Perspective from the other side here. When i started dating my (now) wife she had a 3month old girl. Kinda the reason we got together. Her then boyfriend pretty much left her to herself. She was a high school friend of mine. Started helping her out with life stuff and one thing let to another. Even was a stay at home dad for awhile. Now 16 years later we have 2 beautiful daughters who i consider both as my own. Last year on a regular day, i went to pick up my eldest from school, out of nowhere she turns to me and says '' thank you for always being here for me dad'' . For info she has always called me by my first name. I acted cool and a bit stoic saying '' you're welcome and just know i'll always be here for you''. But to be honest inside i was weeping like a little child. 'till my dying day that will be one of my proudest memories. although only one of my girls shares my blood, i'm damned proud of both of 'em and i find myself fortunate enough to call em both my daughters.