The difference between a non-suicide and an ex-suicide leaving the house for work, at eight o'clock on an ordinary morning:The non-suicide is a little traveling suck of care, sucking care with him from the past and being sucked toward care in the future. His breath is high in his chest.The ex-suicide opens his front door, sits down on the steps, and laughs. Since he has the option of being dead, he has nothing to lose by being alive. It is good to be alive. He goes to work because he doesn't have to.

Summary

This quote highlights the stark contrast between someone who hasn't experienced suicidal thoughts and someone who has survived it. The non-suicide carries the burden of past concerns and future worries, constantly consumed by care. On the other hand, the ex-suicide, having contemplated death, finds joy in the simple act of being alive. With the option of death in the past, every moment becomes a gift to be cherished. Going to work is no longer a necessity, but a choice driven by gratitude and a newfound appreciation for life.

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