I will tell you this though my brother; though we may look back at the "what ifs" you also look back at the "what did"  You made lasting memories of your old man bringing you things he'd know you'd love; to me i say a big reason cards are worth as much now (currently have a few packs of skyridge and some wotc boosters along with 2 gold star rayquazas and some more current day bif chase cards) is because we are chasing something we lost along the way as kids, that hint of happiness you had tearing into those cards or that firsr holographic you got as a kid, you remember that (even the bad memories like if a card got stolen or lost) but that tinge of nostalgia is to me a big reason the cards are worth as much today (especially wotc era) so I say even with that opportunity lost you came out a winner, the kind of riches money can't buy today, akin to having good health you had a father who cared. I know being poor growing up i could only afford certain things, there's days I want to open something boxes i own jusy because I never got to open them as a kid, I won't sell them because I don't need the money but that feeling you had opening as a kid id trade millions for without hesitation. So while you may not have the net worth you have the memory many would envy; I enjoyed reading your story my brother and may God continue blessing you and your old man 

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Ifs and buts are candies and nuts

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