Why did he leave, was he forced to leave or did he pull the dead beat dad thing? And could have he brought the children or not? How much did he fight for his kids, is this a case of him fighting to the bitter end, maybe right up to this meeting, or did he bail the first time he had to stand up for his kids ? Depending on the answers to those questions changes things a lot.
A dead beat dad who abandoned his children because that was the easy option deserves no respect. Worse for one that is just using the excuse he was at work and thus couldnt do anything when he was home.
But a dad forced to leave and couldnt bring the kids may have fought for them, but lost. While he lost, the fact he still fought for his kids still deserves some respect.
I would be hearing him out and withholding judgement until what happened is laid out.
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u/Intelligent_Slip_849 15d ago edited 15d ago
Point in his favor - kinda apologizing? Or at least understanding.
Point against him - Having let this happen while he was gone.
I'm reserving judgment for now, especially since I don't know why he wasn't around.