To the Albertsons Employees Who Saw Me Having a Panic Attack

Today was not an a typical day. Yesterday I randomly moved with my mother to Boise, Idaho, for a month to be with my older child – who my mother is raising – and to work on my vocals until my audition for “The Voice” next month. Something incredible happened today, and I will forever be grateful to the skilled and helpful employees of the Albertsons on Vista Avenue in Boise, Idaho.

This morning, as I entered the store to buy just one thing – a gallon of whole milk – I began to have a panic attack. I was aware this would happen. It usually does when going somewhere new and busy. I froze in place just beyond the registers, and my skin went clammy and my palms, back, face and armpits began to sweat. I couldn’t breathe, and I just stared at everything in dazed confusion. This is where your awesome staff stepped in. First was a younger man with longish curly black hair. He asked if I needed help, and when I simply replied, “milk,” he walked with me to where I needed to go and pointed out my target. Then, after I had lingered a bit and chosen my milk, another employee noticed my staggering, panicked state and asked if I needed help. I said no and started walking toward the door. They thanked me for shopping and wished me a good day.

By the time I reached the register I was in a full blown panic, despite your employees’ amazing help. I fumbled with the $5 in my hand, trying to dry it off from my sweaty palm. The woman at the register – I can’t remember what she looked like — stopped and said “It’s OK, hun, you’re gonna be just fine. Your milk is $2.43.” That refocused me enough to let me pay and leave. I am really, truly impressed with the way your employees aided me in this shopping trip, which would have been otherwise embarrassing and impossible.

The kind and attentive attitude at your store allowed me to feel welcomed and supported by your employees instead of feeling weird for panicking in public. I wanted to reach out to you guys and thank you for the hope and kindness your team offered me. It was truly inspiring.

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Thinkstock photo by Noel Hendrickson