The film has several intertwined plot lines: One story is about a driven, workaholic lawyer named '''Robert Layton''' and the impact of his job on his marriage to '''Kate''', and to his relationship with his daughter '''Lily'''. Another is about Robert's mother '''Ellen''', and her friendly neighbor '''Dalton''' who is a teacher at Nathan and Lily's school. The main story is about '''Maggie Andrews''' and her terminal illness, and how her family (small businessman husband '''Jack''' and young son '''Nathan''') deals with the impending loss. All stories are linked together. The story opens with Robert visiting the cemetery shortly before Christmas. He sees a younger man wearing a Boston Red Sox Cap visiting another grave. We flash back...