Ruth Wariner's Siblings: A Journey of Protection
Have you ever wondered what it's like to grow up in a polygamous community? How far would you go to protect your siblings from abuse and hardship?
In her memoir The Sound of Gravel, Ruth Wariner shares her harrowing journey of escaping a polygamous cult with her siblings. You'll discover how Ruth Wariner's siblings became her primary focus as she fought to give them a better life away from their abusive stepfather and the constraints of their religious community.
Keep reading to learn about Ruth's incredible story of resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering love for her family.
Ruth Wariner's Struggle to Protect Her Siblings
Growing Up in the Lebaron Community
Ruth Wariner's childhood was far from ordinary, especially when it came to her relationships with her Ruth Wariner siblings. She grew up in the LeBaron community, a religious sect founded by her ancestor that practiced polygamy. As the 39th child of the community's prophetic leader, Ruth's life was shaped by the unique customs and beliefs of this isolated group, which greatly influenced her role as both a sister and a caretaker.
The LeBaron community blended European and Hispanic traditions, firmly believing that men needed to marry at least two women to reach the highest level of heaven. For women, spiritual growth meant embracing polygamy, having many children, and committing to a lifelong partnership with their husband.
Daily life in the community revolved around religious ceremonies, household chores, and manual labor. You might find Ruth and her family gathering pine cones, tending to livestock, or participating in bilingual worship services filled with passionate prayer and hymn singing.
The Dark Side of Community Life
While the community celebrated milestones like communal dances and weddings, there was a sinister undercurrent that Ruth couldn't ignore. After her father's death when she was just three months old, her mother married Lane, who became Ruth's stepfather. Unfortunately, Lane's presence in Ruth's life marked the beginning of a harrowing period of abuse.
Ruth found herself grappling with conflicting emotions as Lane subjected her to inappropriate sexual behavior. Despite her attempts to stop the abuse, Lane manipulated situations to bring her uncomfortably close to him. The community's intricate web of family connections and Lane's misleading claims only added to Ruth's internal turmoil.
A Turning Point: Discovering Widespread Abuse
Ruth's world was further shaken when she realized that Lane's abusive behavior extended beyond her. Her stepsister's desire to flee the community raised suspicions, which were soon confirmed when other siblings shared their own experiences of abuse. Even Ruth's brother Luke voiced concerns about Lane's disturbing behavior.
This revelation sparked a fierce determination in Ruth to protect her siblings and escape the constraints of the colony. Despite her mother's reluctance to leave Lane, Ruth knew she had to take action to safeguard her brothers and sisters.
The Great Escape
Ruth's resolve to leave the colony with her siblings led to a daring escape plan. With the help of her brother Matt, Ruth and her stepsisters revealed their struggles and set their plan in motion. As they fled, they faced nerve-wracking moments, including a tense border crossing where they had to rely on carefully rehearsed stories to avoid detection.
Their journey took them from Mexico to El Paso and then to Albuquerque, marking the beginning of an uncertain future. But for Ruth, the most important thing was that she had managed to get her siblings away from the abusive environment they had endured for so long.
Life After Lebaron: Becoming a Caregiver and Provider
Once they left the colony, Ruth found herself thrust into the role of caregiver and provider for her younger siblings. Life in Strathmore brought its own set of challenges, including significant financial difficulties. The family relied on government assistance, including food aid, medical insurance, and monetary help, to make ends meet.
Despite the hardships, Ruth worked tirelessly to improve their living situation. She managed household responsibilities, prepared meals, and attended to her siblings' needs, often putting her own needs aside. The emotional trauma of their past experiences weighed heavily on Ruth and her siblings, highlighting the need for healing and recovery.
Building a New Life and Healing Old Wounds
As Ruth entered adulthood, she embarked on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Through therapy, prayer, and introspection, she began to find her self-worth. This personal growth prepared her for a new chapter in her life when she met Alan, a loving and monogamous partner who offered the stability and consistency she had longed for.
Ruth's commitment to her siblings didn't end with their escape from LeBaron. As they grew into adults, she continued to support them as they navigated their own paths. Luke found his passion in athletics, participating in Oregon's sports events for those with special needs. Aaron dedicated himself to serving others.
The siblings' bond remained strong, even as they faced new challenges. Ruth's decision to place her sister Audrey in a residential center for adults with special needs demonstrated her ongoing commitment to her siblings' well-being. When Ruth got married, her brothers and sisters were there to celebrate with her, a testament to their unbreakable connection and shared resilience.
Ruth Wariner's journey from a child in a polygamous community to a protective sister and eventually a woman who found love and stability is a powerful story of determination and familial love. Despite the trauma and hardships she faced, Ruth never wavered in her commitment to her siblings, working tirelessly to provide them with the safety and support they deserved.