Laura, Simpson’s Barbershop on El Camino Real in Menlo Park

Laura, Owner of the Simpson’s Barber Shop on El Camino Real in Menlo Park, CA. I went to get a haircut at Simpson’s barber shop about a week after Laine died.  Laura, the owner, was devastated, slumped in a chair, and cried.  She then helped me reminisce about Laine.  She reminded me that when her shop added a nail salon in the back, Laine came in with me and remarked “what’s up with that?”  She then goes to the salon area and speaks with Laura for some time.  She re-emerges with a pillow and Laura with nail polish, and she gets a manicure!  I said no, and Laura said “no, its free, I want to do this”.  This happened several more times over the coming months, and each time I would try to pay and Laura would refuse the money.  She told me in the conversation after Laine died:  “Mathai, I am a business woman.  I try to make a living in this high-rent area in Menlo Park.  I never never give out free stuff.  But somehow your daughter…. When I saw her, I felt an overwhelming desire to give her something.  It was incredible.  But, just so we are clear, today, Mathai, I am not going to give you a free haircut.”