Solbakken: A Tale of Generations

"Happy birthday dear Mom- Grammy, Tora, Auntie, Happy birthday to you!" The people that fill my screen - each in their own little box - sing and smile once more before disappearing, one by one. Blowing them kisses I say, "Thank you all. I love you!" As I reflect on this sixty-fifth birthday of mine, filled with the forced distances of our pandemic era, the phone rings, jarring me back into the moment.

"Hello Billy," I say.

"Hey, Tor." My cousin's tone is serious. His words clipped.

"What's ...