My dad was absent for a good chunk of our childhood, RAF duties abroad but he always came back bearing gifts and gave us the best thing a dad could, his time. Time spent in the countryside, walking, exploring, wildlife watching...all the things I then spent doing with my kids, and the vindication it's the best thing you can give is my youngest son who always said he never wanted kids because he couldnt look after himself, let alone a child...he now gladly gives his time and love to his daughter, our grandaughter, in a way that makes me proud.
You dont need money and all the things it brings...you just need to give your time. The bond it brings is hard to beat.