How does the opening scene and closing scene of this novel relate ?

This is a frame story in a way. The ending reflects the beginning. The narrative has come full circle within the Lily's thoughts and emotional development. Lily reflects on her fractured life in the beginning of the novel and compares it to the peace or closure that she has been able to achieve.

This is the autumn of wonders, yet every day, every single day, I go back to that burned afternoon in August when T. Ray left. I go back to that one moment when I stood in the driveway with small rocks and clumps of dirt around my feet and looked back at the porch. And there they were. All these mothers. I have more mothers than any eight girls off the street. They are the moons shining over me.