Me, too. Just from watching the way band directors act in general, I'm going to say that for some (not all, but some) it's more an ego/drama thing. Kids move on after you're gone. We're there to teach music, not to make it all about us. Forming close relationships is fine and should be done. However, if it is that emotional for some, don't leave. Just stay where you are until you retire. Otherwise, move on and allow the next director to become established. Shoot, coaches move on all the time and the kids don't miss a beat whether the team was a winning or losing team. I think we band directors just enjoy drama. Sorry, I'm on my soapbox today.