As most of you all know, a devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 8.9 on the Richter scale struck Japan earlier today. Having lived only a mile from the epicenter of the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck in Northridge, California in 1994, I could not imagine anyone experiencing more violent earth movement than what I felt early that morning.

The earthquake in Japan had 100 times the ground motion of the earthquake that destroyed my home. I simply cannot imagine the horror felt by the victims of this quake and my thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by this horrific natural disaster.

For those interested in helping, here are some relief organizations that are mobilizing to help the victims:

The International Redcross: Visit or text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 from your phone.
Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund
International Medical Corps
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)