The quote from Jodi Picoult's "My Sister's Keeper" delves into the profound implications of purpose and existence in the context of familial relationships. It suggests that if parents have a particular reason for having their children, that reason must hold significance. This highlights the intrinsic value associated with each individual's place within a family, questioning the stability of identity based on external purposes.

Furthermore, the quote implies that once the foundational reason for a child's existence is lost or diminished, their sense of belonging and relevance may also dissipate. This raises deep ethical and emotional questions about the roles children play within families and the responsibilities parents have towards nurturing their children beyond mere biological purposes.