She says she's knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door and she is 110 percent at peace with that. She says when she kicks the bucket I should just put her in a pickle jar and go outside and play already.
-- Swiv (chapter 1 paragraph 1)

Importance: Swiv describes Elvira's attitude toward aging and death, which is very easygoing and accepting of the inevitable. Swiv is a very anxious person, and Elvira's relaxed demeanor seems to be a good influence on her. At the end of the novel, when Elvira dies, Swiv is able to make peace with it because she remembers what her grandmother told her: "Just put me in a pickle jar and run outside and play" (249). This quote also provides characterization for Elvira, who is a joyful and humorous person, prone to comical and eccentric statements.

Grandma says Mom has a tiny bit of PTSD still, plus she's searching. I asked Grandma what Mom's searching...
-- Swiv (chapter 1 paragraph 1)