why the huge shock if it's expected? IDK, because we're human and allowed to still be momentarily shocked by things we know are coming? (see almost every movie ever made, something you know is coming will still make you jump).
Why is this being grossly exaggerated to "fault" and "blame" and financial irresponsibility? How did that even enter the equation? And.... what does that have to do with the OP's situation, besides nothing?
The OP hasn't written about having double spent the money, not allocated the money, is going into overdraft, is NSF, thinks the money isn't gone when they sign the cheques, or any other kind of financial dumbassery. The OP did write about valid emotions and questions about the situation, which ultimately is: the cheques aren't being cashed, this is not SOP, this is an issue, and now looking for advise.