I have a 19 year old step-daughter from my first marriage. When I first met Kayleigh's dad, he told me that she was the most important person in the world to him and kids meant everything to him.
15 years later, I speak to her more than he does (she lives miles away from us), and he hasn't seen Kayleigh since July. Kayleigh looks upon Stu as her dad even though she's 14 and we've only been together for 3 years. Sad really when you think about it.
I'm very proud to be step-mum to Kirsty - she's a beautiful, intelligent, young woman. 19 years old, been with the same guy for 6 years, recently got engaged, and I love her to bits. And Kayleigh adores her.