This quote from Jodi Picoult's "Nineteen Minutes" suggests that the existence of things is closely tied to memory. When people remember events, places, or individuals, it keeps them alive in a sense. Without memories, those things fade from collective consciousness and lose significance. Memory acts as a form of preservation, ensuring that experiences and narratives endure over time.

The notion implies that the importance of any experience relies not only on its occurrence but also on its remembrance. This highlights the role of human connection and storytelling in maintaining our history and the values we hold dear. Thus, preserving memories becomes essential for sustaining the existence and meaning of what we cherish.