04/30/2026
At The Palms, we are continually reminded that some of the most extraordinary lives are nestled quietly among us.
This week, we had the privilege of hearing from Mary Ross Smith — author, storyteller, and true survivor. In sharing her remarkable journey, Mary spoke with honesty, courage, and grace about a life shaped by hardship, resilience, and an unwavering will to rise above circumstance. Her memoir, Soul Survivor, chronicles a childhood marked by abuse, identity struggles, and profound adversity, yet ultimately stands as a testament to strength, hope, and the human spirit’s ability to endure.
Her words moved us, humbled us, and reminded us that behind every face is a story... and sometimes, that story is nothing short of extraordinary.
We are honored to call "Little Mary" one of our own. Mary, thank you for trusting us with your story. The Palms is richer because you are part of our family.