Tapia Remigio

“Life at a Slow Clip” (Dec. 1) brought back memories of Tapia Remigio’s act of kindness toward me around October, 1948. I lived in the immediate Chinatown area. All my peers would get their haircuts (“flat tops”) from Mr. Remigio.

On this day after he had finished cutting my hair, I reached into my pocket to pay him. I rummaged through my pockets and no money was in sight. Embarrassed, humiliated and scared, I looked at Mr. Remigio with tears in my eyes. Additionally, the barber shop was filled with customers, which made my situation more embarrassing. He accepted my excuse that I lost the money, patted me on the shoulders, smiled and told me not to worry and that I could come back tomorrow and pay him (which I did).

This act may seem insignificant to many. However, his kindness to a teen-ager of 14 will never be forgotten. Again, thank you, Mr. Remigio.

DAN ALVAREZ

Los Angeles