This couple taking an early walk, in the still deserted early morning Venice, reminded me of my parents.

Theirs was a time when people meant what they promised unto each other -- when they took their vows " 'Til death do us part." When words spoken were as good as law. A far cry from the world we live in today.

The words " 'Til death do us part." can be an albatross or even a chain in marriage, when love ceased between a couple -- especially in coutries where Catholicism is dominant and does not allow an escape clause, like divorce. In countries where divorce is allowed, the children (if any) become victims in such estrangements.

It makes you wonder whether many people really did "mean what they say, and say what they mean" when they came before witnesses, to exchange their vows. Or, was it mere lust and physical attraction, mistaken as love?

In the case of my parents, they were a testament of what it meant truly when the words " 'Til death do us part." were exchanged. It was rare to hear the words "I love you!" uttered by either my Father or Mother. But, even as a young boy, you can feel that love was there. They were both headstrong, being the eldest from their respective families. Thus, while they never seek arguments with people in the community, they were not the type who would cower when they felt they were wronged. This was especially true of my Mother, especially if her brood was threatened.

And yet, between the two of them, there seemed to be an understanding. When my Father reached his boiling point, usually from what us the children did, my Mother never countered or took sides. The same was true when it was the other way around.