TRUTHSEEKERS WALL OF FAME

Petra “Tess” Smith deserves a place on the TRUTHSEEKERS WALL OF FAME because she combines intelligence, compassion, creativity, and courage with a genuine desire to help people who are suffering or being overlooked.

Fluent in both German and English, Petra possesses a remarkable gift for communication. Her way with words—along with her beautiful handwriting—reflects a thoughtful and creative spirit. Yet Petra’s greatest gift may be her ability to recognize the needs of others and respond with kindness.

An Angel in the Nursing Homes

Petra’s advocacy began when she visited nursing homes to sell Avon. Residents were always excited when “the Avon lady” arrived, but Petra soon realized that they were not primarily interested in the products. They were interested in her presence.

To many residents, Petra was a lady with angel wings—someone who would hold their hands, listen to their stories, offer encouragement, and remind them that they had not been forgotten.

During these visits, Petra began noticing troubling deficiencies in the care some residents received. Instead of looking away, she became an advocate. She joined Dignity for the Aged, working alongside others to promote better treatment, protection, and dignity for nursing-home residents throughout the country.

Petra continues this mission through her work on the Dignity for the Aged and Dark to Light nursing-home pages. She uses her voice to draw attention to neglect, injustice, and the need for compassionate care.

Her Special Friendship with Jeremiah Manson

Through Dignity for the Aged, Petra met nursing-home resident Jeremiah Manson. A devastating automobile accident had taken both of Jeremiah’s legs, left him with the use of only one arm, and required his back to be fused.

Petra originally wanted to bless Jeremiah, but she soon discovered that Jeremiah was blessing her. She admired his patience, love for his fellow residents, concern for people in need, and deep relationship with God. Despite his own physical challenges, Jeremiah rarely focused on himself.

Petra supported Jeremiah by sending him healthy food and other helpful items. More importantly, she gave him friendship, encouragement, and the knowledge that someone cared. Their relationship demonstrated how two compassionate people can strengthen and inspire one another.

A Dedicated Wife and Medical Advocate

Petra is now helping her husband navigate the medical system following a serious medical mishap. She faces the exhausting challenges of arranging appointments, seeking answers, and dealing with both caring doctors and professionals who appear less concerned.

This experience has deepened Petra’s understanding of how confusing and difficult the healthcare system can be. Once again, she has stepped forward as an advocate—this time for the person closest to her.

A Talented Author

Petra is also the author of four books. Each one reveals another part of her extraordinary ability to preserve memories, communicate life lessons, and find meaning in everyday experiences.

1. Natalie’s Journey
   A moving story of faith, endurance, and extraordinary love. Petra believed Natalie’s story needed to be told because countless similar stories may otherwise remain unheard.
2. Pull Up a Chair
   A warm and inviting book whose words seemed to flow naturally into Petra’s mind. Readers recognize themselves in the places, feelings, and experiences she describes.
3. A So-Called TOTAL Normal Life
   Written at the request of Petra’s grandchildren, this book is a journey through love, laughter, and personal growth. Her grandchildren wanted the family stories they loved preserved so they could continue reading them for generations.
4. Sourdough Wisdom
   Petra’s fun and thoughtful comparison between making sourdough bread and living a meaningful life. Both require patience, experimentation, perseverance, and faith that the final result will be worth the effort.

Why Petra Belongs on the Wall

Petra Smith is a truthseeker because she does more than recognize suffering—she responds to it. She listens to forgotten people, advocates for nursing-home residents, supports her husband, preserves meaningful stories, and encourages others through her writing.

Her life reminds us that seeking truth is not limited to uncovering information. It also means recognizing painful realities, speaking for people whose voices are ignored, and turning compassion into action.

For her years of advocacy, her devotion to family, her friendship with Jeremiah Manson, her literary accomplishments, and her unwavering concern for people in need, Petra “Tess” Smith has earned her place on the TRUTHSEEKERS WALL OF FAME.

Learn more and follow Petra through Petra Smith’s Facebook page.