This quote is spoken by one of the characters in the book who has just lost a loved one, and yet, amidst the sadness experiences joy. The main character asks him how he is able to experience joy at this time, and he explains that until we no longer have a thing or a person, we cannot fully appreciate what and who they were to us, and that when we have lost them, we have the fullest understanding, and the fullest love and appreciation, and gratitude, for the time we had. The pleasure becomes full grown. I like that. It helps me to see loss and endings in a whole different light.