Bernard Pease Jr. and his sister Linda Thomas spent their holiday season together for the first time in 39 years.
Linda reflected on their time together saying, “We had a fantastic Christmas! Bernie was in awe, we had great food and awesome gifts!”
Her favorite gift that she gave Bernie was one of her dad’s work coats that he had custom made back in the day. It had her dad’s name and Indigenous artwork on the back.
“It’s never been worn and I put it away when mom and dad passed away, hoping he’d get out some day,” said Linda. “I really didn’t think I’d ever see him get out. I’m so glad I did!”
Linda described that even after all these years, the special feelings of the holidays haven’t changed, “I think Bernie was pleasantly surprised not much had changed. My family has carried on the same traditions we have always done.”
“What is different [about the holidays] is mom and dad aren’t here,” Bernie said. “This is also the first time I am really getting to know my nieces and nephew, I’ve only seen them once when they were young.”
“Watching Bernie decorate my tree and hanging out with my family has been something I’ve always dreamed of,” Linda added. “I just wish my parents could have been here with us.”
Bernie said that his favorite present was the coat that Linda got him, because it had belonged to his father.
He expressed that his favorite memories from Christmas were, “being around everybody, opening presents, and the good food from Olive Garden.”
Bernie said that moving into the New Year he is most looking forward to, “Spending time seeing relatives that I haven’t seen in many years, and getting to know the generations I don’t know.”
Bernard discharged from pre-release after after spending nearly four decades in prison
Following the holiday season, Bernie was discharged from the Alpha House Pre-release Center in Billings, MT on Tuesday, January 2nd and has been reunited with his family after spending nearly 40 years in prison.
Upon leaving pre-release, Bernie was able to spend quality time with his niece. Their first stop of the day was “Sandees,” his favorite sandwich shop from back in the day!
Bernie will now be living in Billings with his sister Linda who has loved and supported him throughout his wrongful incarceration. He is excited to spend time with relatives and strengthen his relationships, while he makes up for the time he has lost.
Bernie’s wrongful conviction may have changed his life forever, but it is not what defines him. MTIP will support Bernie in his re-entry journey as we continue fighting for his innocence!
Bernie eating sandwiches with his niece from “Sandees” his favorite sandwich shop.