Thanks for posting this anecdote. I have posted many times that too often I see HN commenters arguing that getting laid off is like the worst possible thing that can happen to someone, when this is rarely the case when you are in a growing industry like tech (note I have a very different opinion for those in shrinking industries). I think getting laid off should be thought of in the same ballpark as getting dumped by a romantic partner:

1. Obviously it is painful for the person getting dumped/fired. But long term it's probably for the best as it gives all parties the freedom to choose other options and move on.

2. There are usually signs that should allow most people to prepare long before the breakup/layoff happens. You say "I was foolish to have stayed as long as I did" - can't comment on that, but I do hope that you knew it likely that a layoff was eventually coming and you took adequate preparations (saving more, keeping your resume up-to-date, etc.) for that likely event.