My sister/best friend/confidant/Godmother of my two kids lives in Biloxi, MS. As of Sunday, her only concern was moving into a new apartment, and getting everything unpacked and clothes washed. I pleaded with her to evacuate, but she was sure it was going to hit New Orleans, and not Biloxi. By the time the storm hit, she was nowhere to be found. Mom and dad, who also live there, had evacuated to Mobile to be with our brother, but Sharon stayed. There was no news from them for days. Then an in-law said she heard from them on Wednesday and they all survived, but no other news. Late Friday night, after endless days of redialing just hoping to get through, much less an answer, I heard that voice as if it was the first time. \"Hello?\" and then silence. All I could do was cry tears of elation and relief. Sharon knew it was me, and for the first time in a long time, I heard her cry and say I love you. It is amazing the perspective my family has gained through this tragedy. That simple phone call we forget to make, or the birthday card we never mail: those are the things I now cherish the most because I almost never got to do them with family again. Finding my family well, and spending hours on the phone talking, I decided it was time to move on to bigger things. I began at the Levi plant. A few friends and I gathered donations from area WalMarts and delivered them to the shelter. Then we were informed of exactly what they needed, and went back and got it. These refugees are thankful for a toothbrush, underwear, or even just an ear to listen. I cannot donate money, but time is endless. Even if you can only spare 30min, I urge you to go to a shelter and just talk to these people. Their stories are amazing, and their attitudes are surprisingly uplifting. If you have nothing to give, give yourself. It is the simplest, most selfless gift anyone could ever offer. Thank you all who have shared your stories, time, monies, and energy on this very worthy cause.\r\n\r\n--M. Ramirez\r\ninitially collected by University of Texas, San Antonio http://www.utsa.edu/today/hurricane/ShareKatrinaStories.htm