I think I have a full grip on it now...{deep breath}
So my company has decided that the contributions I make to the technology and core capability of the company are so significant that they are giving me a retention bonus equivalent to a full year's salary to keep my from leaving. (golden handcuffs)
Essentially, they will double my salary for the next year to keep me from leaving for another job. They will pay me a bonus of 25% of my salary every 3 months for the next year if I stick around...guaranteed.