.

As eternal optimists, we fully believe that there will be life for Monaco after General Hospital. Heck, we suspect she might well land in the very nice position of having several roles to choose from. (We’re kinda hoping that the fates decide to repair her with Greg Vaughan.

You might recall that during his stint as General Hospital‘s Lucky, Sam shared some majorly sexy scenes with Elizabeth’s hubby. Although Vaughan’s Days of Our Lives character, Eric, recently was reunited with true love Nicole, her portrayer isn’t likely to be setting foot on that soundstage anytime soon thanks to the lawsuit she recently filed against the show.

For now, we’re planning to enjoy Monaco’s Port Charles run for as long as it lasts. (Although truth be told, we’re not entirely. opposed to the soap killing Sam — and making sure hers is a death from which there is not a return. It’s not a popular opinion, but we’ve thought it through and believe it’s a valid option, as explained here.)

Need proof that Monaco is a star who will, ultimately, shine bright wherever she lands? Check out the gallery below in which we chart her rise and ponder what’s next!