I think the difference there is, dad left temporarily (sadly sometimes permanently) to fight for them and for their country.
Not for their own satisfaction or convenience. They cared deeply and did not want to leave their family.
Rather like a dad who died rather than a dad who took off to party. One still knows one is loved if your dad passed away.
When they choose to leave; when they prefer to leave; when they see leaving as perfectly fine, and care not whether they hug you good night, arrange your birthday, help with your homework, have dinner with you, enjoy your company and set the example and standards in the home. . .
the results are horrific. Sorry.
I agree the results today are horrific. Many of the fatherless homes today do not even have a competent, caring mother, or even Grandmother in them.