So too with us humans. My oldest leaves for college in two weeks. I miss him already but I know he's ready to leave. He's kind of been in a transition funk most of the summer. Kind of displaced between high school and college. He's working and sitting, just waiting for his new life to begin. It can be an uncomfortable stage for a parent to watch. Maybe that's from God. For my heart is going to miss him big time but I want to see him fly. I want to see him happy in the life God has for him. And being a young adult still in a child's role just doesn't fit.
My second oldest will be a senior in high school and she feels like she's been ready to fly on her own for over a year already. She's one of those (and there must be young birds like this too) who would try to fly before it's time because she feels ready even though her wings are just not fully ready for that first flight.
But they will be soon.