An Open Letter to the Man at Kohl’s in Billings

Tis the season for holiday shopping in Montana

My spouse and I ventured out to Kohl’s in Shiloh Crossing to do a little holiday shopping. We were a couple of the first customers last Saturday morning to beat the crowds. We noticed a man was watching us as we ventured through the store. Wherever we were he was there... 

We ended up returning some boots that I purchased and switched them out for some new ones. We were carrying a box around the store the entire time. I noticed this man kept watching us, but every time I looked at him he had a smile on his face. It was kind of weird.  

I don’t know if he was security or a shopper, but he was acting weird.  

As my spouse was returning the boots at the counter, I ventured into the jewelry section. I’m looking for some new aquamarine earrings since mine were stolen from our mix 97.1 studio (that's a whole different story.) As I’m browsing the jewelry, I noticed there was the man again. Just watching me.  

I felt this man thought I looked sketchy. I was wearing a hoodie and sweat pants, so maybe?? I don't know. I decided that none of the earrings were up to par so I went back to the counter with my spouse.  

I felt someone standing behind me... 

I’m standing in line and I feel a tap on my shoulder. It’s the man that’s been watching us. He asked me, “Did you lose something??"

Hmm.... I start patting my pockets and realize something is gone… My precious iPhone.  I say, “Yes, my phone!” 

He then asked me what does it say on the back of my phone. And I remember recently putting a sticker on it. I replied, “witches brew.” 

He gave a huge, wide grin and handed me my precious iPhone. I must’ve left it on the ground while browsing Jewelry in Kohl’s.😲 He replied with, “Happy holidays.” 

 And that was the end of it. 

I didn’t get his name, so I decided to write this letter to him. 

To the man in Kohl’s on Saturday, thank you so much for returning what truly is my whole identity. And sorry I thought you were acting weird. You're just looking out for your fellow humans! 

Our phones carry so much information and it would’ve been devastating to lose mine. I must have good karma or something because anytime I find a missing phone, or keys I always leave it at the counter or with the manager. 

I’m so grateful for great people here in Billings! 

I still don’t know if that man was security or if he was just a curious person shopping in Kohl’s. Either way thank you again! And happy holidays!