Eldest daughter of Ruby Franke reveals ‘mixed emotions’ after abuse

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Ruby Franke’s eldest daughter is opening up in a heartbreaking holiday message.

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Shari Franke is reflecting on what it has been like for the family a week after her mother pleaded guilty to four felony counts of second-degree aggravated child abuse for abusing and starving two of her children.

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The 20-year-old took to social media to say she is full of “mixed emotions” this holiday season, understandable given what she and her siblings have gone through.

“The Holidays are full of mixed emotions for me,” she wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of herself holding a doll wearing matching nightgowns in front of a Christmas tree.

“I’m so grateful for all the memories I have to hold onto, and I also look forward to the memories I know I can create.”

Shari also shared two other pictures of her and her brother Chad.

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Shari’s aunt Julie Griffiths Deru, Franke’s sister, promised to help her niece deal following the revelations of the YouTuber’s abuse, writing in the comments: “Our traditions may be different but we will definitely continue to make new memories.”

In August, Franke, who doled out parenting advice on her YouTube channel, was arrested and taken into custody at the home of her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt.

Franke’s malnourished 12-year-old son escaped from a window of Hildebrandt’s home and ran to a nearby house for help, according to an affidavit.

The neighbour noticed duct tape on the boy’s ankles and wrists and called police.

The boy was taken to a hospital, where he was put on a medical hold “due to his deep lacerations from being tied up with rope and from his malnourishment,” according to arrest records.

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Franke’s starved 10-year-old daughter was also found in Hildebrandt’s house and taken to the hospital, while two of Franke’s other children were taken in by child protection services.

Hildebrandt was also arrested.

Franke’s strict parenting style has sparked outrage since she started the channel in 2015.

The mom of six threatened to trash all her children’s items if they didn’t pay her for them, claiming it was a lesson in understanding the value of things.

She also made her son sleep on a beanbag for seven months.

Shari, who also endured abuse, moved out and distanced herself from her parents, and revealed she tried to alert authorities of what was going on in the home.

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“There’s literally not even words to describe how upside down my life has become,” she revealed in October, explaining that she has suffered panic attacks, gone to therapy and had her faith in God restored.

“My life is somehow becoming more beautiful and fulfilling, despite all the terrible things going on,” she continued. “I’ve tried to live my life to the fullest the last few weeks, even though all I want to do is hide away in my apartment (I do have my days).”

Franke currently faces up to 60 years in prison. Hildebrandt’s next court appearance is on Dec. 27.

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