Shari Franke Confronted Ruby Franke After Calling Child Protective Services: ‘I Never Hated You, Mom’ (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Shari Franke, author of ‘The House of My Mother’.Photo:MANICPROJECT

MANICPROJECT

On Feb. 20, 2024, she and Hildebrandt, who also pleaded guilty, both received four consecutive sentences of one to 15 years in prison.

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Below, in an exclusive excerpt shared with PEOPLE, Shari recounts what happened when she called child protective services in an attempt to protect her siblings.

The words hit me like physical blows, but I stood my ground. [I reminded myself] that I wasn’t alone, that I had support beyond the toxic web of my family.

“Selfish?” I repeated, finding strength in my voice. “I was worried about the kids. They were alone for five days, Mom. Five days!”

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Shari Franke today.MANICPROJECT

“This isn’t about me,” I said, my voice steadier than I felt. “It’s about the safety of my siblings. It’s about doing what’s right.”

“I’m not going to apologize for telling the truth,” I said, my voice quiet but firm.

I could feel the tears streaming down my face, hot and sticky on my cheeks.

“You’ve always hated me,” she whispered. “Ever since you were five years old, I could see it in your eyes. The way you looked at me, the way you judged me. You’ve never appreciated everything I’ve done for you, all the sacrifices I’ve made.”

“That’s not true,” I choked. “I never hated you, Mom. I was just scared of you.”

source: people.com