I left home at 18 to join the RAF, went out and enjoyed life and generally lived life to the full! I didn't have any regard for anyone I left behind, I was pretty selfish and believed the world evolved around me. That was 20 odd years ago...
After I came out and split up from my first wife, I did come to my senses, grew up and finally got the courage to apologise to my Mum for the way I behaved, she referred to me as her Prodigal Son and forgave me, as parents always do!
I use it now as a bit of a penance and because it seemed fitting.