Officially, the date of my early retirement was November 1st, but I choose to celebrate the final day I worked with students. It seems like a more fitting date to acknowledge the end of a gratifying career. Staff in our department popped in during class to bid farewell, present a few gifts, and eat a bit of cake.
Seven isn't really an auspicious anniversary, although it's a lucky number in many cultures. Nevertheless, I am immensely grateful for having had the chance to close an important chapter of my life at such an opportune time. Some of the happiest years of my life have occurred during the seven years since that date.