This is the love story of Ethel and Norman Thayer, who are returning to their summer home on Golden Pond. He is a retired professor, nearing eighty, with heart palpitations and a failing memory—but still is tart-tongued, observant, and eager for life as ever. Ethel, his wife, delights in all the small things that have enriched their long life together. On Golden Pond navigates the ups and downs of family life and the importance of ultimately enjoying the moments we have.