"The timing of death, like the ending of a story, gives a changed meaning to what preceded it"

This quote by Mary Catherine Bateson suggests that the timing of death can change the significance of a person's life. It suggests that the end of an individual's life can offer a brand-new viewpoint to the events that occurred prior to it. For instance, if a person passes away after a long and successful life, their death may be seen as a natural conclusion to a life well-lived. On the other hand, if a person dies unexpectedly, their death might be seen as a tragedy that casts a shadow over the occasions that preceded it. This quote recommends that the timing of death can give a brand-new significance to a person's life, which it can be viewed as the ending of a story.