a sense of unreality

BTW today, and throughout the morning a sense of unreality, or even surreality, pervades the whole session. Almost every patient expresses surprise, shock, or some such extreme emotion on discovering my imminent (semi) retirement. Many have seen me, and only me, for year after year, and some are in a state of considerable distress, which state I am scarcely in a position to alleviate. But they are reassured a little by my telling them I shall still be available for comment on Mondays, but I can see them thinking it through and realizing that things are going to change for them as well as me soon, and big time.

This afternoon should have been a baby clinic day for me, but it has been cancelled as is usually the case between Christmas and the new year. But I remain on call for emergencies until 6.30 pm, and indeed a call has just come in and I may have to go out shortly. Could be a busy afternoon...