SOCIAL media – and a bit of good luck – have helped reunite a Redditch grandmother with her granddaughter after almost 16 years.
When her Facebook messenger buzzed, Ruth Sullivan had no idea it could completely change her family life.
Ruth last saw her granddaughter Shannon when she was just three weeks old.
On September 27, Ruth received a message from Shannon, who introduced herself and explained she was looking to find her maternal grandmother.
Shannon had scant information to go on – that her grandma’s name was Ruth, that she had one son, and that she lived in the Droitwich area.
So she took to Facebook and searched everyone who matched these details, with no success – until she found the right Ruth, in Redditch.
Ruth, who lives in Winyates Green, said: “My son and I are estranged. I met Shannon when she was just three weeks old, and never saw her again.
“She’s almost 16 now.
“She hasn’t seen her dad for five years, but she seems very family orientated and wants to know about our history.
“It’s quite an amazing thing, for someone to come back into your family. When you get divorced or become estranged, you lose a part of your family. Not just the person with whom you have the relationship, but your in-laws too- the whole side of their family.
“So to gain a family member back is quite amazing.
“I had hoped to hear from her. I wanted to get in touch a few times myself, but didn’t know if she knew about me, or if she was interested in knowing me.”
Since first exchanging messages, Ruth and her granddaughter, who lives in Pinvin, have met up several times and talk online a lot.
“We’re getting to know each other slowly,” added Ruth.
“We’ve got a lot to catch up on and have been sharing photos and stories about our past travels and future plans.
“She’s very driven and has ambitions to see the world. I’m so pleased I’m going to be a part of that.”
