Hillcrest Health and Rehabilitation Center welcomed a very special visitor the other day. Recently published children’s book author and illustrator, Jared Jackson. Jared is the grandson of resident Ms. Ethel Slusher. The residents and staff joined in the therapy room to talk to Jared as he graciously signed several books. Ms. Ethel was beaming as she told us how proud she was of Jared and all of his accomplishments.
Jared was born with normal vision, but was left almost blind at the age of nine after an unsuccessful surgery to remove a brain tumor. Utilizing what limited vision remains in one eye, Jared creates a story with treasured memories of a little boy’s world before losing his sight. With his God-given talent for easily explaining how things work, Jared illustrates what might be seen through the eyes of a child. Thank you, Jared, for sharing your story and time with the residents and staff.