It's hard to let go.

One of the higher functioning teens I've worked with for the last 3 months moved to a different unit last night. It was the right move and he will undoubtedly grow and mature there more than he ever could have where he had been.

I saw him today with his new peers, and got a lump in my throat. Just surrounded by these new boys in his new environment, he looked so much more mature, like the teenager he is. I wanted so much to sit and talk to him and ask him how things were going, but it wasn't the right place or time. I waved as I walked out the door and had to blink back tears. Is that what it's like to watch a child grow up?