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| Ruby Mayo's graduation ceremony |
About 15 years ago (1995) my Nanna Jenkins (nee Lindstrom) told me that we had a family secret - Ruby Mayo. My Nanna grew up thinking that Ruby was her aunt but infact she was her sister. Ruby had been born out of wedlock and raised by her grandparents. My Nanna didnt know that she had a 1/2 sister until she was in her 40s. Imagine not knowing about a sibling and all this because of the shame of having a child out of wedlock. Thank goodness things are different now.
The secret was also kept from Ruby's family including her grand children. When Ruby's grand daughter discovered the truth only about two years ago, she was actually quite shocked and realised there was part of the family she didn't know. This was the beginning of a new journey of self discovery, to find out who she really was.
A lot of people in the extended family knew about the secret except those who were directly involved. Not sure why families do this. To keep shame quiet.
We are now friends with Ruby Mayo's family. I wish I had met Ruby. I could have when I was younger but she passed away in the 90s so that opportunity is gone. Maybe thats when my Nanna first told me around the time of Ruby's passing. Wish I'd known her but thankfully we have met her grand children and can can continue with a friendship. A very important family connection.
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