A couple married more than four decades just won a weeklong stay at The Reefs Hotel & Club merely for being good parents.  But in this case “good” is a gross understatement.

To celebrate Valentine’s Day – and the fact Bermuda is a prime destination for lovers – The Reefs ran a contest last month called “Show Your Love”.  Organizers asked fans of the hotel to submit a short story describing their fondest memories of the island.

One such submitter was Tim Finnegan of Massachusetts.  He honeymooned here.  He wasn’t competing for the chance to return himself, however.  What he really wanted was to send his parents, Barbara and Jack.

“My parents honeymooned in Bermuda 42 years ago,” he wrote.  “Even today they recall how special each day spent at The Reefs was.”

“Having six children meant that my parents had to give up many things, especially time for themselves. My youngest brother is severely mentally disabled and every day for 31 years my parents have dedicated themselves to his well being. My parents have changed every diaper, given every feeding and attended to every illness without a moment's consideration of giving him less. Despite the tragedy of also losing two sons unexpectedly to illness, my parents continue to be the two most positive and generous people imaginable.

“Since I know they would never reach out on their own, I am submitting this entry in their honor. I cannot think of any two people more deserving of the chance to relive their cherished time at The Reefs.”

Tim’s story was posted along with six other finalists on The Reefs website.  The public was asked to vote for their favorite.  Tim got more than one-third of the 3,000 votes cast.  In the end he beat out 600 total entires.

A spokesperson at The Reefs said of the stories: “There have been proposals in the sand, ‘I do’s’ on Caso Point, anniversaries, birthdays and memorable family getaways.  With stories like these, it’s no surprise that Bermuda is the best Atlantic destination according to Conde Nast Traveler.”

Tim was able to break the news to his parents over the weekend -- at his brother's wedding no less!  The Finnegans had extra reason to celebrate.