My guilt about traveling for work is a real problem

I travel maybe 2 weeks/month for my consulting job. It's good money and I like the work, but every time I leave I feel like I'm abandoning my family.

Last week my son asked if I was 'going away again' in such a sad voice that I almost cried at the airport. He's 5. My wife says I'm being ridiculous and that he's fine, that this is just normal work stuff. But I can't shake the feeling that I'm missing the good years.

Does it get easier? Do kids remember this stuff later? Part of me wants to switch to a local role but the pay cut would be real. Anyone else dealing with this guilt?