Nothing surprises me when it comes to men walking out on their families, I was the child of such a pig, and I can honestly say, although hurtful and agony at the time, leaving my mum was the best thing he could have done for her.
He was a man with 2 faces, still is now at 58, never had a life any of us would want, he has money and nice things, travels, but I see him once a year, same for all my brothers and sisters, we are many and varied throughout the town!!Not one of us really gives a flying wotsit for him, other than, he's my dad, and I was a daddy's girl until I was about 8, he left when i was 2,kids aren't daft, just more forgiving.
But the real stuff, love affection, thanks for being the best dad a girl could ask for, well not a hope.
You are the parent that didn't leave, may seem boring now, you may be skint and unhappy, but it will be you who has the relationship he doesnt even know he's missing, and one day, another man will be bringing up his children, and then the shoe will most definitely be on the other foot, and I hope it cripples the hell out of them.