From my teenage years I wanted to distance myself from my family.  I went off to college and then further away for graduate school seeking to gain my freedom.  I then got married and started my career to establish my independence.  I filled my time with what I wanted and only made grudging appearances for holidays.  My brother grew up and got married.  My parents grew their business and took up square dancing.  They had their lives and I had mine.  I didn’t live in a faraway land but halfway between my parents and my wife’s parents.  Close enough to make the trip but far enough to not have to make it frequently.  My focus was on my career, my interests, and my friends.  I didn’t have time for family obligations or responsibilities.  Even after my daughter was born, I continued to pursue my dreams without any concerns for how this affected anyone else.  This is the very essence of being a prodigal.