Meet Bill Jensen

Bill is well known for his gift at raising a huge garden every year in his Three Tree Point acreage that is full of exotic calla lilies and Begonias.

Bill, a retired tool and die maker, did it again this year.

Only this year he had some new challenges to overcome far tougher than weeds, insects and weather. This year he suffered a debilitating stroke, crippling the entire left side of his body a couple months before planting time.

A lesser man would have thrown up his plans and bagged a garden of any size. Not Bill Jensen.

When asked how he achieved victory over the average guy he just shrugged his pain free shoulders and said, "I had to work hard to overcome this unplanned disability."

One step at a time, exercising daily at home and at Highline Fitness Center in Burien, he overcame his shortcoming one day at a time.

In three months of rigid determination he has shaken off most of the pain and physical liability and appeared at the many doors of his neighbors this week with his great smile and a huge bouquet.

When he knocked on our door holding his annual gift, he asked if we had a vase.

I found one and watched as he prepared his gorgeous flowers.

I had heard he was disabled so I asked about it. I just got a big grin and a modest short story.

What a great story of grit and victory over tall odds I was able to pass on to you.