As a professional, I was disheartened and angered to hear that your company could be so short-sighted as to threaten you with this, and it made me concerned regarding my own situation and that of the countless others that post here, for whom programming may be part or parcel of their jobs.

As one who has has been lucky enough to benefit from your wisdom and experience, both from your responses (to posts and directly) and from reading your posts on other topics, I was deeply saddened for you, and for the loss (I hope only temporary) to the community of your insight.

I understand your reasons, though, and I truly hope that the "long, long time" is not so long as you fear. I will look forward to the day when once again we may enjoy enlightenment from your presence.

( #377 of a thing to celebrate 50th post considering. *sigh* )