CHICKASHA, Okla. (KFOR) — After spending 41 Thanksgivings in prison, Wayne Thompson is finally celebrating the holiday at home. Convicted as a teenager for the murder of his sister’s alleged abuser, Thompson’s release came following a decision by the Pardon and Parole Board and Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, marking his first Thanksgiving as a free man since the age of 15.

“For so long, I believed I would never leave prison,” expressed Wayne Thompson upon his release. “When freedom finally came, it was an indescribably beautiful moment.”

The reunion with his family was a significant and emotional event for Thompson. His ordeal began in 1983 when, at just 15 years old, he was convicted and sentenced to death.

According to Thompson, his brother-in-law was abusive towards his sister, and when Thompson intervened to shield her, he himself became a victim of violence.

Thompson’s original death sentence was overturned by a historic U.S. Supreme Court decision, which commuted his sentence to life with the possibility of parole. Though he was granted parole in 2003, the decision was reversed by Governor Brad Henry, forcing him back into incarceration.

“Freedom smells good. Tastes good and it looks good,” said Vickie Welch, Cynthia Welch, and Sherry Sanders, Wayne Thompson’s sisters.

In January, the Pardon and Parole Board looked at what Thompson has done in prison, like getting a college degree, learning job skills, and mentoring others in sobriety.

“In my opinion, Mr. Thompson cannot do anymore to convince society that it would be safe for him to be on the streets,” said Kevin Buchanan, who’s on the Pardon and Parole Board.

Now, after 4 decades of waiting, Thompson is home with family and friends.

“Sharing stories from when we were young and growing up, seeing places that I haven’t seen in decades,” said Thompson.

His sisters are overjoyed that their brother is back, too.

“It’s happiness. Pure happiness. Even when he goes home, I just smile. I got happiness in my heart and love in my heart,” said Vickie, Cynthia, and Sherry.

This year, for the first time since he was a teenager, he gets to spend Thanksgiving at home. It’s a moment that’s been years in the making as the family is extra thankful this Thanksgiving. 

“I’ve spent so many years just eating with a bunch of men– most of them I didn’t know and didn’t want to know. But now I’m surrounded by people I love, and they love me,” said Thompson.

“Your cheeks hurt. You know. Your ears hurt cause you smile so big, you laugh, you cry,” said Vickie, Cynthia, and Sherry.

Thompson and his family already have big plans for Christmas, too.