I am trying not to succumb to despair in the present political climate as Trump tries to destroy any trace of Obama’s (my hero) legacy.

Vashon Senior Center sponsored a Friday the 13th talent show with a huge cast of local participants. It seemed hokey to me, but I stayed after lunch to see what was happening.

A World War II vet who survived the worst war in history spoke, former opera stars sang, staff dancers channeled Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Were Made for Walkin’,” a crooner belted out songs like “Some Enchanted Evening” to thrilled women in the audience, etc. Then free ice cream with multiple toppings. Lots to think about besides Donald Trump.

Maybe that’s the message: The human condition is always precarious, and Friday the 13th is just another day in the vast history of the universe. Our fate does not depend on a single moment in time. Life endures and will endure despite religions, wars, droughts, famines, fires and atrocities.

The day was a nice day: cool but the sun shown, and I felt moments of happiness. I hope others on Vashon Island did too.

— Lawrence Dean