Welcome to the last day in the life of Norman Welles. Diagnosed with terminal cancer, Norman has decided to end his life on his own terms, before the disease can steal any more of his strength and dignity. The day he has chosen is, not coincidentally, his 60th birthday. He and his wife, Maureen, have invited their two grown children to a small party to celebrate…and to say goodbye.

Set in the Midwest during the Clinton years, Ordinary Pain delves into the ways we deal with grief, with suffering, with parenthood, and, finally, with our own mortality.