This past February marked the 16th year of our 'destiny.' I met Bob while he was on summer break from college. I must admit, it was not love at first sight. After working together for a few weeks, we went for a long walk on the beach. While walking and talking, we discovered we had the same values, interests and desires in life. We began dating, neither of us expecting the relationship to go beyond a summer romance.

My siblings found Bob to be brash and too assertive. Perhaps the biggest point of objection in their eyes was that he was Jewish. Bob's mother didn't find me acceptable either. I suppose she envisioned her son marrying a nice Jewish girl, and worse yet, she saw me as a cradle robber. Though there is only 4 years difference in our ages, she saw me as the reason Bob would discontinue his education. Ah, but our relationship blossomed. Bob returned to school in September, but his heart remained at home, with me. Bob eventually transferred to a school back home but quit to start a career in sales.

Two years later, Bob and I married. Planning the wedding to accommodate his Judaic roots and my Christian family soon proved improbable so we were wed by a Justice of the Peace at a small, family gathering. Religion doesn't seem to matter much when you date. Neither Bob nor I were regular worshippers in a traditional way though each of us retained our religious upbringing in a spiritual way. I attended Bob's family's holiday functions and he attended my family's dinners.

When our first child arrived, so did the lump in my throat. Through mutual agreement we had decided to bring up our children in the Jewish religion. As a non-Jew, this seemed impossible and even hypocritical to both our families. I was reminded several times that children are usually brought up in their mother's religion. I am spiritually a Christian but it appeared more important for our children to be raised as Jews, as Judaism includes both a cultural and religious emphasis. Bob and I have always respected each others religions, celebrating every occasion; Jewish and Christian. At times, this must have been met with much skepticism, bordering on blasphemy, by our respective families. I choose to believe we have met a challenge successfully. Our children have never been confused, knowing both the history and congruency between our separate religions, yet always acknowledging their Jewish roots.

Bob still purchases our annual Christmas tree and I make the Hanukkah latkes. Bob hides the Easter eggs and I prepare our Seder dinner. Now, as I plan our daughter's Bat Mitzvah, I find I am enjoying the traditions of this rite of passage and feeling rather content that Bob and I have overcome what could have been a huge obstacle. As our married same-religion friends break up, it seems all the more clear that having respect for our differences has smoothed the marital road while enhancing and enriching the lives of our entire families.