Meet Jim, Marabelle, Tiffany, Minnie, & Maya from Long Island

Meet Jim, Marabelle, Tiffany, Minnie, & Maya from Long Island, New York. For his 63rd birthday, Jim got a gift that brought back memories more than half a century old: a surprise trip to Howe Caverns, thoughtfully planned by his girlfriend, Marabelle.

“I had such good memories here, I wanted to bring my girlfriend,” said Jim, who first visited Howe Caverns when he was just seven years old. Back then, it was a family trip with his parents—both of whom have since passed. “That was a very special trip,” he recalled, noting that the visit also included time at a lake and a few other local attractions.

Originally from Long Island, Jim is the son of a police officer and an operating engineer. He now shares his fondness for that trip with his girlfriend Marabelle and her daughters, Tiffany and Maya, as well, as their grandmother, Minnie.

“We tried to come last year, and they were sold out,” said Marabelle. Not one to give up easily, she planned ahead this year, booking a two-night stay at the Howe Caverns Motel to make Jim’s birthday extra memorable.

Walking through the caves again, Jim was struck by the beauty and size of the cave which he did not quite remember. It was like a new experience.

But while much has changed, some things remain the same—including Jim’s outlook on life.

“Just keep smiling,” he said. “Life gets you down sometimes, but you just gotta keep smiling.”

Thank you so much for visiting!