I have to say that it does sound like he's scared or hesitant to have much contact w/his daughter for fear of her rejecting him. The message does sound genuine and I'm very proud of the way that your daughter worded her reply.

In time, when he sees that she is not going to reject him or chastise him for his behavior, he may very well become braver and begin texting w/her. I hope and pray that he will stay in touch w/her.

Sit quietly, the answers will reveal themselves when you least expect them to.
The past is gone, the present is a gift and you need to focus on today, allow the future to reveal itself when it is ready.