Hansen’s shows a good story about our community

Karen Sundell

Guest columnist

We hear so often in the news about the struggles and frustrations people are facing all across the country in these challenging economic times. But you don’t have to look very far to see these same struggles happening here in our own community. It’s very difficult, because people’s lives drastically change as they lose their homes and jobs.

But mixed in with these stories are the inspiring ones of incredible acts of kindness and compassion. One such story I would like to share with you is what my friends John and Mary experienced.

John and Mary started their relationship during their retirement years. Married for six years now, they have enjoyed traveling and spending time with their families together. Both John and Mary depend on Social Security, and they live very modestly. They have opened their home to one of their grandchildren, and she’ll live there until she finishes high school.

Two years ago, an arthritic condition caused some of John’s vertebra in his back to be so damaged that he has very limited mobility in his arms and legs and is considered a quadriplegic. He is confined to a wheelchair and spends many hours during the day looking through his window that overlooks his back yard.

When Mary and John needed some of the trees on their property trimmed, they called Hansen Harbor Tree Service. Mary explained their financial situation and she talked about how John used to love to get out and trim the trees on the property but he could no longer do it.

Without any hesitation, Hansen Tree Service said that they were the kind of customers that they liked to help, and if Mary would be so kind to let them come out, they would provide their services for free.

Business has slowed down throughout the ever-changing economic climate for Hansen’s Tree Service, and they realize it’s been their customers that have helped them through it.

“When we see someone who needs help, we give it,” owner Kyle Hansen said. “Whether it’s someone who needs help on the side of the road, or if it’s someone who needs help with their trees.”

When they heard Mary and John needed help, they were thrilled to come out and improve the trees that John looked at every day.

Kyle feels that their name, “Hanson Harbor Tree Service,” is bigger than himself and his brothers who work for the business. They want it to mean something; especially now, when times are tough for so many.

Hansen Harbor Tree Service is a locally owned and operated company based in Gig Harbor. As I watched Kyle Hansen and his employee, Austin Gilmore, work, I soon discovered they were trimming some of the overhanging trees in the driveway to make a better passage way for larger trucks, such as the UPS or garbage trucks. It’s something they regularly do for their customers, without being asked.

Kyle explained it’s something customers don’t think about, and he just does it to help them out.

Taking the time to talk with Kyle as he worked, I discovered another story within this story. When Kyle was younger, he made a poor decision one night that not only changed his life, but another family’s life. It’s something he lives with every day. Because of that night, Kyle made it his life goal to reach out and help as many people as he can.

I could see the sincerity in his eyes as he talked, and I began to understand more about his philosophy behind his business.

I recently read a quote, “Be kind — everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” People like John and Mary, as they live out their golden years differently than they had dreamed. Or Kyle, as he lives his life after it was altered by one fateful night.

I believe it takes people of true character to reach out beyond themselves to help those who really need it. It’s why I took the time to shine the light upon Hansen Harbor Tree Service, as an inspiration to us all.

May we all be able to see those who could use a helping hand, and when we can, reach out and give it.

It will make Gig Harbor an even better place, and give more meaning to our lives.

Karen Sundell is a guest columnist to the Peninsula Gateway and can be reached at ksundell@comcast.net.