It's bad to never meet your child.
Jeff and Carol break up right before their first child is born.
Jeff wants to move on with his life.
Jeff remarries and starts a family of his own, but still sends his child with Carol birthday cards.
Jeff is crushed by the breakup and wants nothing to do with Carol anymore.
The child gets to know his father through letters, even without ever seeing him.
The baby is born with friends and family in attendance, but no Jeff.