The holiday season is traditionally a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness for many, but for wrongfully convicted individuals and their families, this time of year can be particularly isolating and painful.
In the U.S. an estimated 22,000 individuals are spending the holidays wrongfully incarcerated for crimes they did not commit, leaving their families to navigate this season without their loved ones. Among them is our client, Aaron Oliphant, who is currently enduring this heartbreaking separation from his family.
“This time of year is painful for me because it reminds me of what I’m missing out on and the memories I could have had with my dad,” Aaron said. “I could be making new memories with my sons and family.”
Aaron recalled the holidays growing up as a time of happiness and gratitude, where family traditions brought his loved ones together.
“During the holiday season we would all get together and make lots of food and normally have the football game going if anyone wanted to watch,” Aaron said. “Everyone would sit down to eat and feel thankful and happy.”
As the holiday season approaches again each year, Aaron is confronted with the stark reality of his current situation. “Since I’ve been in prison, it has been hard not to feel like an emotional burden on my family during this time of year when they are all supposed to be enjoying time together,” Aaron said. “I know they end up thinking about me and missing me, which just upsets me and makes me want to be there with them even more.”
Aaron’s mother, Rena has been a fierce advocate for his innocence since the beginning.
“Our first Christmas without him was devastating,” Rena recalled. “Aaron wasn’t allowed visitors, so we decided to go to Wyoming just to escape the emptiness. It felt wrong to celebrate without him.”
Rena expressed that the holidays this year will be particularly more difficult, after losing her husband Gary, Aaron’s father, last August.
“I’ve always been a big holiday person, but after losing Gary last year, it’s just been even more heartbreaking,” Rena said. “Family and grandkids help alot, but it just always feels like something is missing. Even if we video visit or see Aaron in person, it’s just not the same.”
Although the holidays are a painful reminder of her son’s absence, Rena and their family strive to remain positive and faithful in the continued fight for her son’s justice. His family makes it a priority to stay connected with Aaron as much as possible.
“Once we were able to make video calls that helped alot,” Rena said. “During the holidays we always try to schedule time so that Aaron can watch his son open presents or have him talk with family members so that he can be a part of those special moments.”
Rena also sends Aaron encouraging messages, books, and magazines to help him pass the time, but the items she is allowed to send are very limited due to the restrictions set by the prison.
“Over the years, I have done my best to send him a lot of pictures of his son and other family members so that at least it wouldn’t feel like a shock when he gets out,” Rena said.
Before Aaron’s wrongful conviction, Rena cherished the joy of the holidays.“We always had big family gatherings for Thanksgiving and Christmas,” Rena said. “I would cook ham, and Gary and Aaron’s favorite sweet potatoes, and we played card games together.”
Despite his circumstances, Aaron has continually sought ways to express his love and generosity to keep the holiday spirit alive.
“One Christmas he was actually able to give his youngest son Karter a small push lawn mower made of wood. It was really a great memory for Aaron,” Rena recounted. “He also gifted Gary a handmade leather wallet one year that was really special to us.”
Aaron and his family look forward to the day they can be reunited to spend the holidays together again. Although the Oliphant family continues to face profound adversity, they move forward with resilience and hope for the future.
“We try to focus on the good things…” Rena said. “Holding on to hope and being there for each other is what is getting us through these hard times.”
With heartfelt gratitude, Aaron extends his appreciation to those who have supported him, “I want to thank all of my supporters and wish them happy holidays. Please remember to enjoy and cherish the time you have with your loved ones.”
This holiday season, we invite you to join us in honoring the Oliphant family’s story of strength, resilience, and hope. Together, we can raise awareness about the injustices of wrongful convictions and support ongoing efforts to secure Aaron’s freedom. Click here to learn more about Aaron’s journey and how you can be part of the fight for justice.