I believe he is drawing a parallel between a tone of pure joy and the most depressing despair.
I believe it’s a strong claim! Thank me later :)
Jonas's father described Release as "cleaning him (the baby) up and gets him comfy, performs a Ceremony of Release, and waves bye bye."
Hope that helped you.
The first one is correct. "It is like" the best decision you can ever make.
Saying it that way, is the same as saying that it would be the best decision that you can ever make, but adding more to it. Almost as if soeaking to someone who is overdramatic, and constantly say the word like.
I hope this helps