(Photo courtesy of Rena Oliphant)
This Sunday, May 12th marks the annual holiday of Mother’s Day, a time to honor our mothers, and be surrounded by children and loved ones.
While it is often an occasion of joy and celebration, it is also a time of anguish for mothers who have lost their children to incarceration.
This year will be the seventh Mother’s Day Rena Oliphant, mother of MTIP client Aaron Oliphant, will spend without her son.
In 2017, Aaron was wrongfully convicted of assaulting one of his sons based on the controversial and unproven theory of Shaken Baby Syndrome.
Rena has been a fierce advocate for Aaron’s innocence since the beginning. She maintains that she would not stand up for Aaron if she believed he had harmed his son, but to her, that allegation is simply impossible.
“We could never have imagined this would happen to our family,” Rena said. “It has shown me that if it can happen to us, it could happen to anybody.”
Families of the wrongfully convicted often go less recognized, but are facing the tremendous impact of losing their loved ones. The traumatic effects of losing a family member to wrongful incarceration can cause strains on their relationships, financial stability, and emotional well-being under the weight of uncertainty and frustration.
For Rena, holidays like Mother’s Day are now a painful reminder of her son’s absence. She is often faced with feelings of mourning, guilt, anger and sadness.
“It’s just devastating, I used to love holidays, but now I really dread them,” Rena said. “The only positive part is that I know Aaron will always call or video visit with me. That is the one thing I hold onto, just knowing that he’s there for me.”
Rena expressed that this Mother’s Day will be particularly more difficult, after losing her husband Gary, Aaron’s father, in August.
“It’s been really hard for me to not have Aaron here,” Rena said. “Mornings specifically have been really tough because it’s like I wake up and it’s another day without his dad, and it’s another day without him.”
(Photos courtesy of Rena Oliphant)
Despite going through such profound adversity, Rena has remained positive and faithful in her continued fight for her son’s justice.
“As a mother, I have learned a lot from Aaron about patience, and to have faith that no matter what is being thrown at you, you just have to keep going,” Rena said. “I really have admired the man he has matured into, especially under these circumstances.”
Rena reflected on the joyful memories from Aaron’s childhood, reminiscing about riding their horses together, watching Aaron and Gary go motocross biking, and having big family dinners.
“We used to have so much fun together,” Rena said. “Aaron was a very kind and compassionate kid. He was always very active, with lots of friends and interests.”
She expressed that her relationship with Aaron has only grown through his wrongful conviction.
“Since Aaron has been in prison, our relationship has definitely changed, in a lot of ways for the better,” Rena said. “Throughout all of this, we both have learned that we can talk about things more, and be there for each other.”
Rena is most looking forward to the day that Aaron will reunite with her and their family.
“The thing I pray for constantly is for him to be exonerated,” Rena said. “I’m looking forward to the day that I don’t have to wait for a phone call, or a timed visit together, that he will be home with me, and I will know he’s there.”
In honor of Rena this Mother’s Day, we ask our supporters to join us in sharing the Oliphant family’s story of strength and perseverance. Click here to learn more about Aaron’s wrongful conviction and MTIP’s continued fight for his freedom.