Somehow I never doubted that your boss would comply with your request. You're going to be perfectly alright, you just had to live through this so you could make uncomfortable but extremely important decisions which, as you yourself have noticed, have given you great learning that you couldn't have acquired any other way.
That's the way I managed to let go of my country's situation last year. I realized everything we had to experience for the past two decades was necessary for our temperance. Now I see it as a source of strength.
I'm glad for you! Blessings, my friend!