I can't ever remember wanting biological children.

My childhood was filled with enough co-parenting alongside my powerful, do-it-all single mom that I never fantasized about having kids of my own. I can recall feeling I'd already "parented" enough by the time I was 14.

When I met my husband to be 13 years ago and the first words out of his mouth were, "I have a 3-year-old daughter and she is the most important thing in the world to me," I was both touched and a little disappointed that the fox I just met was already a "daddy."

Now, as I find myself stepmom to a beautiful, incredibly smart, terribly gifted and unbelievably talented 16-year-old superstar, I am so thankful that I have been given the opportunity to "parent" in the capacity that I have been.

Each day she teaches me lessons in being selfless, loving unconditionally, patience, forgiveness, problem solving and everyday miracles.

The satisfaction and love I feel from being present in her life is incomparable.

Whether it's making sure she eats her broccoli, counseling her on boy trouble, enforcing rules or executing well-deserved discipline – she is a teenager, after all – even the tough stuff is gratifying.

And when she lets on that it's a two-way street – that she is grateful for me, loves me, finds joy in hanging out together and wants me involved in her life – it's nothing short of extremely awesome.

Sometimes you don't get what you think you want, you get exactly what you need.