Towards the end of last year, I finally made the decision.

I would make the momentous leap and join the other grey-haired doctors in that nebulous nirvana called retirement.

My children leapt with unbridled joy at the prospect of infinite babysitting opportunities, rubbing their hands with glee at images of child-free holidays, cat-sitting availability and, finally, a ‘hands-on’ mother.

My husband’s eyes glistened with unshed tears in anticipation of home-cooked meals and late leisurely mornings spent drinking tea and solving the world’s problems.