LUIS J. RODRIGUEZ

It is incredible to realize that 15 years have passed since we lost my cousin Luis. He is still present in his son and grandsons and for that I am grateful. I believe he is watching over all of us, our own special guardian angel. I love you cuz, you were one of the nest persons on this earth. God took you too soon.

Magaly

Hard to believe it's been 15 years. You may be gone from this life, but you are never forgotten.

I can't believe how quickly this year has gone. I miss you so much, Luis. Your Spirit dwells in me, all the days of my life, and will, well into my own eternity.

I continue to enjoy books. My love of reading will never stop while I have
the use of reason. It must have been in our genes, dear boy.

Life is such a difficult journey and no less difficult for those who survive the passing of all those we truly love.

Please tell Dad and Mom how much I miss them, too.

One day we will all be together again. That is the only thing that makes it so much less painful to me.

I love you big brother. I always will.

Your younger sibling, Adolfina

Anyone who knew Luis, knows what a special person he was. He will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched.

Less than 18 months separated us by birth
You were my leader without ever trying
I always looked up to you, you were so Tall

We shared a love of books and reading
We were the first generation of TV viewers
Watching westerns, comedy and sports
Mom would constantly warn us
Not to get so close to the screen
Later, we substituted the computer (screen) for the TV
Getting even closer than before

The last year we spent together went by so fast
Recapping memories of our childhood long past
Now you are gone, Luis
Much too soon

How I wish we could share just one more
Moment Together
My Brother, My Friend.

A.

Dear Jan I have two wonderful daughters. When you married Luis you gave me the son I never had. He was everything I ever wanted. He was a GREAT Man, a GREAT HUSBAND, a GREAT FATHER, and a GREAT SON. God speed , LUIS Dad , Scotty O

Janet and Daniel, I am so sorry that you did not have Luis for longer. My "primo-hermano" which translates to "cousin-brother" was one of the finest men I will ever know. Words cannot express how I feel over this loss to our family. He leaves behind many wonderful memories that I will cherish and hold onto forever. You are all in my prayers.
Love,
Magaly

Janet and Daniel, I am sorry to hear that we lost our dear cousin Luie. He took my father's place nearly 21 years ago and gave me way on my wedding day. He was a precious man. May he rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Janet and Daniel - our thoughts are with you as you cope with Luis' loss and celebrate his wonderful life !!! we were honored to know him ! Rob, Aida, Emma, Sophia and Robert Curtis.

I'm deeply saddened to hear about your husband. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and your family during this time.

Regina Pearce

My friend, co-worker, guide and mentor Luis Rodriguez was one of the best man I have ever met. Luis was always there when help was needed. Two O'clock in the morning or two O'clock in the afternoon he responded with only one intention, how can he help. In the name of all the people that he helped find a new life at FPL, I want his family to know that they should be very proud of this great man. May Dr. Rodriguez rest in peace in the presence of Our Lord.
Braulio Ortiz, Hollywood Florida

Luis was truly one of the kindest, gentle man that I have ever known. He always made a point to remember people that he met, I loved to tease him that he was an EAP with a PhD from FPL..the language of acronyms..he will be missed...he is missed...Bobbie Hayes

To me Luis was a shining example of what love for family and life can make possible. I met him through our Reiki Circle, only two years ago. I had the pleasure of being partnered with him on the day he became a Reiki Master. For those of you who may read this not know, REIKI is a beautiful laying on of hands, healing technique, practiced through prayerful connection. Luis embraced and embodied everything that is healing. He often encouraged us to work on others when we were insisting on sending healing to him.He was truly unselfish. He had a capacity for loving others that is rare. I truly believe this is what kept him here to watch over Daniel to see him get such a wonderful start in life. What a JOY, what a pleasure, what a shining example of a human BEing.
In love and light,

Luis, Amigo. For close to thirty years we had a great time enjoying what we deem as life. I always admired your positive thinking and nature. You were always reaching out to help others, with no regard for yourself. You exemplified dignity, humanity and kindness. These gifts have served as a beacon for many, and will live on in our hearts and memories. You will be missed, yet, not forgotten. Un abrazo,
Marc

Hello. I met Luis through a Reiki group in Coral Gables. He was there at every meeting as far as I can remember, & such incredible warmth, enthusiasm, zest for life & a loving heart always radiated from his presence. What a joy to have met him! He was very much a grandfatherly figure to me. I want to share with you that one day, I showed up wearing rather funny-looking dance pants to a Reiki circle, & I expressed a bit of embarrassment at showing up to a church this way. But he was v-e-r-y strong & warm about pointing out, "it's not that they're strange, it's that they're special, like YOU." He said it s-o seriously & honestly. It touched my heart in a magical way. I feel Luis is a magical, generous spirit. A quote from Auntie Mame, the movie, reminds me of his generosity best: "Life is a banquet, & most poor baboons are starving to death. Live!" And that he did, lucky for us. With black beans, rice & the abundance of love in his heart, Luis lived so awesomely. I send him, & his family, my love & gratitude tonight.

I am deeply saddened over the loss of Luis Rodriguez. Having known Luis for thirty years, initially, when I was an intern at Miami Mental Health Center and throughout my EAP career, he was always positive with an encouraging word for all. His commitment to helping people was truly evident by the charitable way he lived his life. Luis was truly a kind and compassionate humanitarian; an inspiration to all of us. He will surely be missed. I want to extend my deepest sympathy to his family.

Luis was my boss and mentor, but more importantly, my friend and confidant. I learn't many things from Luis, some of the most important being: honesty, compassion, trustworthyness, and the ability to persevere and move forward when things are difficult and seem the bleakest! Luis always made time for those in need and always did the "right" thing, even to his own demise. I've often been asked to describe Luis and even though we all have our crosses to bear, my answer has always been short and sweet......he is an angel on earth! I'm certainly a better person for having known Luis and having him in my life. I'll miss you Luis....but I'm sure everyone in heaven is getting hugs and food therapy as I speak! God Bless!

Luis you shall be missed and I know you are in a better place sharing your wisdom with all. To me you were a mentor and a colleague and I will never forget you the rest of my life.Thanks for being there for me and I will never forget the moment you said at an EAPA function in which you said "We have more similaraties than differances this is why we need to take care of each other and help the people that need our guidance as Employee Assistance Professionals". God rest his Soul and my condolences to his family.Que Dios te bendiga hermano Paul Esquilin

Dear Janet and Daniel,
It was an honor to spend time with Luis during the last year of his life. We met at Cancer Support Community group, and Luis became a great source of inspiration literally in the first 10 minutes of the very first meeting my wife and I attended. It was almost a given that if there was a meeting, you and Luis would be there, too. I was always glad to see your car when I pulled up to the parking lot, with your "Got Hope?" bumper-sticker. I'm not sure if there was a meeting where Luis would not mention Daniel - he was very proud of him, and I can imagine how hard it must be for Daniel to lose his father. We're thinking of you, and are very glad that you agreed to see us last Friday and share your memories of Luis. He was a noble man.

I am, selfishly, saddened by our loss of a truly unique friend. Luis never met a stranger in all the 25 years I've known him. His concern for each and every person he met in his many activities was evidence of his true love of life. A truly humble man, Luis always spoke reverently of his family and, even under great stress at times, never waivered in his values. Luis was, unfailingly, a true leader of men; always, perhaps to a fault at times, willing to roll up his sleeves to the betterment of whatever cause was before him... his commitment inspired me on many fronts and on many occasions. I have been blessed by his friendship and will keep him and his family in my heart. Vaya con Dios my friend.

My name is Gene Miller and Dr Rodriguez was a guiding light for many of the members of local 359. His mark on life was to correct the path of so many lives of my members. So many of us lose our way in life and need someone to put us back on the path. Dr Luis did this for us . God rest his soul and watch over his family.

I met Luis at an EAPA-South Florida Chapter meeting maybe 13 years ago. I saw him frequently there and a few times at other professional gatherings. In life Luis was a person I respected and wished I could emulate. Still, I admire his deep and generous warmth, his philosophical stance, and his courage. I am sad knowing that I will not have a chance again to see his smile, to give him a hug, and to chat briefly.

Dear family,
Thank you for the blessing of Luis. He was a true servant- and everyone was a friend -always thinking of how to help. As a colleague he was always interested in how others were doing, and always had the time to be still and listen. His wisdom, caring, and warmth were felt throughout. I lift him up in praise and thanksgiving as a mentor and loving friend. Prayers for God's true peace to hold you all tightly.
"O Lord, I give my life to you, I trust in you, my God!" Ps 25:1
Love, Donna Drucker

Dear Janet,Daniel& Fina, Luis was such a wonderful addition to our family, his sense of humor and caring personality lit us all up. His effects on all of us will be felt for many years to come. Love, Mom and Dad

I have known Luis Rodriguez only throught the eyes of his loving sister, Adolfina, but what is written here confirms that he was truly a unique and special man. My condolences to the family. It is clear he will be deeply missed by all those whose lives he touched.
Judith Andrade

Dr. Luis Rodriguez was a dear friend and colleague to many of us in the EAP field. He was a shining star, a very bright man who went above and beyond the call of his profession to make a difference in the lives of many. After his diagnosis, he still made an effort to attend the EAPA chapter meetings and stay connected with his colleagues and the field. After his speech became slower, he still had so much wisdom to contribute, and he lit up the room with his presence. Luis was a kind, gentle, charismatic, wise soul who has left his mark on this earth, and will be deeply missed. My deepest condolences to his wife, Janet, his son, Daniel, and his sister, Adolfina. May he rest in peace.

Dear Janet,
My deepest sympathies.
As you know better than anyone, Luis was a very special person - in that way you were a wonderful match because you are such a special person yourself. I pray that you will find strength and peace from the same source that enabled you to fight the good fight with him over these past four and a half years with such passion, gritty realism and love.
Bill Cunningham