@tree , first of all, I must say, Happy birthday from the far off Future-ture-ture-ture-ture.
Tree of 2015, I don't want to alarm you, but I come bearing good tidings from the year 2022. You don't know me, but I am friends with the you of the future.
I have lived through 2020, and we do not speak of it. Nothing too awful happened. There was a pandemic, but like, we got it under control, pretty fast. It wasn't like one of those scary ones on movies. It was kind of like a bad cold for most people, but it was dangerous for the elderly and immunocomprised. We all wore masks, and stayed home a lot, in order to protect them. We made some mistakes along the way, and caused a lot of unnecessary social isolation for the elderly and those in hospitals, but we really meant well, and did a lot of good.
School was cancelled for all children, all around the world, and some wouldn't see a classroom again for two years. Homeschooling's super popular now, so, in the crowds we run in, that's a cool thing, but there's less playgroups, you know, pandemic and all.
Politics get a little crazy in 2020. I'd suggest just voting for someone moderate. Not too crazy on either side. Encourage all your friends to do the same. Trust me, it's for the best.
And I would avoid all major cities during the summer of 2020. Just enjoy your farms and idyllic surroundings. Do some baking and canning. Spend time with your kids.
In 2020, it becomes really trendy for the youth to consider Doctors, Nurses, Teachers, and First Responders as heroes. Young people cheer them on, bring them food and care packages, and make thousands of videos praising them.
Some really good stuff happens though. People around the world, even though we're mostly staying home, will start thinking more about how they've been treating women and minorities. It's pretty incredible what happens. Some really bad stuff comes out of it (mostly from youth who mean well, but do more harm than good), but really awesome stuff happens too, and people take account of their own internal prejudices, and you see more people of color in lead roles on tv and movies. Also, regions start recognizing that the land they live and work on was once Indian Land. So, for instance, at the park we like to visit, there is a sign that says "This Is Kalapuya Land". People also start recognizing the plight of Missing and Murdered Indian Women, and it becomes a big, beautiful movement.
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention this. You're totally not going to believe it, but Donald Trump was our president for four years. Yes, the famous billionaire. He was followed by Senator Joe Biden, who is our current president. Hey, we have a female Vice President right now. That's something for the history books.
I don't want to get into political opinions on either side, or reveal any world events, because that would screw with The Space-Time Continuum.
Um... around 2020, suddenly eyebrows get super thick. Like, people practically draw caterpillars on their faces. I like natural beauty, but this is pretty extreme.
There's this cool show, you should get excited about. It's called The Mandalorian. It is based on Star Wars, and takes place five years after Return of the Jedi. Somehow, it becomes the glue that holds society together during the pandemic.
Remember to love your neighbor during this time in the future, and to keep in touch with your elderly loved ones.
It gets better, I promise.
1967
