As the kids ran down the red carpet into their fathers' arms, it was clear that there was pain from the loss of time but at the same time, hope and excitement to create new memories together starting right then and there!

The families spent the day making new memories, giving each other gifts and letters. These may sound like simple moments to us, but these are memories these families will forever hold onto! A boy even told us that the letter from his father was his favorite gift he has ever received. One of the inmates also told us that prison has saved him, and his wife agreed. What a beautiful example that there can be freedom behind bars!

We asked the fathers to say something to their kids that they can hold onto and heres what some of them said!

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"I would like to tell him that… I did make a mistake… I’ll have to be away from you for a little while, and then I’ll be right back to still be a dad… I just can’t wait to come home and see you and help you ride your bike and things like that."

"Just how much I love and care about them, how much I miss them. And I’ll be there soon."

"I would say that I love you, I’m proud of you, I’m always gonna be your number one supporter, I’m always gonna be dad. You can always count on me when you need me, and I love you."

"I apologize for not being able to be there and making the wrong decision, and that I’m so happy that God blessed me with a beautiful daughter, and that I always got her back. I’m always gonna be here for her."

‍God isn't done with these families, he is continuing to restore their past as a family and what a privilege that we get to take part in that!

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