Robert and I met when our children started seeing each other.

Robert's daughter married my son and we became acquainted through this union. In the beginning we both detested each other. He said I reminded him of his ex-wife and I said he reminded me of my ex-husband. This animosity went on for about four years. Somehow, during this period of time we began conversing and, then, during a very verbal argument between our children, we left their home and sat and talked for hours.

To make a long story short, we began dating, much to the chagrin of our children. Neither one wanted us to see the others parent, and they made is very uncomfortable for us to do so. This casual relationship soon blossomed into a full fledged romance and Robert proposed to me. This was also a secret as our children (both in their late thirties) were totally against the whole thing.

We eloped to Las Vegas eight years ago, telling only Robert's sister, two brothers and my best friend.

When we returned to our home both of the-- shall I call them children?--were completely disgusted. They have made it very clear that they do not like it at all. Only my other two sons and his other daughter have accepted this union.

We love them all but they make it almost impossible to relate to them. I guess I should say that his daughter was his stepdaughter and now the roles are reversed. She is the daughter-in-law and my son is the stepson. Kind of like I am my own grandpa.

We love each other completely and are sad to think that our union has caused such a rift in our relationships. Our grandchildren are the ones that are suffering for it as they do not associate with us as much as we would like.

Nevertheless, it has made us much stronger in our caring and loving for each other. We go and do things together without any thought of their being upset. We try to include them in all family activities but are not always successful in getting them to join in.