The father wanted to provide. Foolishly, the son exchanged the fellowship with his father for the friendship of the ungodly. The Father's Greeting. The father wouldn't force son to come home, no matter how much he wanted him back. However, he was ready to receive him as soon as he returned.
Reconciliation follows an intelligent understanding.
He had to mentally realize that he had a problem. Getting right includes the mind, the emotions, and the will. His mind now becomes aware of his real need. Turning around earlier would have spared him a lot of grief. He left the world's gutters.