It's 1983 in Chicago. Joe, a struggling artist, and Sara, a nurse, just got married. They are deeply in love, which helps sustain them through life challenges. At first, money is tight. Then children come along. While Joe endures a crisis of confidence, Sara never wavers in her belief and support for him. After she convinces him to try portrait painting, he finds himself propelled into notoriety as one of the nation's most talented and popular artists. However, fame does not necessarily bring the anticipated benefits. Their marriage founders as events intercede to create a rift between them. Close to the breaking point, they realize what is truly important in their lives---each other. With a re-commitment to their marriage, their story concludes in 2045.