Thank you for your kind words, Patrick. Vulnerability is a little easier for me since this decision was not performance based at all, and it wasn't and doesn't feel like an evaluation of me. But it is a loss that I grieve and will continue to, at least for a while.

While I thought I had largely reconciled myself to this decision--after all, I've now known about it for over 8 months--I taught the Apology of Socrates to my introductory Humanities students today, for what is likely to be the last time. The class went very well, and the students had a lot to say. I'm surprised at how much I feel about that being my last time, more than I can express.

I'm not sure what's next. I don't think it will be another teaching position. I too hope it's just as fulfilling, though at the moment, after that class, it's hard to imagine anything that could be.

Thanks for reading and responding, my friend. I appreciate you.