by Amber Klassen | The Klassen Group – Salina Homes

Yesterday’s meeting with our Marketing Director Taylor at Salina Homes left me feeling inspired and grateful. 💛 We brainstormed new ways to share more heart in our work — and Thankful Thursdays was born! What a perfect idea for November — a whole month to focus on gratitude, kindness, and the good things happening all around us.

After wrapping up, Johnny and I headed over to 1858 Coffee House for him to refill his coffee — and that’s where a sweet God-wink moment unfolded. As we were leaving, I noticed a man from behind wearing a ball cap that said “Trooper Ben.” My heart instantly knew — it was the Trooper Ben, the Kansas Highway Patrol officer known for his uplifting posts about kindness and community.

I told Johnny, “That’s him! The guy I follow who writes about being kind.” Without hesitation, Johnny said, “Let’s go say hi!” (That’s one of the million reasons I love him!)

We walked over, exchanged smiles and small talk. I had Trooper Ben scan the QR code Johnny set up on my phone since — let’s be honest — I never have my business cards when I need them! He was working on his iPad, so we didn’t want to interrupt for long. We took a quick photo, thanked him for his message, and of course, he was exactly how you’d imagine — humble, kind, and genuine. Before we left, he shook our hands and told us to make sure we always wear our seatbelts.

That hit home — because I do. Every single time.

What he didn’t know was that as a teenager, I survived a life-threatening car accident. I was ejected as a passenger in a Jeep rollover and suffered internal bleeding, a broken pelvis, and a broken tailbone. I spent months on bed rest — and that’s when a quiet, sweet boy named Johnny started bringing my homework for extra credit in Chemistry. 💕 That time in my life was painful, but it also brought me the love of my life. Twenty-five years of marriage, four incredible kids, and countless adventures later, I’m so thankful for that second chance.

So yes, Trooper Ben — I always wear my seatbelt.

And yes, Taylor — Thankful Thursdays is the perfect theme for this season. Because gratitude and kindness go hand in hand. When we focus on what we have — instead of what we lack — life becomes more peaceful, purposeful, and joyful.

Every morning, I write a few things I’m thankful for — it’s one of my favorite daily rituals. I’ve written about:

☀️ Morning coffee with Johnny before the day begins

💇‍♀️ Seventeen-plus years of doing hair right here in Salina, surrounded by loyal clients who’ve become dear friends

🏡 Our real estate journey with The Klassen Group, helping families find “home”

👶 Sweet baby Jack, our first grandbabe

💐 My sister’s vintage finds and Suru’s garden flowers

💚 The strength that comes from faith, recovery, and resilience

🌿 Our growing Airbnb ventures — from Superhost status at our Midnight Tropical Soirée to soon welcoming guests to our adorable Cape Cod–style home near downtown (perfect for travel nurses, concertgoers at the Stiefel Theatre, and cozy weekend getaways!)

💞 And most of all, the people who fill my life with purpose — Bernie (who reminds me to slow down and be present), Alexa (our amazing video editor who helps bring our stories to life), my family, friends, and like-minded clients who share the same heart for hard work, gratitude, and growth. Even when life throws hard moments our way, we lift each other up — and that is something to be deeply thankful for.

During our chat, Trooper Ben mentioned he lives in Lindsborg — just a short drive from Salina — and that he’s had his eye on a certain home here in town. 🏠 Of course, I told him that if that home ever hits the market, we’d be honored to be the real estate team to help him and his family find their perfect fit. Helping people like him — those who pour so much positivity into the world — would truly be a privilege.

I honestly would love to be as well-known as Trooper Ben someday — not for fame, but for spreading the message of gratitude and kindness. For being someone people want a photo with because they feel seen, inspired, and encouraged. 💛

I’ve had so many people tell me they enjoy reading my daily entries — and that means the world to me! If you love messages about kindness, hard work, gratitude, and faith — please Like, Share, and Follow. Tell your friends, too! I’m organically growing this page (whatever that means 🤭) — but I know this: the more we share goodness, the more it multiplies.

Here’s to kindness, connection, and being thankful on purpose.

Stay Rosy,

Amber 🌸

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