After soaking up family and friends over the past week, and then learning that much of the other side of the world has been wiped out makes it extra challenging to respond with an inspirational story. However, when you look deep enough there are many.

There are harrowing tales of survival from the sea's most deadly monster. There are stories of families and loved ones re-uniting. There are reports of people doing what they can to help despite the despair and shattered lives in front of them, and despite the potential disease all around them.

For those of us who experienced the Loma Prieta earthquake here in San Francisco, we know that with tragedy comes a reaching out unlike any other time or experience.

Devasted communities come together.

Those who don't know how to help discover creative ways to contribute.

The night before learning about the earthquake and tsunami I had a nightmare that my family and I were being swept away at sea. The following morning I encouraged my extended family to prepare for a natural disaster.

Luckily my nightmare was only a dream.

For one million people in East Africa, Sri Lanka, India, Somalia, Sumatra, Thailand, and Indonesia, as well as thousands of German and Swedish tourists on holiday, their nightmare was real.

My dream reminded me of a story I wrote back in April about two moms who have created a business selling "911 Survival" tubs.

The events of 12.26 serve as a wake-up call to be prepared.

Don't wait until tomorrow. Do it today!

If you are looking to play a part in the worldwide relief effort, look no further than the American Red Cross.

American Red Cross aid workers and volunteers are focused on stopping the spread of disease and delivering food and drinking water to survivors.

The American Red Cross reports that emergency assessment and first-aid teams were on the ground quickly and are already working with local groups to support relief efforts. Your financial donation will help provide medicine, clothing, food, and shelter for victims of the East Africa and South Asia earthquake and tsunami disaster.

Relief supplies, such as plastic sheeting, family size tents and hygiene kits, are ready for shipment to be distributed to people in the affected areas. These supplies are in a specifically designated area near the region so they can be mobilized quickly.

The American Red Cross was given an A+ grade by MSNBC tonight, in great part because 92% of the money you donate goes directly to helping those in need.

Make A Donation Through Amazon.com

Whether or not you are an Amazon customer, if you would like to make a payment to the American Red Cross that is quick and simple, go to:

Amazon.com will give 100% of your donation to the American Red Cross.

At the time of this post, Amazon.com had already collected $918,054.18 from 18,333 customers.

You can also call the Red Cross directly at:

For those who speak Spanish, please call:

Internet users can make a secure online contribution through Amazon.com or via the American Red Cross web site at:

Or you can send a check to:

American Red Cross International Response Fund
P.O. Box 37243
Washington, DC 2001

Your donation will allow the Red Cross to purchase relief items directly in the region, eliminating the costs of shipping and transport from the United States.

For those who do not have the means to offer financial support, please join many of us in San Francisco, California who have been praying since we got the news.

At 9:26 pm Pacific Time, 12/31 (12:26 am EST, 1/1/05) on New Year's Eve/Day, please join the Rugged Elegance community in observing a moment of silence for those lost in this devastating tragedy.

Inspire & Be Inspired (R).

~ Jennifer Carolyn King