Back when I was a child Before life removed all the innocence
My father would lift me high And dance with my mother and me And then Spin me around 'till I fell asleep Then up the stairs he would carry me And I knew for sure I was loved
If I could get another chance Another walk Another dance with him I'd play a song that would never ever end How I'd love love love To dance with my father again
When I and my mother Would disagree To get my way I would run From her to him He'd make me laugh just to comfort me yeah yeah Then finally make me do Just what my mama said Later that night when I was asleep He left a dollar under my sheet Never dreamed that he Would be gone from me
If I could steal one final glance When final step One final dance with him I'd play a song that would never ever end Cause I'd love love love to Dance with my father again
Sometimes I'd listen outside her door And I'd hear how mama would cry for him I'd pray for her even more than me I'd pray for her even more than me
I know I'm praying for much to much But could you send her The only man she loved I know you don't do it usually But Dear Lord She's dying to dance with my father again
Every night I fall asleep And this is all I ever dream

My father was forced to leave cuba because of the Castro Regime. He came to the United states a boy of 16 not knowing the language and began to work up to 3 jobs in order to bring the rest of his family from cuba. 1 of 5 children, 3 sisters and a brother, he worked in many areas. Chase bank, and as a strike negotiator for Decana Corp based in New Jersey.

In January of 1971 he met the love of his life his future wife Lazara and 6 months later proposed. They were married January 17, 1972 and welcomed their first Daughter Michelle May of 1973. 2 years later in April of 1975 they welcomed their Son Manny and believed their  family was complete. They had a difference of opinion since he wanted 5 children and Lazara only wanted 2.

A surprise came to them in February of 1980 when she discovered she was pregnant yet again with their 3rd and final child Angie. Overjoyed with his growing family he worked hard and made difficult decisions for the welfare of his family.

Tragedy was never to far when on mothers day 1987 he lost his mother Esther to cancer. It was a hard blow for him since he was so close to her. Still mourning his mother, in 1988 for the health of his daughter Michelle, he decided to relocate the family south to sunny Miami, Fl and begin what would be the final chapters of his life. In July of 1988 the family made it to Miami and began to build a home.

Through financial struggles and tough times Luis and his wife stuck together and raised their children to be strong independent individuals. His pride became more evident when in 1991 his first grandchild was born and carried his name Luis Manuel Arias. Subsequently 4 more boys followed and his love for them was unconditional. He was the Ideal Grandfather all the while being an Ideal husband and Father.

His life story ends in July 2006 44 days after receiving a diagnosis of Pancreatic cancer. He was survived by his loving wife LAzara, his children Michelle, Manny, and Angie, and his grandchildren Luis, Andy, Gaby, Hector and Mikey. Ironically enough his granddaughter which he did not meet was born Novemeber of 2006 but carries with her the love of her Grandfather which named her Nicole Denise when he found out Michelle was finally having a girl.

500 people showed up to his funeral just confirming the love everyone had for him. He was buried with his father next to a palm tree and escorted to his final resting place by florida Highway patrol fullfilling his unrealized dream of being in law enforcement.

Although we lost our father, husband, and grandfather, the comfort we have that he is always with us. He guides us in our difficult moments and his teachings will forever live within us all. One of his last gifts was a letter he dictated to his daughter Angie so she can read in the event of her brothers marriage which happened November of 2008. Although the letter brought tears to our eyes we felt comfort knowing he would always be a part of our family functions.

We will always be 5 strong. We love and miss you Dad RIP you did well and deserve a peaceful rest.